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Erectile Dysfunction with Medications and Surgery
Erectile dysfunction, like many urological conditions, is treated based on its cause. As men age, they sometimes lose blood flow to the penis. This can be caused by hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol in addition to the natural aging process. When blood does not flow properly to the penis, it is difficult to attain an erection. This sends many patients looking for treatment.

Erectile dysfunction that is caused by high blood pressure, obesity, or cholesterol is best treated through lifestyle changes that will fix these underlying causes. Losing weight or lowering blood pressure and cholesterol will often fix the erectile dysfunction as well. Many patients choose to use medications as they make the necessary lifestyle changes. Medications can treat erectile dysfunction by helping the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis to dilate, allowing a sufficient amount of blood flow to the penis. The most common way to take erectile dysfunction medication is through a pill, but these medications can be taken via injections or suppositories as well. There are some potential side effects to erectile dysfunction medications, but your doctor will discuss these risks with you.

Surgical Options

Sometimes erectile dysfunction is not caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis. Men who have undergone aggressive prostate cancer treatment may face erectile dysfunction because of damage to the nerves and muscles in the penis. Medications and lifestyle changes are ineffective in treating this condition. Surgery is the only option.

The most common type of erectile dysfunction surgery is a penile implant surgery. This involves surgically implanting a device into the man’s penis to allow him to attain an erection. Some penile implants are flexible devices that cause the man to have a permanent, but movable erection. Some men will have an inflatable implant instead of the permanent one. This implant can inflate the penis by filling it with saline, thus causing an erection. After intercourse, the penis can return to a relaxed state.

Surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction makes it impossible for a patient to achieve a natural erection. These treatments are only considered if other treatment options will not work. Your doctor will discuss the best course of treatment with you.

 
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