Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis and Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is a man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection that’s hard or firm enough for sexual intercourse. Occasional ED is quite common among men, particularly during times of severe fatigue or stress. However, frequent erectile dysfunction can be a signal of serious health, relationship or emotional problems and requires treatment.

Major symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

  1. Problem getting an erection.
  2. Diminished interest in sex.
  3. Difficulty maintaining a firm enough erection for sexual intercourse.

It’s important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly if they last 2 or more months. The doctor will determine if there is an underlying condition to your ED and whether or not treatment is necessary.

Medical history and physical exam

At Advanced Urology Institute, we usually begin with a medical history and physical exam so we can find the reasons for your ED. Erectile dysfunction can be due to stress, fatigue, anxiety, low testosterone, physical problems or other factors. When we take your medical history, we will ask you questions about your health and the symptoms you are experiencing. Then we perform tests to determine whether your symptoms have an underlying cause.

You should expect a physical examination where the doctor listens to your lungs and heart, measures your blood pressure and examines your penis and testicles. We also frequently recommend a rectal exam for checking your prostate. Likewise, urine or blood tests may be necessary to rule out conditions with similar symptoms.

Who needs treatment?

When making a diagnosis for erectile dysfunction, problems such as premature ejaculation and low libido are not considered. We basically focus on your failure to have or maintain a steady erection. Since most men have ED at one point or another in their lives, the most useful factor when determining whether or not to offer treatment is the frequency of your problem. From a medical standpoint, an erectile dysfunction occurring as often as 20 percent of the time isn’t considered a major concern. However, ED that occurs 50 percent or more of the time is likely to have an underlying psychological or physical cause and warrants treatment.

ED medications

For most men, the treatments offered for erectile dysfunction are quite similar. In most cases successful treatment depends on effective treatment of the underlying causes. At times it may even be necessary to use a combination of treatments. At Advanced Urology Institute, we often begin with medications, giving drugs such as Cialis (tadalafil), Stendra (avanafil), Caverject (alprostadil), Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (verdenafil) or Androderm (testosterone). These drugs increase the blood flow in the penis and will help you to achieve an erection. The fact that some of these drugs now have generic forms means prices have gone down and most men can afford to use them when appropriate.

Pumps and injections

In some cases, treatment for erectile dysfunction may involve the use of vacuum constriction devices (erection pumps). These are mechanical or automatic devices that help men to achieve erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. Basically, an erection pump consists of a cylinder with a pump attached directly to the end of the penis. After the pump has made the penis bigger, a constriction band or ring is attached to the other end of the penis to keep the erection comfortably in place for at least 30 minutes. The main advantage of these devices is that no invasive or surgical procedures are involved. When it’s appropriate, we recommend these devices for our patients and make arrangements so that they are ordered and sent to them.

For some men with erectile dysfunction, we may recommend penile injections. It’s often amusing talking about penile injections with men, but they are very effective in treating ED. With a sharp needle that’s too small to cause much discomfort, medications such as papaverine hydrochloride, prostaglandin E-1 or phentolamine are injected into the penis tissue to stimulate an erection. When used, papaverine injection relaxes muscles of the arterial wall, dilates the vessels and increases blood flow; phentolamine blocks nerve signals for muscle contractions and promotes muscle relaxation; while prostaglandin E-1 relaxes penile muscles resulting in an erection. Once we prescribe any of these penile injections, we show you how the injection is done — the process is simple, not painful, and up to 90 percent of the patients are able to do it on their own after it’s explained to them.

Surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction

If these options don’t work, then we may recommend surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction. Surgery can be used to implant a prosthetic device into the penis that causes an erection; reconstruct penile arteries to increase blood flow and facilitate an erection; or block off the veins in the penis to allow blood to leave the penis, which helps in maintaining an erection. At Advanced Urology Institute, we usually discuss surgery as an option for treating ED with our patients before recommending it to them. We do a lot of penile implants and penile reconstruction operations and offer several other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Is erectile dysfunction affecting your relationship? At AUI, we offer several effective treatments for the condition, including medications, pumps, penile injections and surgery. Talk with us about your condition and find help in getting it effectively treated. We are committed to providing treatment that restores sexual health and satisfaction to men with erectile dysfunction. For more information on how we treat ED, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute’” site

Talking With Your Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction

Do you struggle to have an erection when you want it most? Does your penis fail to get stiff enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse? Or does it get rigid only for a short while and then lose rigidity leaving you humiliated and apprehensive? You don’t need to worry too much if you have experienced this only occasionally. After all, almost every man has failed to achieve or maintain a good, rigid erection at some point in his life, particularly when stressed, tired, anxious or drunk. But if you have had frequent, frustrating and distressing failures to have or maintain an erection, then you may have a problem and need some sensible and sympathetic advice from a urologist.

