Achieving an erection is the result of a complex, lightning-fast process involving numerous body systems, emotions and mental functions such as the senses, imagination and memory. Any obstacle that occurs in the pathways of stimulation can cause a disturbance in achieving an erection.
By the term "erectile dysfunction" we mean periodic or permanent weakness achieving or maintaining an erection for a complete sexual intercourse.
The problem of erectile dysfunction appears mainly in middle age, while as age increases, the rate of occurrence of the problem multiplies accordingly. Erectile dysfunction can also be experienced by young men, under 40 years of age, with the incidence rate according to the international literature ranging around 5%.
The biggest issue that men experiencing erectile dysfunction have to overcome is shame which are also felt by difficulty in deciding to turn to specialist andrologist.
The cause that are responsible for the appearance of erectile dysfunction are many and are divided into two major categories: organic causes and psychological ones.
The most usual organic causes are diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cardiac diseases and oncological operations for diseases of the prostate gland and colon.
The most usual psychological causes are anxiety disorders and depression. Several times pathological conditions from both categories may co-exist, which makes it necessary holistic approach of the patient both by a specialist andrologist and by a psychologist or psychiatrist specialized in sexuality.
THE diagnostic approach of the problem of erectile dysfunction is performed by a specialized andrologist and includes a detailed medical and sexual history, the completion of special questionnaires, clinical examination of the external genitalia, breast and prostate, dynamic penile ultrasound with erection induction (penile triplex) and laboratory hormone testing . The combination of the results leads to the revelation of the cause that causes the specific sexual dysfunction and to its targeted treatment.
The treatment options that exist in our time to deal with the problem are many, safe and scientifically documented. Pharmaceutical preparations (oral use of special pills), intraperitoneal injections, shock waves are therapeutic options that can be given as a solution either individually or in combination.
In cases where the conservative approach fails, surgical treatment with the placement of intrapelvic prostheses offers a definitive solution to the problem.
Regardless of the final treatment that will be chosen and applied, the goal remains the same: the restoring the man in the state it was in before the problem appeared, always respecting his expectations and his wishes. The options we now have to achieve this specific goal are many.
