What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED) FAQ's?

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Who does Erectile Dysfunction affect?
What causes Erectile Dysfunction?
What can I do if I think I have ED?
What should I ask my doctor?
It’s embarrassing to talk to my doctor, what should I do?
What kinds of treatments are available?
What is an Intra-cavernosal injection?
What is an Intra-urethral suppository?
What is a Penile prosthesis?
What is vacuum erection therapy?
How does a vacuum erecting device work?
Are there any Erectile Dysfunction treatments I should avoid?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which the penis cannot become fully erect. ED can vary in degrees, but is different from other sexual problems, lack of libido and ejaculation issues. Occasionally having difficulty getting an erection doesn't necessarily mean you have ED, but difficulty over 50% of the time is a good indication. Vitality Medical sells several vacuum erection devices that help with ED including the Osbon ErecAid, the Pos-T-Vac BOS-2000-2, and the Encore Impo Aid.

Who does Erectile Dysfunction affect?

An estimated 30 million men in the U.S. have ED. Erectile Dysfunction generally affects 5% of men over the age of forty, and increases dramatically to 15% of men age 70 or older.

What causes Erectile Dysfunction?

The following are some high-risk conditions and behaviors that may affect erections:

Kidney Disease
High cholesterol
Depression
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Kidney disease
Smoking
Drinking
Illegal drugs
High stress

All of these conditions/behaviors may lead to Erectile Dysfunction. Some of these behaviors, such as smoking and drinking, can damage the blood vessels in the penis. These causes may require medication or devices, such as erection pumps. Other conditions such as stress and lack of exercise can likely be improved without medication or devices. In fact, the primary causes of temporary ED are stress and anxiety.

What can I do if I think I have ED?

If you think you have ED, the single most important thing you can do is talk to your doctor. Your doctor can look at your medical history, concerns and make an accurate diagnosis.

Before visiting the doctor's office, be sure to write down important information. This information includes: any medications currently being taken and any questions you might have. Doctors only have a few minutes for each patient, so it’s important to use that time wisely.

Be sure to mention any of the following conditions:

Severe headaches
Change in appetite
Weight loss
Stress
Painful eating
Change in mood
Abdominal pain or bowl movement changes
Changes in sleep patterns
Lack of physical coordination
Memory loss
Change in libido

What should I ask my doctor?

Here are some questions that you could ask your doctor:

Is my ED caused by illness?
Are my medications the cause of this problem or making it worse?
What, if any, medications should I take? (medications for hypertension, depression and high blood lipids can interfere with an erection)

It’s embarrassing to talk to my doctor, what should I do?

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable talking about sexual problems. It’s important to remember that your doctor is a trained professional and only wants to help. Having your partner with you at the visit may help ease some of the concern, and he/she may have questions for your doctor as well.

What kinds of treatments are available?

If the ED is caused by an underlying condition, then your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes. These changes include: exercising, quitting smoking, consuming less alcohol and reducing stress.

For problems that stem from physiological dysfunction, treatments include:

Oral medication (such as Viagra)
Intraurethral suppositories (medicine inserted in the urethra)
Intracavernosal injections (injections inserted into the Corpora Cavernosa chamber, which is located on the upper sides of the penis)
Vacuum erection devices
Penile prostheses
Psychotherapy

What is an Intra-cavernosal injection?

Intra urethral suppositories are injections that go directly to the corpora cavernosa, located on the upper sides of the penis. There are several different drugs available, and many doctors prefer to use a combination because there are fewer side effects. These injections can be painful, and may lead to fibrosis or scarring of the cavernosa.

What is an Intra-urethral suppository?

Intra urethral suppositories are pellets that can be inserted in the urethra to obtain an erection. Once inserted, men generally have to remain standing for 15-30 minutes to increase blood flow to the penis. Side effects include: bleeding, pain in the urethra and testicles, dizziness, and itching and burning in the woman. They cannot be used to have intercourse with pregnant women unless barrier methods are used.

What is a Penile prosthesis?

A penile prosthesis is a device surgically attached to the penis that controls the erection. These devices, though effective, require surgery and may not be suitable for everyone. Generally they are considered a “last resort” in ED treatment.

What is vacuum erection therapy?

In a recent study, 43% of men over 50 chose to use a vacuum therapy. There are many different vacuum erection devices (vacuum constriction device), including the Osbon ErecAid vacuum therapy system and the Encore deluxe. All have the same basic function but primarily differ in ease of use, effectiveness of seal and types of ring kits.

How does a vacuum erection device work?

The user expands the penis ring (tension band) over the bottom of the plastic cylinder. If this is difficult, many of the rings can be placed over the cylinder using a loading cone.
To promote a proper suction seal, lubricant is applied to the base of the penis, bottom of the plastic cylinder and inside the tube to allow the penis to easily be drawn into the tub once suction is applied.
The penis is inserted into the tube and the tube is pushed against the base of the penis and body to create a proper seal. A body shield may be used between the body and the pump cylinder, if desired.
Suction is initiated either manually or automatically with a battery pump.
As negative pressure develops the penis is engorged with blood and an erection is achieved.
After the erection is achieved the elastic penis ring is slipped off the tube to the bottom of the shaft of the penis and the erection is maintained.
The plastic cylinder is removed for intercourse.

Vitality Medical's vacuum erection pumps are an FDA approved, non-invasive option with minimal side effect risk. Unlike oral medications and injections you control the timing of the erection and maintain complete control with no pressure to perform.

Are there any Erectile Dysfunction treatments I should avoid?

Because of recent success in the treatment of ED, there are many scams, often sold through e-mails and bogus websites. If product claims any of the following, be very careful:

The product or pump is sold through a novelty store and is non-FDA approved. Note some of these products may actually be damaging because there is no limit on the suction and the suction device was not developed for medical purposes.

The product is promoted as “breakthrough.” Although there are breakthroughs in ED treatment, fake products often use this sensationalist claim over and over again.

The advertisement claims that it helps an extremely high number of patients. All treatments claim to be successful; however, scam treatments will often claim something like “99.9% effectiveness.”

The product is herbal or “all natural.” If a drug makes these claims, you can safely dismiss it, because no herbal or “all natural” treatment has proven effective.

Sources

Sexuality Later In Life
Erectile Dysfunction: The Facts
Getting the Most From Your Doctor's Appointment
Checklist to Take to Your Doctor's Appointment
What Are the Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction
Intracavernosal Injections
The Truth About Impotence Treatment Claims

Helpful Articles

WebMD - Erectile Dysfunction: Prostate Cancer
eMedicine - Prostate Cancer: Radical Perineal Prostatectomy
Mayo Clinic - Erectile Dysfunction overview
Urology Group Virginia - Another Erectile Dysfunction overview
eMedicineHealth - Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction Introduction