Erectile dysfunction: How can a Vascular Surgeon help to you?
Η Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common conditions affecting the penis and can significantly impact a man’s quality of life. Although it remains a “taboo” topic for many, early diagnosis and identifying the underlying cause greatly increase the chances of successful treatment.
What is Erectile dysfunction?
Η στυτική Chronic ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. An erection is a complex process that requires the proper function of the nervous, vascular, and hormonal systems. If any of these systems are impaired, erectile dysfunction may occur.
Occasional ED due to stress or fatigue differs from στυτική Chronic ED , which persists for more than three months.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Common causes include:
- Of vascular origin60–80% of cases, often related to atherosclerosis of penile arteries in the context of hypertension, smoking, and diabetes.
- Of neurological nature: 10–20% of cases, e.g., multiple sclerosis.
- Of pharmaceutical origin: 5–10% of cases; certain medications (including some antidepressants) may contribute.
An important clinical point: approximately 50% of men experience ED before developing clinically apparent coronary artery disease. Therefore, early evaluation of ED can serve as a valuable early warning sign for cardiovascular disease.
Erectile dysfunction in the 50s and 60s
Erectile dysfunction in men increases at the age of 50 to 60 years. In the στυτική δυσλειτουργία στα 50 50s it is often associated with metabolic and hormonal changes, while in the 60s it becomes even more prevalent due to vascular wear and chronic disease. However, it is not a “normal” part of aging and should not be ignored..
Common symptoms include:
- Of reduced erection firmness
- Short duration of erection
- Reduced or absent morning erection
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
Η Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity and is determined by the treating andrologist/urologist. When ED is due to vascular dysfunction, medical therapy is typically initiated (with or without intracavernosal injections and shockwave therapy). If there is no meaningful improvement within 3–6 months, referral to a vascular surgeon may be recommended for further evaluation with diagnostic angiography
Vascular management – angioplasty
Ο Αγγειοχειρουργός During angiography, the vascular surgeon can both diagnose and treat the underlying vascular cause. If a narrowing or occlusion is found, angioplasty may be performed using a specialized drug-coated balloon. A drug-eluting stent may be placed if the angioplasty result is not satisfactory.
The placement of a drug-coated endograft (stent) is performed if the result of the angioplasty is not satisfactory.
Particularly important is angiography using carbon dioxide (CO₂) to assess perfusion of the corpora cavernosa. Due to its low viscosity, CO₂ can penetrate the microcirculation when no vascular disease is present. In patients with diabetes and microcirculatory impairment, CO₂ may not diffuse adequately into the corpora cavernosa—highlighting severe vascular dysfunction. In such cases, patients should not be subjected to ineffective treatments; penile prosthesis implantation by an experienced andrologist may be the only effective option
What is the “best pill” for erectile dysfunction?
There is no single “best” pill for everyone. The optimal choice depends on medical history, the desired duration of action, and individual response. An andrologist is best placed to recommend the most appropriate medication.ED can affect men of any age. With correct diagnosis and individualized treatment, most men can restore sexual function. Because ED is often vascular in origin, the role of an experienced vascular surgeon can be decisive
Η Erectile dysfunction that can affect every man, regardless of age. With the correct diagnosis and individualized treatment, most men can restore their sexual function. Because erectile dysfunction most often has vascular dysfunction, the contribution of a specialized Vascular Surgeon is of decisive importance. Contact with Dr. Theodosio Bisda, Professor of Vascular Surgery and Director of the Vascular Surgery Clinic at Athens Medical Center, for expert consultation.
