Treatment of erectile dysfunction
Unfortunately, a so-called “causal” therapy of erectile dysfunction to restore the previous function is only possible in individual cases, mainly in younger patients whose erectile dysfunction results from an injury of the pelvic floor (e.g. a fall onto the crossbar of a bicycle).
In most cases, only a symptomatic therapy is possible, but this has a high success rate.
The following therapies are briefly explained below:
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (“potency pills” in colloquial language)
- Intracavernous self-injection therapy
- Medication with “intraurethral tablets”
- Application of a vacuum erection device
- Penile prostheses
Various easy-to-use and effective potency preparations have been available for more than 10 years. It is important that the respective treatment is always approved by a physician. Although many active substances can now be obtained from other countries on the Internet without a prescription, their use without medical supervision is not advisable. It should be assessed on a case-by-case basis whether there are any contraindications to a treatment with these medicines (for example patients taking nitroglycerin spray following a heart attack).
If an erectile dysfunction cannot be treated sufficiently with the above-mentioned medicines, an erection can be achieved prior to every sexual intercourse by either administering a medicine for vascular dilatation via the urethra (MUSE®) or injecting it directly into the penis (intracavernous self-injection therapy).
A so-called vacuum erection device constitutes a good non-pharmaceutical alternative. Contrary to what is often assumed, it need not be purchased in an erotic store. This treatment option is usually prescribed by urologists and can be obtained from a serious medical device manufacturer. These devices produce an erection by means of a vacuum, which makes the penis fill with plenty of blood – the erection is then maintained for a recommended maximum of 30 minutes by means of special constriction rings.
If neither of the above-mentioned measures produces the desired result, the surgical implantation of a penile prosthesis with a high success rate can be offered.
The image on the left shows a so-called semi-rigid penile prosthesis which can be bent to bring the penis into the desired upright position.
The image on the right shows a hydraulic penile prosthesis; the prosthesis can be inflated and deflated by actuating a pump implanted in the scrotum (both images by courtesy of American Medical Systems®).
In summary, it can be said that many patients suffering from erectile dysfunction can be treated successfully. Erective dysfunction in men is quite common and should therefore not be treated as a taboo subject.
No one should hesitate to contact an urologist – we will be happy to answer your questions at any time.