12. Berner MM, Kriston L, Harms A. Efficacy of PDE-5-inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. A comparative meta-analysis of fixed-dose regimen randomized controlled trials administering the International Index of Erectile Function in broad-spectrum populations. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2006;18(3):229-235.
These diseases include high blood pressure, diabetes, clogged arteries, heart and blood vessel disease, high cholesterol, and chronic kidney disease. Other possible causes include: Nerve injury: The penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder or pelvis may have sustained a physical injury that needs to be treated. This includes a large group of men who have had surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Unhealthy lifestyle: This includes smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity and not exercising. Mental health: Depression, stress and anxiety surrounding sexual failure can all lead to erectile dysfunction. Medications: Some medications, including antidepressants, can cause sexual side-effects. Hormones: A small number of erectile dysfunction cases result from low levels of the male hormone testosterone.
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Though erections may seem straightforward, the science behind them is complicated. At a basic level, erections happen thanks to a balance of blood flow into and out of the penis. When vascular, hormonal, nerve, or other physical or psychological changes disrupt blood flow, it’s harder to get and keep erections.
Sildenafil (sildenafil citrate) is prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Sound waves directed at the penis and surrounding tissues stimulate blood flow, cellular growth and generation of new, healthy blood vessels (neovascularization). Studies show that acoustic (sound) wave therapy such as pulse therapy also provides long-term improvement of physiological mechanisms involved in erections. No side effects have been reported by men using pulse therapy for ED.5
Red ginseng, also known as panax ginseng, is a great option for improving blood flow and opening up the arteries that supply blood for erections. Researchers reviewed seven studies relating to the use of red ginseng to remedy ED in 2008. These studies concluded that there was “suggestive evidence towards the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.”
If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting and whether prescription aids can help you.
Rarely, sudden decreased vision, including permanent blindness, in one or both eyes (NAION) may occur. If this serious problem occurs, stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away. You have a slightly greater chance of developing NAION if you have heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain other eye problems ("crowded disk"), high blood pressure, if you are over 50, or if you smoke.
Men who have ED should not ignore the ailment. After all, more than 40 percent of men over the age of 40 struggle with ED. Men struggling with ED should talk to their doctor about potential causes and treatment options, as well as make lifestyle changes to reduce incidence. Young men should take preventive steps, including the development of healthy lifestyle habits, like eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight, which can reduce their risk of ED.
Average mean (diastolic+one third difference in systolic and diastolic pressure) lying (ly), sitting (si), and standing (st) blood pressures in 10 patients with Parkinson's disease who tolerated the medication with minimal effect on the blood pressures (top panel); three patients with multiple system atrophy who tolerated the medication without an adverse effect on their blood pressures (middle panel); and three patients who developed a symptomatic fall in their blood pressures 1 hour after treatment with Sildenafil (bottom panel).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/BPH, Erectile Dysfunction, General Urology, Kidney Stones, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic surgery, UroLift, Vasectomy
Treatment options for ED have evolved considerably over the past decade to encompass psychological counseling; oral, topical, intraurethral, and intracavernosal vasoactive therapy; oral therapies with other or unknown mechanisms; hormone replacement; vacuum constriction devices; and surgery, including vascular bypass procedures and penile implants. The goal of treatment is to restore satisfactory erections with minimal adverse effects. Men have demonstrated a strong preference for oral treatments even if they have low efficacy.
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Beck RO, Betts CD, Fowler CJ (1994) Genito-urinary dysfunction in multiple system atrophy: clinical features and treatment in 62 cases. J Urol 151:1336–1341.
The discovery of two one-in-30-million lobsters within a month is leaving experts questioning just how rare their orange color is.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/BPH, Erectile Dysfunction, General Urology, Kidney Stones, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic surgery, UroLift, Urologic Cancers, Vasectomy