Medical Treatments for Male Impotence Today Article

Medical Treatments for Male Impotence Today

Men who are suffering from impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED) need not lose hope. Treatments for impotence have become more numerous especially with advancing technology. The current treatments options are listed below along with a brief discussion for each option.

• Sexual Counseling

If erectile dysfunction is due to psychogenic or psychological reasons, counseling and sex therapy is one of the best options. Sex therapy teaches education and effective relief of symptoms of sexual dysfunction. At the same time, couples could also consider marital and personal counseling which targets personal and interpersonal issues. A resolution of marital issues and individual psychological and emotional dysfunction could revive sexual passion.

• Oral Medication

Viagra, along with rival medication Levitra and Cialis, has revolutionized oral medical management for erectile dysfunction. Effective oral medication is effective in nearly 70 - 75% of ED cases.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is the major male hormone that produces the male characteristics such as deep voice, beard and chest hair. Testosterone levels decline by 1% each year for men resulting to erectile dysfunction in later years. In proven cases of andropause (testosterone decrease), testosterone preparations may enhance potency and improve sex drive. Such therapy must be done under proper supervision of a medical professional as this could have adverse side effects.

• External Vacuum Devices

Vacuum therapy involves the use of external vacuum devices and one or more tension rings. It has been claimed to be effective for over 90% of the men who use it.

• Penile Injections

Penile injections used to be widely used but with the advent of oral medication such as Viagra, its use has declined enormously. Prostaglandin E1, Papaverine, phentolamine, can be self-injected into the penis with a fine, small gauge hypodermic needle. They have to be taught proper injection procedure by a physician. The erection usually lasts 30-60 minutes, and may continue even after an orgasm or ejaculation.

• Penile Implants

A penile prosthesis or implant is a fixed or mechanical device implanted in the corpora cavernosa of the penis by surgical means. With this type of treatment, erection can be done as often as desired. Majority of the implants are successful but some may require medical or surgical intervention due to mechanical failure, erosion of the materials used and infection. However, the number of such incidences is low.

• Microsurgery

Certain microsurgical procedures such as penile revascularization and venous ligation are also used to treat impotence. The technical complexity of such procedures is comparable to a heart by-pass operation although not as risky. Revascularization restores the functionality of the penis. Venous ligation allows damaged arteries to be bound up thus restoring sexual function.