Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common yet highly treatable condition, affecting up to 30 million American men. It’s characterized by the ongoing difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection. For some, ED may occur occasionally due to nervousness or alcohol consumption, but if you experience it consistently, scheduling an appointment with Dr. Jack Bruder is advisable.
ED can vary in severity, and Dr. Bruder is equipped to address all classifications of this condition. It’s estimated that around 90% of ED cases stem from physical issues, making them generally manageable with the right treatment approach. Most commonly, ED is linked to restricted blood flow within the body, particularly to the penis. Erection difficulties may also arise from damage to a man’s blood vessels, nerves, or smooth and fibrous tissues, which play key roles in healthy erectile function. In some cases, medications like blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, and ulcer medications (e.g., cimetidine) can induce ED as a side effect. For further information on medications and their effects, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Several health conditions are known to elevate the risk of ED. For instance, high blood pressure can harden and narrow blood vessels, limiting blood flow. Men with heart disease are also at twice the risk of developing ED. Studies suggest that 35-50% of men with diabetes experience ED due to nerve and artery damage caused by high blood sugar. Additionally, men who have undergone prostate surgery may experience ED if nerves and arteries around the penis are affected during the procedure. Smoking and alcohol consumption further increase ED risk, as do psychological factors like depression, stress, and anxiety, which often interact in complex ways with erectile function. Learn more about the risks associated with smoking and alcohol from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Treatment options for ED range from psychotherapy and drug therapy to vacuum devices and surgical procedures. Dr. Bruder’s approach typically starts with the least invasive options. One of the most popular treatments is drug therapy, specifically using PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, which are known to improve blood flow by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the penis. It’s essential to note that these medications should not be taken with nitrates prescribed for chest pain. For a full list of medications and interactions, refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Other treatments include injections, which provide an almost immediate erection. However, they may have side effects like prolonged erections and potential scar tissue development. Urethral insertion involves placing a prescription-only pellet into the urethra about an inch deep; this method typically induces an erection within 8-10 minutes and can last between 30 to 60 minutes. Another option, Apomorphine, affects the brain area that controls libido, providing an alternative for those who may not respond well to other medications.
When drug therapy proves insufficient, physical treatments such as vacuum devices or surgery may be considered. A vacuum device allows the patient to create an erection by placing a cylinder over the penis and using suction to draw blood into it. Once the cylinder is removed, a ring is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection, though the device should not be used for more than 30 minutes to avoid potential injury.
Surgical interventions are typically a last resort, with three main types available. Penile implants, either semi-rigid or inflatable, are surgically inserted and can provide a long-term solution for severe ED cases. Reconstructive surgery can also repair arteries to enhance blood flow to the penis, while restrictive surgery severs certain veins to restrict blood from leaving the penile tissue too quickly.
By understanding the underlying causes and available treatments, patients can take informed steps toward managing ED.