Why Talk To a Urologist

Erectile dysfunction is a tough experience, but discussing it is even tougher and more embarrassing. You are likely to feel hesitant or scared to talk about ED with a doctor. But even with all the awkwardness you may feel in trying to open up and speak honestly about your erection troubles, talking to a urologist is probably the best step you can possibly make. A urologist is used to dealing with ED, perhaps attending to more than a half dozen cases every week. Your case would be just a routine matter to the urologist. More importantly, your erectile dysfunction may be the first sign of a very serious medical problem. A timely chat with a urologist can enable early diagnosis and treatment of a life-threatening condition.

Honest Useful Conversation

When you visit a urologist, you will meet a listening and caring professional dedicated to helping men have normal sex lives. The doctor will help you to explore the symptoms from when you first noticed changes in your erections to any medications you might be taking that could be causing your problem, your lifestyle habits and the severity of your symptoms. During this chat, being brutally honest and open with the urologist will ensure that the cause of your problem is figured out quickly and accurately. The physician also will conduct a physical exam focused on the health of your heart, nervous system, blood vessels and genitals, followed by appropriate urine and blood tests. The doctor then will be in a position to know the cause of your erectile dysfunction and to recommend the right treatment for you.

Exploring Treatment Options

Urologists are skilled in treating underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Peyronie’s disease or multiple sclerosis. In most cases, erectile dysfunction quickly resolves once the underlying cause is treated. Your urologist also may suggest lifestyle modifications such as reducing alcohol intake, losing some weight, stopping cigarette smoking and increasing physical activity to boost your recovery. But if these interventions do not work, the urologist may explore other treatment options, such as oral medications (like tadalafil, vardenafil or sildenafil), injectable medicines (like alprostadil), and vacuum pumps, and penile implants (bendable or inflatable). As a last resort, surgical repair (penile revascularization) of the veins or arteries of the penis may be considered.

No Longer a Secret

In the past, men didn’t have open and frank discussions about their erectile problems because sexual intercourse was often shrouded in mystery and secrecy. But with the availability of effective treatments for ED, that now seems imprudent. With the availability of innovative and highly effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, it is important to talk to your doctor about your problem and to know your options.

Are you having problems getting or maintaining an erection? Why not make a bold decision today to see a urologist? At Advanced Urology Institute, we offer cordial and compassionate consultations for men having erectile problems. Our skilled and experienced urologists will listen to you, do a thorough physical examination, run appropriate tests and diagnose your condition accurately. We have the necessary diagnostic tools to determine any kind of underlying medical conditions that may be causing your erectile dysfunction. Make an appointment now at AUI, have a candid chat with a urologist and have your problem fixed. For more information on the treatment of erectile dysfunction, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

The Effectiveness of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Worried about your inability to get or maintain an erection? Stop worrying and visit your doctor for an open and honest chat. A urologist can help you find safe and effective treatment of erectile dysfunction that will enable you to approach any future dates with your partner with confidence. Urologists are experts in treating erectile dysfunction and other genitourinary issues, so do not be anxious about such a visit. In fact, you will be surprised to find that your doctor is probably seeing up to a half dozen men with ED every week.

Oral ED Medications

The first choice of treatment for ED is usually oral medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors type 5 (PDEi-5). These drugs include the first-generation agents such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis), together with second-generation agents like mirodenafil (Mvix), iodenafil (Helleva), udenafil (Zydena) and avanafil (Stendra). With the drugs providing a normal, natural erection in 80-95 percent of men as long as there is sexual stimulation, they are the best option for many men with ED. They also deliver high efficacy rates and favorable safety levels.

