Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is different from other conditions that interfere with male sexual intercourse, such as lack of sexual desire (decreased libido) and problems with ejaculation and orgasm (ejaculatory dysfunction). Erectile dysfunction is common; experts have estimated that erectile dysfunction affects 30 million men in the United States. The causes of erectile dysfunction include aging, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, atherosclerosis, depression, nerve or spinal cord damage, medication side effects, alcoholism or other substance abuse, and low testosterone levels.

 

 

 ED is treatable in all age groups. Treatments can include psychotherapy, adopting a healthy lifestyle, oral PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, Stendra, and Staxyn), intraurethral medications (MUSE), intracavernosal injections, vacuum devices, surgery, and working with doctors to avoid medications that can impair erectile function.

 

Before using over-the-counter and/or supplements, a discussion with Dr. Shoengold is strongly recommended.

 

 

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include the following:

• Penile erection occurs but it is not maintained for the length of sexual activity

• Penile erection that is not firm enough to penetrate the vagina

• Inability to obtain a penile erection

 

 

Shock wave therapy to treat erectile dysfunction.

A new way to manage erectile dysfunction is shockwave therapy. This new treatment is about regenerative medicine Shockwaves create microtrauma to the tissue stimulating the body's natural healing response. As the body heals blood flow is increased and growth factors create new blood vessels to the treated areas.

 

This shockwave therapy is painlessly applied to the penis by an FDA approved machine called the PR OLYF I X. Shockwave therapy has not been cleared by the FDA for this use at this time. Emerging research suggests excellent outcomes with little or no side effects and long lasting results.

 

Prior to the introduction of shockwave therapy all existing treatment options for erectile dysfunction have been palliative in nature. This means that instead of correcting the underlying problem existing treatments only treat symptoms on a episodic basis.

 

This also has been used in combination with the injection of PRP – platelet rich plasma into the penis.  PRP contains a large number of growth factors. These growth factors stimulate healing and growth of new blood vessels.