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Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Chronic erectile dysfunction affects approximately 5 percent of men in their 40s and 15-25 percent of men over the age of 65. Transient erectile dysfunction can affect up to 50 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70. Under normal physiological conditions, neurotransmitters in the brain initiate an erection by sending messages to the vascular (blood) system to increase blood flow to the penis. The corpora cavernosa (tubes of connective tissue) and erectile tissue in the penis expand as a result of the increased blood flow and pressure. Following ejaculation, pressure in the penis decreases to reduce blood flow and allow the penis to resume its normal shape.
Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction often experience negative psychological side effects. They may have low self esteem or feel inadequate as a sexual partner. Partners of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction may also feel the emotional strain of the diagnosis.
Erectile dysfunction may be caused by the following conditions:
Specific laboratory tests may be performed to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction including:
These tests may involve checking hormone levels, cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and kidney function and thyroid function.
This procedure is used to analyze protein, sugar and hormone levels that can indicate diabetes, kidney problems and testosterone deficiency.
This procedure is used to measure changes in penile rigidity and circumference during nighttime erection, as men typically have erections five to six times a night.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction begins with non-surgical procedures.
If a patient suffers from erectile dysfunction because of a psychological problem, they often have success through visits with sex therapists.
Medication for erectile dysfunction caused by physiological conditions can include oral enzyme inhibitors such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, self-injected medication, urethral suppositories or vacuum erection devices.
Surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction may include penile implants or vascular reconstructive surgery. Penile implantation is a surgical procedure where malleable or inflatable rods are inserted into the penis. There are three forms of penile prostheses: semi-rigid prostheses, inflatable prostheses and self-contained prostheses.
CorewaveTM Therapy – is a new non-surgical solution for improving erections that aims to address some of the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction. CorewaveTM Therapy uses sound wave energy that’s within a specialized treatment protocol which induces a vascular response. Most men do not experience significant pain during or after treatment and improvement in erections can occur within the first several weeks of treatment and is generally durable. TUCC is one of the few practices to offer this exciting new treatment in the region. Click here to learn more about CorewaveTM Therapy. Contact Us and we’ll send you information on CorewaveTM Therapy at TUCC.
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