Transurethral and Intracavernosal Injections

If you are unresponsive to oral drugs, your doctor will review your treatment and consider other options. The urologist may consider a transurethral injection with a drug called alprostadil. The doctor may go for this option if your penile nerves have been compromised and you need to bypass the neurological pathways responsible for an erection. Another option may be an intracavernous injection of papaverine, phentolamine, PGE1 or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The injections are a good treatment choice with 91-96 percent success rates and proven safety. These drugs may be combined for better efficacy.

Vacuum Constriction Devices

Vacuum erection devices also may be considered. But these are commonly offered to elderly patients who may only want occasional sexual intercourse. Younger men do not like these devices because of the unnatural feeling of the erections and the mechanical procedure necessary to produce the erections. You should discuss this option with your doctor and find out if the devices are ideal for you.

Surgical Therapies

When medical therapies fail, your urologist may recommend surgery. Surgical procedures are often the last option because of the cost, non-reversibility and invasiveness involved. There are two kinds of surgery for men with ED: penile prosthesis and penile revascularization. In penile prosthesis, the urologist inserts an inflatable or semi-rigid implant into the penis tissue. The success rate of penile prosthesis is 97 percent, but the implant must be replaced every 8-15 years. Penile revascularization is a surgical procedure to repair either venous ligation or arterial stenosis. Explore surgery with your doctor if the other options fail to work for you, but be sure to understand what is involved before you make a decision.

Non-Specific Interventions

Erectile dysfunction treatments may be accompanied by other interventions. For instance, psychotherapy is a noninvasive and highly effective intervention that is often combined with other therapies for a better success rate. Likewise, your urologist may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as increased physical activity, dietary changes, moderate alcohol consumption or a decision to stop smoking in order to improve your ED symptoms and minimize cardiovascular risk. If tests show that you have low testosterone, your doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy before you use ED-specific medications. If you are a younger, healthier man, testosterone therapy may just be what you need for enhanced sexual desire and harder erections.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we have established a multidisciplinary, compassionate and patient-centered approach to the treatment of erectile dysfunction. We prioritize the needs and expectations of our patients during treatment, educating them and providing a supportive environment that ensures shared decision-making. We also conduct meticulous follow-ups to identify any changes in the relationships, health and emotional status of our patients to optimize the efficacy of our treatments. If you are experiencing bothersome and embarrassing ED, visit one of our urologists for help. Get more information on the treatment of erectile dysfunction at the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

What is an Erectile Dysfunction? with Dr. James E. Renehan

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a man’s inability or difficulty to get or keep erections that are firm enough to enable sexual intercourse.

While occasional ED is very common in men, particularly during times of stress, depression or fatigue, frequent ED can really ruin a man’s life. For instance, some men with erectile dysfunction may avoid contact with their partners for fear that they will have trouble satisfying them sexually in the bedroom while others may get into a complete emotional and psychological meltdown.

Forms of erectile dysfunction

According to Dr. James E. Renehan of Advanced Urology Institute, erectile dysfunction can take a variety of forms. For example, some men may be unable to get an erection under any circumstance, while other men with ED may occasionally get an erection. In other men, getting an erection is possible but the erections are not strong enough for satisfying sexual intercourse.

“Erectile dysfunction does not mean that you are infertile,” says Dr. Renehan. “In fact, the majority of the men having difficulties with getting an erection are still quite capable of achieving an orgasm and getting children. ED just means that you cannot consistently get or sustain an erection.”

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

You could be suffering from ED if you frequently have:

  1. Difficulty getting an erection.
  2. Trouble sustaining an erection throughout sexual intercourse or during sexual activities.
  3. Diminished interest in sex.

However, there are also a number of factors related to erectile dysfunction, such as:

  1. Premature ejaculation.
  2. Difficulty achieving orgasm even after ample stimulation (anorgasmia).
  3. Delayed ejaculation.

Experiencing such symptoms for 2 or more months may indicate that you have erectile dysfunction. So it is important to speak with your urologist to determine if you have a sexual disorder.

“Men should know that erectile dysfunction is not in the head,” says Dr. Renehan. “You will not simply get an erection by stimulation, as 80 percent of all cases of ED are usually caused by treatable physical disorders, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. So make sure you visit your doctor for advice.”

