Low intensity shock wave therapy
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the recurrent inability to obtain and maintain an erection that allows for satisfactory sexual activity. It is a symptomatic manifestation of isolated or associated pathologies.
A normal erection occurs when a muscle within the penis relaxes. This allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers inside the penis and restricting venous outflow. It is a very complex process, affected by changes associated with arterial hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidaemia, neurological diseases, hormonal disorders, chronic use of some medication and psychological disorders.
ED is the most common male sexual dysfunction after the age of 40. It is estimated that more than 150 million men in the world have some degree of ED, and there are studies that point to a prevalence above 50% in the 40 -70 age group. However, although the increase in cases with age is evident, ED is not an inevitable consequence of aging and therefore should not be considered taboo or a tragedy.
ED can have a variety of underlying causes; vascular origin, where atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension and smoking are the main reasons; endocrine origin, such as the presence of diabetes, metabolic syndrome or changes in sex hormones. It is estimated that between 35% and 75% of diabetics may have some degree of ED, values that can be overestimated if diabetes is added to arterial hypertension. Some neurological conditions also precipitate the presence of ED, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, demyelinating diseases and spinal cord injuries at levels that affect erection and/or ejaculation.
The first assessment of ED is clinical and is carried out in the doctor’s consulting room. This includes studying the patient’s sexual history and that of his/her partner (sexual preferences, anxiety about sexual performance, level of attraction to the partner), conflict within the relationship, among others). Therefore, identifying comorbidities and/or risk factors is very important in order to identify the possible origin and recommend the best treatment. Read More...