Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

What is Erectile dysfunction (Impotence) ?

Erectile dysfunction, which is common in men, is a sexual health problem that prevents erection during sexual intercourse. Treatment of the problem, which may occur due to reasons such as limited blood flow in the penis or damaged nerves, occlusion or hardening of the arteries called atherosclerosis, various diseases, psychology, stress, is necessary for a healthy sexual relationship between partners. During the erection, the sponge-like muscle tissue called the corpus cavernosum flows into the erection chamber, and an erection occurs as a result of the tissue loosening and trapping the blood. In cases where sexual arousal does not occur, the penis remains loose and soft.This prevents intercourse. Size of penis may differ depending on the change in blood balance in situations such as coldness, warmth, anxiety, and stress.

What is the main cause of erectile dysfunction?

The occasional erection problem is not worrisome. However, if this problem persists, a diagnosis for erectile dysfunction is necessary. Causes of the problem include stress, problems with relationships, lack of self-confidence, diseases that require treatment or blood values ​​(prostate, high blood pressure, kidney failure, heart diseases, high cholesterol level, low HDL, diabetes, etc.), drugs, problems related to the penis (Peyronie’s disease, which is called curvature or skewness of the penis), alcohol use, neurogenic disorders. Another important reason for experiencing erectile dysfunction is age. Aging can cause erectile dysfunction.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

The main symptoms of erectile dysfunction can be listed as follows;

• Not being able to get an erection in sufficient time for sexual intercourse, (Short durations of the sex process)

• Inability to have an erection in order to complete the sexual intercourse,

• Not being able to get an erection at any time

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

There are some tests used to diagnose erectile dysfunction;

Laboratory tests: These are tests to measure values such as blood, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, hormone status, diabetes.

Imaging tests: Examinations that detect blood flow in the penis with Doppler ultrasound.

Night erection test: It is a test performed by attaching a ring-like device around the penis to determine whether an erection occurs at night while sleeping.

Injection test: It is a test in which the length of the erection period and the fullness of the penis are measured by injecting a drug into the penis to achieve an erection.

project-healthcare-erectile-dysfunction-1

What doctors treat erectile dysfunction?

The doctors to be consulted in the first step of the erectile dysfunction are urologists and endocrinologists. Generally, after the physical examination performed in the first step, testing is applied to evaluate the general health status of the patient in North Cyprus.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

There are many ways to treat erectile dysfunction disorder;

• Oral drugs,

• Testosterone therapy applied in case of low testosterone hormone in blood test, • Penile injection method,

• Penis implant,

• Vacuum mounting devices,

• Intraurethral drugs (Alprodstadil, IU, etc.)

• Penile vascular surgery

What non-surgical treatments are there for erectile dysfunction?

For the non-surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction, primarily the cause of the problem is determined. If the patient is diagnosed with major depression, clinical depression, dysthymia or bipolar disorder, psychotherapy and medication are usually started. Some injections used to be injected into the penis can also be effective in the treatment process. In injection therapy, the aim is to increase the duration of the erection to more than 20 minutes. However, injection treatment should be done with doses determined by the specified doctor in North Cyprus. With the alprostadil suppository placed inside the penis, a treatment plan can be made to increase the duration of erection. With this method, which creates fibrous tissue in the penis, prolonging the erection becomes possible. The so-called testosterone replacement therapy is an attempt to naturally increase testosterone levels with depot vials (a form of medicine containing a liquid or powdered active ingredient) taken orally or applied intramuscularly.

What are surgical treatment options for erectile dysfunction?

The main surgical methods applied for erectile dysfunction are as follows;

  • Placing a prosthetic device inside the penis that can result in erection,
  • Restructuring the arteries in the penis and increasing blood flow,
  • Blocking the vessels that allow blood in the penis to exit the penis and helping to maintain an erection.

Commonly used erectile dysfunction implants are:

Two hard rollers applied to provide hardness to the penis and the three-piece penile prostheses. An erection becomes possible thanks to a reservoir placed under the rectus muscle and a pump scrotum.

The most important feature of penile implants is their success in achieving efficiency in sexual intercourse. However, the relevant method is usually used after non-surgical treatment options have been tried. Semi-rigid or malleable rod implant is advantageous for patient’s comfort to the fact that it has minimal complications,

  • It is a practical surgical method,
  • It has a high success rate in the treatment,
  • It does not contain any moving parts.

 

The disadvantage of the implant is;

  • Constant erection,
  • Not having any effect on penis width,
  • Difficulty in concealment,
  • Causing pain or abrasion in the skin.

Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?

There are some factors that can help to prevent erectile dysfunction. One of these factors is smoking. Smoking, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases, can also have negative consequences on erection. Factors such as high alcohol consumption and diet with high-fat foods can also increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. It is necessary to maintain a healthy diet and physical activity against the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Drug use is also an important criterion that can cause erectile dysfunction. This situation, which triggers the feeling of drowsiness and seriously impairs psychological health, negatively affects the erection process. Protecting both physical and psychological health of the person increases the pleasure from sexual intercourse and facilitates the fruitful conclusion of the union.

project-healthcare-erectile-dysfunction-2

For More Information

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on the subject.