Causes of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction may have several possible causes, including both physical disorders and emotional problems. The most common causes are:

  1. Diabetes
  2. Obesity (being overweight)
  3. Smoking, alcohol use or drug abuse
  4. Hypertension
  5. Cardiovascular disease
  6. Hyperlipidemia
  7. Injuries
  8. Stress, anxiety or relationship problems
  9. Damage from surgery or cancer treatment
  10. Increased age

Because there are many possible causes of erectile dysfunction, it is important to work with a urologist so that any underlying medical conditions are identified and treated.

Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

When you visit your urologist, you will be asked questions related to your symptoms, health history, emotional and physical problems. You also should expect a physical examination in which the doctor will listen to your lungs and heart, examine your penis and testicles and measure your blood pressure. The doctor may order various tests to determine whether you have an underlying disorder, such as blood and urine tests. A rectal examination may be requested to check your prostate.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction

The treatment chosen by your doctor will depend on the type of symptoms and any underlying causes for the dysfunction. At times, a combination of treatments may be necessary. The most common treatments for ED include:

  1. Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications to improve blood flow to the penis and improve ED symptoms. The drugs commonly indicated include Alprostadil (Caverject), Avanafil (Stendra), Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Testosterone (Androderm) and Vardenafil (Levitra).
  2. Talk Therapy: If it is established that the erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological factors such as stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, the urologist may recommend that you see a therapist. Working with the therapist, you will attend several sessions in which you will be helped to recover from stress, anxiety, subconscious conflict or negative feelings around sex. A relationship counselor also may be called upon if the ED is affecting your relationship.
  3. Alternative Treatments: Treatments such as prostatic massage, acupuncture, yoga and pelvic floor exercises also may improve your condition. Likewise, lifestyle and diet changes, such as regular exercise, losing weight, lowering your blood pressure and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol can be recommended to help you overcome erectile dysfunction.
  4. Surgery: When medications and exercises fail to work, the urologist may perform a surgery to correct any problems in the penis or to add a penile implant. Penile implants help to generate spontaneous and controlled erections.

Erectile dysfunction is treatable

Most cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable. At Advanced Urology Institute, we have helped thousands of men to improve their symptoms and regain their confidence through compassionate, multidisciplinary, patient-centered treatment approaches. Depending on your condition, we will administer the right medications or treatments to ensure that you achieve an erection and be able to have satisfying sexual intercourse. Come and discuss your symptoms with us so we can fix your problem. For more information on help with erectile dysfunction, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

New Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

Statistically, 50 percent of all men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point of their life, with the risk of ED increasing with age. Roughly 30 million men in the United States suffer from ED, a condition that causes frustration and the breakdown of marriages and self-confidence.

Evolution of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Over the years, the medical management of erectile dysfunction has evolved greatly. For instance, before oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDESi) like Cialis, Standra, Viagra, Levitra and related medications were introduced, doctors could administer one of only two effective treatments for erectile dysfunction: surgical penile revascularization and implantation of a penile prosthesis.

The emergence of Viagra and related oral drugs for ED ushered in a new age of non-invasive treatment of the condition. These drugs relax the muscles in the penis and increase blood flow, allowing patients to have an erection. However, while these drugs are helpful for many men, they are not safe for men with high blood pressure, severe liver disease, kidney disease, or who take nitrate drugs. The drugs also come with side effects such as a runny or stuffy nose, dizziness, fainting and blurred vision. Because of these limitations, doctors have continuously looked for new treatment options for erectile dysfunction.

New Treatment Options

New treatment options for ED include:

