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                                                   ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION ( E.D.)

What is E.D.?

Various Confusing terms have been misused and give improper information. Correct Usage is given here:

E.D.  = "Inability to acheive or Sustain an ERECTION for satisfactory INTERCOURSE "

LIBIDO  =  Desire or Interest in Having Sex

PREMATURE EJACULATION = Premature Loss of Semen before attaining Orgasm

ORGASM = The Ultimate 'Climax' is it TRULY!!!

STERILE = Unable to Father a child after trying for a sufficient period of time
 

Mechanism of Erection:

The Penis consists of two rods of erectile tissue, whichcontain lakes of blood which are empty in the resting state. Underneath the paired tube lies the 'URETHRA' which transports the urine and has nothing to do with erection. The two paired tubes are called Corpora Cavernosa

When subjected to the correct neural (visual, touch etc) impulses, the arteries (see pic above) pump in blood into the corpus cavernosum, thereby filling up the blood lakes; gradually the pressure in these blood lakes increases, to such a level that the blood outflow stops as the veins get compressed. This causes turgidity of the organ

What Causes E.D

Most men experience one time or other in their life, erectile failure, usually as  result of temporary  stress, fatigue or excessive alcohol. This is not something to worry about. If the condition is persistent or interferes with personal life, medical attention must be sought.

Both Physical and Psychological causes exist for E.D

PHYSICAL (Usually a gradual onset problem)

Blockage in the arteries
Diabetes
Neurological disorders
Disease of the erectile tissue of the penis
Pelvic Surgery or Trauma
Side effects of Medication (Some antacids, BP medications, diuretics, Cardiac etc)
Chronic Disease(Liver and Kidney)
Hormonal abnormalities
Alcoholism & drug Abuse
Heavy Smoking

PSYCHOLOGICAL  Just as an erection can result of switching on the 'mental TV'! , negative thoughts can prevent an erection. Persons with psychological ED will have good erections in sleep or early morning!

Stress and anxiety from work or home(Executive Stress)
Performance anxiety
Marital Discord
Unresolved sexual orientation
Depression

Whether Physical or Psychological, ED itself may become a cause of stress, and more serious problems. Therefore, medical help must be sought and it is easily available.

What Doctors Treat ED

UROLOGISTS
DIABETOLOGISTS
ANDROLOGISTS
FAMILY PHYSICIANS (with special interest)
PSYCHIATRISTS &
PSYCHOSEXUAL COUNSELLORS

The treating person must be both well informed and knowledgeable about the personal impact on the couple.

Can someone be TOO OLD  for treating ED? NO

ATTITUDE, not AGE  is the biggest barrier in treating ED.
More and more treatment options are available in treating  all age groups

Treatment - COUPLE or the MAN ALONE

Ideally, both should visit the clinician, who might want to interview both separately and together; this will help him assess better, the attitude, expectations and misconceptions on the part of both. A combined consultation indicates willingness on the part of both the partners in attempting to solve the problem.

FIRST VISIT

Detailed medical and Sexual history along with details of medications taken
Physical Examination
Basic lab tests including sugar and hormonal assay
basic information is given to both the partners, to clear the myths and misconceptions

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Currently a number of lifestyle changes and treatment options are availble, which can be best explained by the Physician. In some, the first option itself may succeed and may suit the couple the best; in others further options may have to be tried before the most appropriate treatment is discovered. The proven options are:

Changing habits and medications:
Quitting Smoking - an important step
Changing some prescription medications for BP, Acidity, Cardiac and Anxiety problems

Hormone Medications
Small percentage have this problem due to  irregular levels of various male hormones ;
Fortunately, can be corrected by tablets or injections

Professional Counselling with or without other treatment modalities

Vacuum erection Device: involves inserting the penis into a hand held 'mini hoover' with bands.This creates negative suction around the penis and draws blood and retains in the blood in the Penis. This requires some understanding by the partner.

Injection Therapy: Involves self injection of drugs into the Penis, causing an artificial erection. The patient has to be taught the technique and the side effects of this treatment explained. Picture

Penile prostheses(IMPLANT) involves surgical placement of rigid or flexible device into the sides of the penis allowing erections 'on demand'.Is used only if others are not effective. See

Medications: Wide variety available - from Potions, Ointments, Gels, Urethral Suppositories to most modern SPRAYS. Effects are variable and all forms of treatment may not suit every couple.

Surgical: Usually reserved for those, where other forms of treatment is ineffective; usually when there is defective inflow of arterial blood or when there is 'Venous Leak'

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS: FACTS & FAITHS:

It is all in the Mind It is not always in the Mind

It cannot be cured It can be investigated and cured in many cases

I am too old for treatment If you have the will we will show you the way!!

My married life is finished Your Marriage can be rescued!!!

 

THIS DISABLING PROBLEM HAS BEEN KEPT UNDER BEDSHEETS FOR TOO LONG

IT IS TIME IT IS BROUGHT OUT INTO THE OPEN AND SORTED OUT

 

GO AHEAD, MAKE SOME ONE HAPPY

Issued in the Public interest by

 

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Sharada Urology Centre, 575, 80 feet Road, 8th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore,India.Tel 5715093; e mail:drmaniiyer@vsnl.com