Archive for June, 2007

Erectile dysfunction

Only a few years ago, most impotence or erectile dysfuntion (ED) cases were thought to be psychological in nature. But the past decade or so has seen new treatments developed that range from penile implants and vacuum devices to the new, non-invasive drug therapies like Viagra. This variety of treatment options offers physicians the ability to successfully treat most patients.

Erectile dysfuntion is certainly among the most under-treated of medical conditions. Currently, only five to ten percent of men who suffer from impotence seek treatment. Millons of men in this country today suffer from erectile dysfunction and the number is increasing.


While ED affects men directly, the condition also has a huge impact on the relationship a man has with his partner and may lead to depression in both. While it affects men directly, the condition also has a huge impact on the relationship a man has with his partner and may lead to depression in both.

Currently, virtually any man who wishes to have erectile function can obtain it, regardless of the underlying cause of his problem. Many reasonable treatment options exist. The first step is to find a well-trained, experienced, and compassionate doctor who is willing to take the time to understand you and fully discuss the treatments available to you.

Of course you just do noy jump into treatment. Sex counseling is an important part of erectile dysfunction management. Many professional sex counselors are skilled in working with patients with ED, but the primary care doctor and urologist may also serve in this capacity to some degree. These are usually the first professionals to learn about the problem.

Expectedly, men are frequently reluctant to discuss their sexual problems and need to be specifically asked, but opening a dialogue allows the doctor to begin the investigation or refer you to a consultant. After testing is completed, your doctor can then discuss your particular situation, the most likely cause, and reasonable treatment options.

Options are varied, including sex counseling, medications, external vacuum devices, hormonal therapy, penile injections or intraurethral suppositories. In highly selected cases under the supervision of a specialist in ED, combination therapy using several of these methods together can be used. If none of these therapies is satisfactory, penile prosthesis implants can be considered.

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is probably the most common prescription medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It’s the first oral medicine available that’s been proven to improve erections in most men with impotence.

However it is important to note that Viagra doesn’t improve erections in normal men, only in those with difficulty in achieving or maintaining erections sufficient for sexual intercourse due to a true medical problem. It is not an aphrodisiac and will not increase desire. In general, it works successfully in about 65-70 per cent of all impotent men. There are several other drugs very similar to Viagra approved for treating ED and are available strictly through prescription.

Source: Vanguardngr

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