Erectile dysfunction, sometimes referred to as “impotence”, is the repeated inability to get an erection or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The severity of the dysfunction varies from one man to another and often causes anxiety, stress, embarrassment and a decrease in sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction can be present in the total inability to achieve an erection, an unpredictable ability to achieve an erection, or a tendency to sustain erections only briefly.

Due to these unpredicted varieties of erectile dysfunction, it is sometimes difficult to define and even more difficult to estimate its incidence. However, it is estimated that erectile dysfunction affects 30 million men in the United States and 15-25% of 65-year-old men experience this condition.

Erectile dysfunction is an issue that unfortunately, for some, is a part of the natural aging process, but there are a few medical factors that can cause it to become more severe, or to strike earlier. Medical conditions such as kidney disease, Multiple Sclerosis, vascular disease and neurological disorders often attribute to erectile dysfunction. Medical professionals also state that factors such as a lack of physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol intake, drugs, and smoking of any kind directly affect the onset and severity of erectile dysfunction. Psychological factors are also a big contributor. This includes mental illness, depression, anxiety and stress.

Treatment

The good news, is that there is erectile dysfunction treatment available and erectile dysfunction is treatable at any age and the numerous men who have sought help are returning to their normal sexual activity because of improved, successful treatments. Erectile dysfunction treatment usually proceeds from least to most invasive. If a patient is in early enough stages, impotence can be treated with medication. Urologists commonly prescribe medication such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, which are taken orally and may help receive an erection.

Often treatments can include vacuum erection devices and injection of vasoactive substances.

If the stage of your impotence is beyond medication or other non invasive treatments then you may be a candidate for penile prosthesis.

A penile prosthesis is an erectile dysfunction treatment device that is surgically implanted during surgery and has been proven to help a man regain his ability to achieve an erection. Using rods, a man is able to manually place the penis in the upward position for intercourse, or downward for daily activities.

On the market today as well, is an implant known as the inflatable penile prosthesis. This device is more complex, but also more successful and satisfying. With an inflatable penile prosthesis, a pump filled with liquid is placed inside the scrotum. Then a reservoir is placed inside the penis. When a man is ready to receive an erection his simply squeezes the scrotum, and the liquid is transferred to the reservoir inside the penis, which causes an erection. When the man is ready to deflate the erections he presses a release valve that returns the liquid to the pump.

The urologists of North Dallas Urology Associates have a number of penile implants and penile prosthesis’ to choose from. A full consultation with your urologist to discuss your erectile dysfunction symptoms will help determine what treatment plan is most suitable for you.

To schedule an appointment at our Plano, Richardson and Frisco locations, call 972.612.8037. To schedule an appointment at our McKinney location, call 972.548.8195.