  1. Injection therapy: Drugs such as alprostadil (sold under the names Edex, Caverject and Prostin VR) and the suppository-form of alprostadil (sold as MUSE) are currently available to patients. Alprostadil causes expansion of blood vessels and increased blood flow to the penis, enabling patients to get erections.
  2. Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT): Also called acoustical wave therapy or linear shockwave therapy, ESWT uses high-frequency acoustical waves for treatment of the root cause of ED. During treatment, the waves are used to open and repair blood vessels in the penis. The therapy improves blood flow in the penis by creating new blood vessels or rejuvenating existing ones, which in turn increases the patient’s ability to get an erection.
  3. Melanocortin activators: These drugs stimulate erection by acting through the central nervous system. For instance, the drug PT-141 is effective in stimulating erection when given through the nose to men with mild-to-moderate non-medical (emotional or psychological) erectile dysfunction.
  4. Topiglan: This is a cream that is applied to the penis. Topiglan contains alprostadil, the same drug that is injected or applied as suppository by men with ED.
  5. Uprima (apomorphine): Working to stimulate the secretion of the brain chemical dopamine, Uprima heightens sexual interest and increases sensations. It comes in tablet form that easily dissolves under the tongue. However, because of its major side effects of nausea and vomiting, research is still going on to find a nasal spray alternative that causes less nausea but is equally effective.
  6. Gene therapy: The therapy delivers genes that help generate proteins or products that can replace those that are not functioning well in the penile tissues of men with ED. While experimental use of gene therapy has reported tremendous success, regulatory approval and the public’s acceptance of the therapy may still take some time.

If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, consider your options carefully. Talk to your urologist openly. Effective treatment of ED can improve your quality of life, ability to maintain intimate relationships and boost your self-esteem. At Advanced Urology Institute, we are always improving our range of treatment options to give the very best to our patients. When you visit our urology center in Florida, you can be sure that you will have a broad range of treatment options, including the very latest, for erectile dysfunction. For more information on diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

3 Effective Ways to Treat Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a type of erectile dysfunction that leads to both physical and emotional scarring. It is caused by penile tissue damage resulting in the formation of scar tissue called plaque. Depending on the location and size of the plaque, the penis may bend downward or upward or become indented. The bending may occur suddenly (almost overnight) or happen gradually, beginning with soreness and lumps that develop into a hardened scar. While Peyronie’s disease is most often found in middle-aged men, it can occur at any age.
Here are 3 effective ways to treat Peyronie’s disease:

Medications

Drug therapy is helpful for most men who are affected by Peyronie’s disease, especially during the acute phase. For instance, oral Vitamin E will make the plaques smaller and help to straighten the bent penis. Potassium Amino-Benzoate (Potaba), Tamoxifen, PABA, Colchicine and Carnitine are also effective during the acute phase of the disease. Likewise, during the early stages of the condition, drugs for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra), may be beneficial.

As an alternative to oral medications, injecting certain drugs directly into the plaque can bring relief, particularly for men in the acute phase of the disorder who are not sure whether they want to undergo surgery. For example, verapamil injections disrupt the protein responsible for the formation of lesions in Peyronie’s disease, thus helping to relieve acute symptoms. Interferon injections prevent swelling and control scarring, while collagenase injections break down the plaque and are recommended for treating men with a penis curve of more than 30 degrees. Injection therapy may be administered using a combination of above drugs plus hyaluronidase, betamethasone or prostaglandin E1. Another method of applying these drugs is iontophoresis (electromotive administration/EMDA), where the drug is applied on the penile skin and then pushed through the skin using a low electric current.

Radiation Therapy

During radiation therapy, high-energy rays are targeted at the plaque to relieve the pain. The disadvantage of radiation therapy is that it relieves the pain on the bent penis without having a direct effect on the plaque which causes erectile dysfunction. Instead of radiation therapy, a man may opt for shockwave therapy, a form of mechanical treatment that uses a lithotripter device (such as those used for breaking up kidney stones) to break down calcified plaques or scarring. Other mechanical devices that can be used to treat the disease are low-dose radiotherapy and vacuum-based machines.

Surgery

Surgery for Peyronie’s disease is reserved for men suffering from severe, disabling penile disorder that makes it difficult to have sex. Before the surgery, the urologist will check the blood flow in the penis by injecting a drug to make it stiff and also examining the penis using ultrasound. The tests are used to assess the penis before deciding the type of surgery that is ideal. There are three basic ways through which the urologist will fix the disorder surgically. First, the urologist can remove the plaque and replace it with a tissue patch, helping to stretch the penis and restore its original length. Secondly, the surgeon may change or remove part of the tunica albuginea from the penis area opposite the plaque, an operation known as the Nesbit procedure. Lastly, the urologist may perform penile prosthesis implantation, a procedure recommended for men having both Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

Since Peyronie’s disease varies extensively in how it affects patients, the treatment chosen should be carefully selected according to an individual’s condition. Most importantly, treatment should aim to preserve sexual function. If you are suffering from the disease, it is important to work closely with a urologist in order to get the right resources, prompt diagnosis and correct treatment, and to prevent the disease from turning into a crisis. For more information on dealing with Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction, visit Advanced Urology Institute.

