Advanced Centre For Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) at Fortis Hospital Bangalore

All you need to know about Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common phenomenon among men most of which is related to stress. Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction  basically can be defined as the inability for a man to get a penile erection or maintain a firm erection enough during a sexual intercourse. ED as seen in most cases have an adverse effect on sexual relationships and requires an experts medical help to correct it.

Signs & Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction signs & symptoms might include persistent:

• Trouble getting & maintaining an erection
• Reduced libido or the desire to have sex.
• Inability to get a penile erection

Other sexual disorders related to ED include: Premature & Delayed ejaculation,incapacity to achieve an orgasm known as anorgasmia

Diagnosis of ED

ED diagnosis includes a routine physical exam & revision of medical history  related to a patient’s sexual health by the doctor. Referring to the physical exam & tests the doctor will recommend a suitable treatment for the patient. Additional tests may be recommended if the patient suffers from a  health condition or if there any other underlying condition that the doctor may suspect.  

Additional test may include:
 

• Physical exam. Examination of the patient’s  penis and testicles to check sensation in the nerves.


• Blood tests. Blood tests to check for various health conditions including low testerone levels .


• Urine tests . An analysis of the urine similar to blood tests to check for  for various health conditions.


• Ultrasound. Detection of supply of blood to the penis is done through Ultrasound.


• Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test. An NPT test uses a device which needs to be worn by the patient while asleep. The device evaluates The quality of nocturnal erections is evaluated by the device which further helps the doctors to recommend the appropriate treatment


• Psychological exam.  A screening to check for signs  of any possible psychological factor causing erectile dysfunction

Treatment

After the patient has gone through physical examination, additional tests & a check on medical history – The result of the diagnosis will determine the underlying cause of ED for the patient based on which the doctor will be able to suggest the best treatment . More than one treatment can be suggested by the doctor, who will ensure the benefits, risks of each treatment is communicated with the patient, of course the preference of the patient & their partner will always be taken into consideration.He will explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and will consider your preferences while making suggestions.The treatment choices for ED include the following:

Oral Medications

Medications are prescribed by the doctor based on the patient’s preference of treatment & his situation. Although the medicines may not have an immediate impact  but eventually these oral medicines increase the effect on nitric oxide which helps the muscles in the penis to dilate.
 
Which ultimately increases the supply of blood flow to the penis & helps in getting & maintaining an erection.

Penis pumps, surgery, and implants

Penile pumps are hollow battery operated  tube devices which when placed over the penis, the pump sucks air inside the tube to create a vacuum  which pulls the blood into the penis & helps get & sustain an erection. Once a man achieves erection the tube can be removed and the erection sustains during the sexual intercourse. Bruising of the penis & restricted ejaculation are few of the side-effects.

Penile prosthesis or implants

When patients with ED who have been through various treatments have failed to get good end results penile implants is the last resort.
 
Inflatable or bendable rods are placed on either side of the penis, these rods  allows the patient to have a control over his erection. There is a minor risk of getting an infection.

Exercise

A fitness regime which includes activities to keep one fit & healthy plays a huge role in reducing the occurrence of ED. However, exercise is have less benefit for men who have an existing chronic disease.

Psychological counseling

There are many reasons & factors affecting your sexual activity, psychological problems like stress, anxiety, and depression are few of them. Going for sessions with a psychologist is considered extremely helpful in managing emotions & reducing stress. The sessions are not just limited to the man but it can also be attended by his partner which has  shown to have a positive outcome in improving sexual wellbeing Lifestyle and home remedies.
 
Lifestyle choices that men affected by ED can adopt are:

• Quitting Tobacco
• Working on  their BMI to maintain a fit & healthy weight
• Adopting a fitness regime which include daily physical activities & exercises.
• Get treatment for alcohol or drug problems
• Work through relationship issues if any.

There are various factors which cause  erectile dysfunction irrespective of what the cause is be it physical, psychological or a combination of both, this definitely puts  a lot of pressure and adversely affects the relationship between partners Honest & open communication with the doctor is the first step a man can take  towards taking action against ED.