What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, often known as impotence, is the inability to obtain and maintain a firm adequate erection for intercourse.
Causes
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by issues with the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, or blood vessels. Stress and mental health issues can sometimes cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Physical reasons for erectile dysfunction include:
- Heart disease.
- Clogged blood vessels.
- High cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Certain prescription medications.
- Tobacco use.
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Low testosterone
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction includes:
- Physical examination.
- Blood tests.
- Urine tests.
- Ultrasound.
TREATMENT:
PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT
One of the most recent treatments for ED is penile shockwave therapy, also called as low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Treatment for ED caused by the vascular disease may be beneficial. Shockwave therapy works by increasing blood flow and stimulating the formation of new blood vessels. This is accomplished by pulsating and sending low-intensity sound waves through the erectile tissue.
Dry needling. A technique in which a physiotherapist uses needles to stimulate specific places on the body. By rectifying imbalances, stimulation can help you overcome illnesses and conditions.
ORAL MEDICATIONS:
They are as follows:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
All four medicines enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a naturally occurring molecule in your body that relaxes penile muscles.This boosts blood flow, allowing you to obtain an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
OTHER MEDICATIONS:
- Alprostadil self-injection.
- Alprostadil urethral suppository.
- Testosterone replacement.
OTHER TREATMENTS:
Intracavernosal injection of stem cells – to aid in the regeneration of cavernous tissue
Intracavernosal injection autologous platelet-rich plasma (APRP) – to aid in the regrowth of cavernous tissue
Gene therapy: This innovative therapy would transfer genes that generate products or proteins that may be malfunctioning in men with ED’s penile tissue. The replacement of these proteins may improve erectile function.
Penis pumps: A penis pump is a hollow tube with a hand- or battery-powered pump within. The tube is placed over your penis, and the pump is used to extract the air. This creates a vacuum, drawing blood into your penis.
Penile implants: During this treatment, devices are surgically implanted on both sides of the penis. These implants are constructed from inflated or flexible rods. With inflatable devices, you can control when and for how long you get an erection. The malleable rods provide support while allowing your penis to bend.
