Erectile dysfunction: How can a Vascular Surgeon be of help to you?
The Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common conditions of the penis that can significantly affect the quality of life of a man. Although erectile dysfunction is a "taboo" subject for many men, the timely diagnosis of the condition and the identification of the cause, increases the chances of successful treatment.
What is Erectile dysfunction
The Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. The Erectile is a complex process which requires the proper function of the nervous, vascular and hormonal system. In the event that a problem arises in any of the above functions, then erectile dysfunction may occur.
Είναι σημαντικό να αναφέρουμε πως η Erectile dysfunction που εμφανίζεται περιστασιακά, λόγω άγχους ή κούρασης, διαφέρει από τη χρόνια στυτική δυσλειτουργία που παραμένει άνω των τριών μηνών.
Erectile dysfunction: Causes
The causes of erectile dysfunction are usually:
- Of vascular origin: It represents 60-80% of cases that are associated with the development of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the penis in the context of arterial hypertension, smoking and diabetes mellitus.
- Of neurological nature: 10-20% of cases are due to multiple sclerosis.
- Of pharmaceutical origin: The intake of medications represents 5-10% of cases as antidepressants
What is important to mention is that 50% of men before the manifestation of coronary artery disease, develop erectile dysfunction. Consequently, in this case the timely diagnosis of erectile dysfunction can function as a means of prevention of serious cardiovascular diseases.
Erectile dysfunction in the 50s and 60s
Erectile dysfunction in men increases at the age of 50 to 60 years. The erectile dysfunction in the 50s is often associated with metabolic and hormonal changes, while in the 60s it becomes even more frequent due to vascular deterioration and chronic diseases. However, it does not constitute a normal part of aging and δεν πρέπει να παραμελείται.
Men of this age group may notice symptoms:
- Of reduced erection hardness
- Short duration of erection
- Reduced or absent morning erection
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
The Treatment of erectile dysfunction adapted depending on the cause and the severity of the problem and determined by the attending andrologist/urologist. If the erectile dysfunction is caused due to vascular dysfunction, the immediate initiation of pharmacological treatment is recommended with or without the use of intracavernosal injections and shock waves. In case no substantial improvement is observed within 3 to 6 months, the patient may be referred to a Vascular Surgeon for further investigation with diagnostic angiography
Treatment of erectile dysfunction – Angioplasty
The Vascular Surgeon during the angiography, can diagnose and treat the causes of erectile function. In the case that stenosis or obstruction of a vessel is identified, then it is applied angioplasty through the placement of a special balloon carrying a pharmaceutical coating.
The placement of a medicated stent (stent) is performed, if the result of the angioplasty is not satisfactory.
At the same time, of particular importance is the performance of angiography using carbon dioxide, with the aim of studying the perfusion of the cavernous bodies. Carbon dioxide, thanks to its low viscosity, can easily penetrate the microcirculation of the cavernous bodies, provided there are no vascular problems. However, in diabetic patients with microcirculation disorders, carbon dioxide cannot diffuse adequately into the cavernous bodies, a fact that highlights serious vascular dysfunction. In such cases the patient does not need to be consumed in pointless treatments, but the placement of a penile prosthesis by a specialized andrologist is indicated as the only effective therapeutic option.
What is the best pill for erectile dysfunction?
There is no one "best" pill for everyone. The best choice depends on the medical history, the duration of action desired by the patient and his response to the active substance. The andrologist is the one who can determine which is the most appropriate preparation.
The 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. Get in Contact with Dr. Theodosio Bisda, Professor of Vascular Surgery and Director of the Vascular Surgery Clinic of the Athens Medical Center, to receive the appropriate counseling.
