ABOUT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual penetration. It is not a disease, but rather a symptom of another problem.
There are many physiological, lifestyle and psychological reasons why a man may experience Erectile Dysfunction during his lifetime, including diabetes, smoking and alcohol consumption, stress, depression and anxiety, hormonal imbalances and pelvic trauma.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
We will work with you to discover the cause of your ED, and discuss which treatment is best for your unique situation. This may be through medication, intracavernosal injection, referral to a sexual health psychologist, or an inflatable penile prosthesis.
In some cases, vascular reconstruction - reconnecting the blood vessels to the penis - is required.
At you initial consultation we will discuss your current health status and history and to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
ORAL MEDICATION (PDE-5 INHIBITORS)
The oral medications used for erectile dysfunction are called Phosphodiesterase PDE-5 Inhibitors.
PDE-5 Inhibitors are medications that work when you are sexually aroused. They allow the blood vessels to relax and allow blood to flow into the penis, therefore creating an erection.
The preservation of nerves is required for oral medications to work along with sexual stimulation.
VACUUM ERECTION DEVICE (VED)
VED can be used safely along with PDE-5 Inhibitors.
A vacuum erection device (VED) assists in the formation and maintaining an erection. The VED is an external device that is placed over the base of the penis, which then created a vacuum within the cylinder.
This vacuum helps draw blood into the penis. The vacuum is created nu either pumping the device by hand or using an auto-inflation button on the device.
INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTIONS (ICI)
Intracavernosal Injection or ICI is an effective solution for erectile function. It requires you to inject medication directly into the penis.
The injection works by relaxing the smooth muscle and dilating the arteries, allowing oxygen rich blood flow into the penis.
This traps blood within the corpora cavernosa (the cylinders in the penis that fill with blood) resulting in an erection. The use of this injection doesn’t require intact nerve function or sexual stimulation as the medication
is injected directly into the penis causing a chemical response.
INFLATABLE PENILE PROSTHESIS
An inflatable penile prosthesis is a fluid filled implant inserted entirely within the body and is not visible. It is designed to assist men in the formation of an erection.
The Prosthesis consists of three components connected by tubing: a reservoir, two cylinders, and an inflate/deflate pump.
The reservoir is implanted in the lower abdomen, under the muscle layer, and filled with a sterile saline solution. The reservoir holds the fluid until the patient decides to inflate the cylinders. The two cylinders are inserted side by side in the shaft of the penis.
WE THINK ABOUT PATIENT CARE DIFFERENTLY.
We realise that for many men, talking about problems related to 'down there' is not easy. We get it. We understand the broader emotional issues that often accompany problems with the penis or urogenital system. We aim to provide outstanding support as we help resolve your medical condition.
At your initial consultation we will discuss your current health status and history and to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. Contact us to discuss your needs or to schedule an appointment.