What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Under normal conditions, men can become ready for intercourse in a short time when they are sexually aroused. As a result of this stimulation, the blood coming from the arteries is collected in the veins in the inner part of the penis and hardening is achieved. Erectile dysfunction can be defined as the absence of this condition. The inability of the penis to harden enough for the continuation of sexual intercourse can also cause psychological problems such as anxiety in men.
What are the causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
While this problem is caused by temporary conditions in some men, it can sometimes be genetic. For this reason, it is important to make a detailed diagnosis of the treatments to be applied. In order for the problem to be considered medical, it is one of the important criteria that the disease persists for 6 months or longer. Erectile dysfunction problems can occur due to various factors. The most obvious reasons for this problem can be listed as follows:
Because of all these factors, it can cause serious erection problems in men. Erectile dysfunction disorder is a problem that can be corrected with different treatment methods depending on permanent and temporary causes.
Who gets Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, which usually occurs due to age, is more common in men after the age of 40. At the same time, this problem can also be experienced in those who use various heavy drugs due to chronic diseases. People who are under constant stress in their work and private lives can be counted among the most common people.
How is Erectile Dysfunction diagnosed?
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve the necessary rigidity in the penis for good sexual intercourse. Things to consider when diagnosing this problem in people are as follows:
Medical History
In order to detect the patient’s erectile dysfunction problem, detailed information about the patient’s medical history should be obtained. In this process, chronic diseases, nerve problems, psychological factors and all other medical problems are determined in detail.
Sex Life
At the time of diagnosis, the patient’s sexual history is taken. However, if possible, it is useful to know the history of the person’s sexual partner or partners. It is of great importance that both the patient and the partner act together in determining the main causes of this ailment. Details such as the beginning of all kinds of sexual life, its continuity, erection status in the morning and evening are learned.
Physical Inspection Process
During the erection problem, the genital area is examined. A detailed neurological examination can be performed, which can significantly contribute to a clear understanding of the causes.
Psychosocial Evaluation
This evaluation process is a process that allows the patient to be examined psychologically and to determine the factors that may cause erectile dysfunction. In this process, all psychological factors are evaluated one by one. If the disorder causing the problem is a temporary situation, it is tried to be overcome with psychotherapy. Under these evaluations, detailed information is obtained about factors such as the patient’s performance, partner relationship, techniques used in sexual intercourse, and motivation. If necessary, a treatment is applied in the light of this information.
Tests and Surveys
A number of tests and surveys may also be done during the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. The erectile dysfunction questionnaire that the patient and his partner should do is an important part of the treatment process. With the questionnaires, the patient may be asked to describe the relationship process and himself. In addition to these, laboratory tests are also applied. During laboratory tests, urine and blood tests are also performed on the patient. Information such as complete blood count, liver function tests, testosterone level should be checked.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
Erectile dysfunction, which is seen in many men and can become a serious problem, can be treated with various methods. However, in order for the treatment to take place and the problem to disappear completely, the patient must be willing to treat and be aware of the problem. Due to factors such as men’s upbringing and social pressures, sexual problems are not discussed among people. In such cases, the problem cannot be treated and can reach even greater dimensions. In order to treat erectile dysfunction, men must accept that this problem is a problem that can be seen in almost every man. It is also important that the patient and his partner cooperate. In this process, important duties fall on the spouse as well as the patient. If the patient wants to be treated, the treatment process is started using the following methods:
Lifestyle Change Tips
The problem of inability to get an erection can also be caused by an irregular life to a large extent. In such cases, doctors may recommend their patients to quit smoking and alcohol and to have a more balanced diet. Having a more regular life, a good night’s sleep and a balanced diet can be extremely effective in regulating sexual life.
Topical Treatment Methods
With this method, the drug is delivered to the penis through the external urinary tract. The injected drug dissolves here and is completely absorbed by the urinary tract wall. This creates relaxation in the muscles of the penile vessels and facilitates blood flow. Men can get erection more easily after this treatment.
Oral Treatment Applications
In oral treatment, the dilation of the penile vessels occurs with the drug taken orally, and thus the blood flow to the penis accelerates. It is very important to use these drugs under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
Vacuum Devices
These cylindrical devices are designed to fully grasp the penis. Thanks to the vacuum feature, the necessary hardening is provided in the penis. This method is mostly preferred in cases where the treatments mentioned in the first stage are invalid.
Shock Wave Therapy
In this treatment method, low-intensity shock waves are sent to the penis at short intervals, causing very little damage to the penile tissue. The purpose of this treatment is to trigger the formation of new vessels to repair the damage. Newly formed blood vessels can provide the necessary blood flow to the penis.
Intracavernous Injections
This method is penile injection therapy. The drug is injected into the spongy tissues located inside the penis. It is a preferred method when priority treatments are applied and no success is achieved. The necessary erection begins to occur 10-15 minutes after the injection of the drug into the penis.
Penile Prosthesis Implantation
As a result of the failure of all treatments in erectile dysfunction, surgical applications are applied. During erectile dysfunction surgery, one of two types of prosthesis is placed on the penis. The first of these types of prosthesis is semi-rigid prostheses. This prosthesis, which is in the form of two bendable rods, is placed in the chambers that allow the penis to harden. Inflatable prosthesis, which is another type of prosthesis, is a device that contains fluid and draws fluid from a pump that is placed inside the penis and placed in the scrotum when necessary. Inflatable prostheses are the most preferred type of prosthesis today.
Length of stay in hospital
2-3 days
Operation time and Anesthesia
1 hour General Anesthesia
Back to work / Sexual Activity
after 2 weeks / after 6 weeks