5 Effective Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

5 Effective Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

There are several treatment options available for erectile dysfunction (ED), and the right one for an individual depends on the cause of the ED, age, health and lifestyle of the patient. In most cases, the use of oral medications such as Cialis, Viagra or Levitra is the recommended first option. Then, depending on the effectiveness and tolerance of the medication, other treatments may be tried. For example, microvascular surgery is recommended for patients with blood vessel leakage or blockage, while penile prosthesis is one effective alternative for those who fail to respond to non-surgical therapy or are not candidates for surgery.
Here is a look at 5 effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction:

1. Oral Medications: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Spedra), are some of the most widely used and highly effective medications for treating erectile dysfunction. The pills work by temporarily boosting the flow of blood to the penis. Sildenafil, sold as Viagra by Pfizer, is the most commonly prescribed pharmacological medicine for ED. Though it is available in different forms, Viagra takes 30-60 minutes to show effect and has a 4-hour duration. The drug only boosts blood flow to the penis and therefore sexual arousal and stimulation are necessary in order to have and maintain an erection. Tadalafil (Cialis) has effects lasting longer (up to 36 hours depending on the dose taken) and takes effect sooner (15-30 minutes). Tadalafil is also more selective in action and does not show the side effects of sildenafil and vardenafil. Avanafil (Spedra) and vardenafil (Levitra) show similar mechanism of action as sildenafil (Viagra) and only differ in duration of onset and length of effect.

2. Urethral Suppository (MUSE)

The use of a medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE) is considered when oral pills are not effective. The treatment involves placing a small medicated suppository in the penile urethra without using needles so that the suppository is absorbed to help produce an erection. The main advantage of this treatment option is that the suppository is applied locally by the patient or his partner, and has very few side effects. After the suppository is inserted into the urethra, sexual stimulation is necessary for increased blood flow to the penis. Patients opting for MUSE should have the first suppository application done in the urologist’s office to prevent potential complications such as decreased blood pressure, urethral bleeding, and continued and prolonged erections.

3. Penile Injections

The urologist may recommend penile injections when oral medications prove ineffective. And even though the idea of injecting the penis may be quite unappealing, the effectiveness and ease of injections make this a worthwhile option to consider. Apart from Caverject and Edex that have been prescribed by urologists for a while, other commonly injected medications are papaverine, phentolamine and alprosdid. Often, urologists recommend a blend of two or three medications for use in the injections. The blend, called a Trimix, ensures a synergistic effect of three medications, keeps the dose of every drug low to prevent adverse effects, and delivers a response rate of up to 90%.

4. Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum devices are recommended for patients who have only partial erections and find other treatments ineffective or intolerable. A vacuum device is made of a plastic cylinder connected to a pump and a constriction ring. Using a battery power or manual pressure to create suction around the penis in order to bring blood into it, a vacuum pump causes an erection which is maintained by a tourniquet of sorts that is placed around the base of the penis and an elastic rind which stops additional blood from flowing out of the engorged penis. Vacuum pumps are a relatively inexpensive, safe and easy to use treatment option for erectile dysfunction with minimal side effects. Erections induced using pumps generally last for about 30 minutes.

5. Penile Prosthesis and Penile Vascular Reconstructive Surgery

Surgery is considered as the last resort when all other treatment options fail. However, it may be the best option for young men seriously injured in their pelvic area (such as in a car accident) and men with significant anatomical problems with their penis. A penile prosthesis is an effective and more invasive option in which either a semi-rigid or inflatable implant is placed on the penis through surgery. The use of penile prosthesis has been proven to offer up to 85% patient-partner satisfaction rate. Penile vascular (venous or arterial) surgery is recommended for young men who have erectile dysfunction due to congenital or traumatic leakage of the penis. Penile venous surgery is performed to boost the trapping of blood in the penis, boosting a man’s capacity to get and maintain erections. On the other hand, penile arterial surgery creates a path of blood flow to the penis by correcting/bypassing blocked arteries.

