Erectile disfunction (Impotence)

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) - lack of erection, which is described as the decreased firmness of penis and got the negative influence on man’s sex life. The prevalence of this disease is high. Recent studies revealed that almost half of men after age 40 are facing impotence.

Origins of the impotence vary from psychological to organic. The last ones could be either vascular or hormonal abnormalities causing the erectile dysfunction. Psychological deviations are normally treated by sexologists and psychiatrists. However, psychogenic impotence should be considered only after total exception of organic disorders.

The most severe forms of impotence are mostly of the mixed organic disorders. Some diseases like diabetes mellitus, hard forms of renal insufficiency or interventions into the pelvis can cause erectile dysfunction.

Diagnostics of erectile dysfunction

It starts with IIEF-5 inquirer (the patients fulfills it) which stands for “International index of erectile function”. The physician asks about any current therapy and other details, which could have negative effect on the potency.

The blood is always taken for hormonal and other biochemical analysis.

Dopplerography and myography are used to observe blood and nervous supply. These techniques allow to check the blood vessels, condition and bioelectrical activity of nerve-to-muscle transferring (that represents the level of damage of the peripheral nervous system).

Beyond that, every patient of the Department of Urology at Sechenov University passes the agioscanning. This helps to have a close look up of microcirculation in the corpus cavernosum of penis. Due to relaxation of cellular structures there, the erection appears.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction

The prior step in the treatment strategy is eliminating such risk factors as obesity, alcohol and nicotine inflow, etc.

Secondary, therapy is delivered. Commonly drugs like Viagra, Sialis, Levitra or Zidena are offered. The dose is prescribed by the doctor.

When drugs don’t drive out the situation, injections of vesseldilatation solutions can be applied. Patient does not inject it by himself.

Almost 95% of patients are successfully treated using drug therapy. However, the hardest cases, which couldn’t be ruled out by drugs, are corrected with penile implantation.

In the Department of Urology at Sechenov University it is possible to install relatively cheap semi- rigid implants or use more expensive inflatable penile prosthesis, which fully simulates the functions of penis.

Penile implants refers to the list of complicated surgery.