Don’t live with Erectile Dysfunction

No, ED’s not a guy. However, ED has a connection to guys as it stands for erectile dysfunction.

IMAGINE this scenario: Instead of effortlessly having an erection, a man finds himself unable to get or sustain an erection, which in turn affects his sexual performance. Without a doubt, most men in this situation would begin to question their masculinity. Many would opt to keep mum about their “problem” while shuddering at the thought of seeking treatment for their erectile dysfunction (ED).

Such men should realise that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem that affects a large proportion of men. In Malaysia, a cross-national study conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board and the New England Research Institutes, US, showed that more than 40% of men between the age of 40-45 are affected.

Consultant urological surgeon Prof Dr George Lee Eng Geap explained that ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory performance. “This is not an uncommon phenomenon at all,” said Prof Dr Lee.

According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, there is a 52% prevalence of ED in men between 40 to 70 years of age.

“There are many possible causes for ED and libido dysfunction. The latter may be a result of congenital factors or be related to age or the drugs the individual is taking. Androgen deficiency in the ageing male, for instance, has become a topic of increasing interest and data supports the concept that testosterone falls progressively as a man ages,” he said.

Prof Dr Lee added: “The problems could also be related to health factors – for example if a man has diabetes, vascular disease, Peyronie’s disease or has recently recovered from pelvic surgery, he could be very susceptible to ED.”

Lifestyle is another factor that is highly related to ED. A man who engages actively in smoking and alcohol consumption may be affected by ED. Other causes may be related to performance anxiety, worries about the relationship, depression or even stress.

In many cases, men with health problems also start to worry about their sexual performance or are depressed and this adds to his ED.

“It is important for these men to realise that there are a variety of treatments for ED. The most well-known treatment for ED is administered via oral therapy. These prescription medicine, which contains selective enzyme inhibitors (such as sildenafil), helps improve partial erections by inhibiting the enzyme that facilitates their reduction and enhances the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical which causes the smooth muscles of the penis to relax, allowing a smoother blood flow into the penis,” siad Prof Dr Lee.

Results from the Pfizer’s Global Better Sex Survey (GBSS) showed that 75% of both men and women enjoy better sex following treatment with ED medication. ED oral medication, to be taken approximately a half hour before activity, is one of the more preferred methods for ED treatment due to its convenience.

While it is the most popular option, there are certain requirements to be followed. ED patients should avoid alcohol consumption (which represses sexual performance), avoid high cholesterol meals, and avoid any form of medication that may affect the efficacy of the ED treatment.

Prof Dr Lee asserts that it is also important to note that men who take nitrate drugs (used to treat chest pain) or alpha blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) should not take the oral medication.

Some patients on the medication may also experience side effects, which include headaches, reddening of the face and neck (flushing) and nasal congestion.

“Besides oral therapy, there are other forms of ED treatments. These include self-injection as well as using vacuum creation devices or urethral suppositories,” he said.

Vacuum devices work best on men who can achieve partial erections. The penis is inserted into a plastic tube and a hand pump attached to the tube is used to create a vacuum that draws blood into the penis. This causes the penis to be engorged. A soft O-ring is placed around the base of the penis to help trap blood and maintain the erection.

However, some men experience a numb feeling after placing the O-ring and erections may be floppy.

Another form of relatively painless ED treatment is intracavernosal injection. Men who opt to go the self-injection route use a short needle to inject medication directly into the penis.

Self-injections can only be performed once every four to seven days and its possible side effects include infection, bleeding and bruising of the injection site as well as dizziness, heart palpitations and flushing.

Intraurethral therapy is an alternative to self-injection. In this case, the man inserts a pellet through the penile urethra to deliver medication into the penis.

The medication used in both the intracavernosal and intraurethral therapy is Alprostadil. Alprostadil, available via prescription, is a type of medicine that causes blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow throughout the body. By increasing blood flow to the penis, it helps facilitate an erection.

Prof Dr Lee said that men who have sought treatment for ED shouldn’t expect miracles to happen or to develop erections effortlessly. “All the same rules apply.

Sexual stimulation is required. Don’t just take the tablet, for instance, and wait for your erection,” he said.

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March 6, 2008 | Filed Under Erectile Dysfunction

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Don’t live with Erectile Dysfunction

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