For more information on effective treatments of erectile dysfunction, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website or make an appointment with a urologist today.

Erectile Dysfunction, A Common, but Treatable Condition in Men – Dr Matthew Merrell

Video: Erectile Dysfunction, A Common, but Treatable Condition in Men – Dr Matthew Merrell


Erectile dysfunction (impotence) affects approximately 30 million men. This common problem can be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment such as poorly controlled diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Contact a urologist now and get treatment as soon as possible. [Read Full Article…]

Becoming a Physician Assistant, Why did You Choose Urology – Jeanette Lain, PA C

Video: Becoming a Physician Assistant, Why did You Choose Urology – Jeanette Lain, PA C



Ms. Jeanette Lain has extensive urology experience, previously serving as a Physician Assistant for Urology Centers of Oklahoma with the Women’s Bladder Clinic, Unitus Clinic for Sexual Health and general urology care. [Read Full Article…]

Why did Dr. Evan Fynes choose urology?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, chose urology as his specialty due to the diversity of cases and the daily challenges it offers.
  • Patient interaction is one of Dr. Fynes’ favorite aspects of his work, as it allows him to build relationships and better understand his patients’ needs.
  • Dr. Fynes finds great fulfillment and reward in helping patients overcome their urological problems and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, has a passion for his work and a deep appreciation for the variety and patient interaction that comes with practicing urology. In this article, we will explore the factors that led Dr. Fynes to choose urology as his specialty and how his work positively impacts patients’ lives.

The Path to Urology

Dr. Fynes grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and completed his undergraduate and medical education, as well as his six-year urologic residency, at the University of Toledo. Early on in his training, Dr. Fynes was encouraged by a friend who was a urology resident to explore the field of urology. He quickly found that he enjoyed the diversity of cases and the daily challenges that came with the specialty. From kidney stones and enlarged prostates to kidney cancer, every day brought something different to his work.

Patient Interaction

One of the aspects of urology that Dr. Fynes particularly enjoys is the patient interaction. He values the opportunity to develop relationships with his patients, often bonding over shared interests, such as football. This rapport allows him to better understand his patients’ concerns and provide tailored treatment plans to address their specific needs.

Making a Difference in Patients’ Lives

Dr. Fynes finds great fulfillment and reward in helping patients overcome their urological problems. Whether it’s removing a kidney stone or vaporizing prostate tissue to enable a patient to urinate without a catheter, he takes pride in the positive impact his work has on patients’ lives. Their gratitude and satisfaction make his efforts worthwhile and further solidify his passion for the field of urology.

Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Evan Fynes is a part of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. The institute is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their patients through the use of state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based treatment approaches. By choosing the Advanced Urology Institute for your urological needs, you can trust that you are receiving the best possible care from highly skilled and experienced professionals.

TRANSCRIPTION:

I never met an unhappy urologist. They all seemed to really like what they did for a
living and were really enthusiastic about their job.
Hello, Dr. Evan Fynes. I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute. I’ve been down
here in Florida about 15 months now. I came down from the great state of Ohio. I grew
up in northwest Ohio, Toledo, Ohio. I went to school at the, basically did all my training
in Toledo. Went to undergrad, med school, and then did a six-year urologic residency
at the University of Toledo. Urology really caught my interest early on in my training.
I had actually a good friend that was a urology resident, and he told me to kind of check
out urology. And so when I really looked into it, I mean, I really liked the diversity of
the cases. Every day you’re doing something different, whether it’s kidney stones, somebody
with a large prostate, to taking out or removing kidneys because of kidney cancer. You never
knew what you were going to do that day. It was a wide variety.
One of the favorite things I like about my work is just patient interaction. A lot of
times when I initially talk about a patient, they’ll walk in with a Pittsburgh Steelers
hat on, and the first 10 minutes of my conversation is talking about football. And so I really
enjoyed the patient interaction of getting to know somebody, developing that relationship
with somebody, and then trying to help them with their problem. From that, when you get
to help them with their problem and basically correct their situation, whether it’s removing
a kidney stone or they have a catheter in and you take away their, you know, vaporize
their prostate tissue and they’re able to pee on their own, they’re very satisfied with
having that catheter out. It does give you a sense of fulfillment and reward that
you’ve helped somebody, and they’re usually very grateful.

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