Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain penile erection for intercourse.
Presentation
Patients present with an inability to achieve or sustain erection when performing sexual acts. Decreased pleasure, premature ejaculation or nocturnal erection may also be the presenting complaints.
Entire Body System
- Pain
In spite of significant dose escalation, considerable pain relief had not been achieved. Ziconotide had been tried but not only did it not provide pain relief, but it also caused severe side effects in this patient. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these rarer problems: Curving of the penis with pain during an erection Erection lasts for 4 to 6 hours with severe and continuing pain in the penis Swelling or pain in the testes Bleeding or spotting from [webmd.com]
Viagra Sildenafil citrate was originally developed in 1991 as a treatment for angina, or chest pain. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
- Falling
Hypercortisolism was excluded after the dexamethasone suppression test, levels of DHEAS all falling within the normal range. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
COGS Sex-bot owners swap USED parts and ’bruised battered dolls’ on creepy web forum dear deidre I'm still tormented by memory of seeing my half-naked husband with sexy sister PERIOD DRAMA How exercising while on your period can cause your tampon to FALL [thesun.co.uk]
Methods for reversing ED fall into three categories: Short-term treatments These help with achieving or maintaining erections but do not address the underlying cause of ED. [medicalnewstoday.com]
The combination can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may cause you to become faint or dizzy, or fall, leading to possible injuries. [niddk.nih.gov]
- Weakness
[…] such as radical prostatectomy) or radiation therapy Only a doctor's examination Spinal cord disorders (such as tumors or injuries) Numbness in the area between the penis and anus Usually other symptoms of spinal cord disorder (for example, numbness and weakness [msdmanuals.com]
It is important to realize that any illness that is associated with weakness, discomfort, or psychological distress may contribute to erectile dysfunction. [health.am]
This is probably the most important question as this will give you the clue as to where the main cause of the weak erection lies. [consumerhealthdigest.com]
They include: Heart failure: One of the most common complications of heart disease, heart failure occurs when your heart becomes damaged and weak, leaving it unable to pump your blood the way it should. [verywellhealth.com]
- Surgical Procedure
Surgery – If there are physical causes hindering a man from achieving an erection, surgical procedures may be an option. References: Heidelbaugh JJ. Management of erectile dysfunction. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81:305-312. [docdoc.com.sg]
These devices require a surgical procedure that takes about an hour. The satisfaction rate is well over 90 percent, according to Dr. Carson, and it restores patients’ ability to have erections. What to know about penile implants. [healthtalk.unchealthcare.org]
Also, surgical procedures on the brain and the spinal cord may cause erectile dysfunction. [emedicinehealth.com]
Other surgical procedures–including venous ligation to limit penile venous outflow and penile revascularization procedures–are rarely successful and are not recommended.19 These surgeries are only indicated when a patient demonstrates recent-onset ED [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Nerve damage can be due to disease, trauma, or surgical procedures. [medicinenet.com]
- Disability
Subjects with HTLV-1 were classified into three groups based on Osame's Disability Motor Scale and the Expanded Disability Status Scale: (i) HTLV-1 carriers; (ii) probable HTLV-1-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis; and (iii) definitive [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Age, physical or mental disability should not prevent that. Low Libido (Reduced Sex Drive) Low libido (reduced sex drive) is a different issue. Low or reduced libido is when you are not as interested in sex as you used to be. [clinic66.com.au]
Cholesterol Hives Hoarding Hodgkins Lymphoma Huntingtons Disease Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism Hysterectomy Incest Survivors Infertility Infidelity Insomnia Internet Addiction Irritable Bowel Syndrome Jealousy Kidney Cancer Kleptomania Klonopin Learning Disability [erectile-dysfunction.supportgroups.com]
Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker [menshealth.pt]
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
Clinical trials are also currently being conducted on a nasal spray form of this drug, which may cause less nausea. [webmd.com]
GETTY Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition Side effects of Viagra include warmth or redness in the face, neck or chest, headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, and sometimes even a loss of hearing and dizziness. [express.co.uk]
These symptoms include: Chest or arm pain, pressure, or discomfort that may spread to your neck, back, or jaw Shortness of breath Heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or pain in your abdomen Breaking out in a cold sweat Fatigue Feeling lightheaded or dizzy [verywellhealth.com]
Domperidone can be introduced 2 days prior to surgery to avoid nausea [ 171 ]. [dx.doi.org]
Anyone experiencing cardiovascular symptoms such as dizziness, chest or arm pain, and nausea when participating in sexual activity after taking an ED medication should stop the encounter. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
- Diarrhea
Arq Elaichi Indications: Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea, Cardio tonic & Exhilarant Administration & Dosage: 25ml B.D. 5. [jinsi-taleem.blogspot.com]
The various PDE5 inhibitors for the treatment of ED share several common side effects, including headache, flushing, nasal congestion, nausea, dyspepsia (stomach discomfort), and diarrhea. [medicinenet.com]
Reported adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, flushing, numbness, and hypotension. Increasing evidence indicates that NO acts centrally to modulate sexual behavior and to exert its effects on the penis. [emedicine.com]
Neurologic
- Headache
Side effects of Stendra include a headache, flushing, runny nose, sore throat, and back pain. Consult your doctor before taking Stendra. Click here to Buy Stendra [accessrx.com]
[…] and sun exposure Muskuloskeletal health Heart health Cancer Autoimmune conditions Mental health Developmental disorders Pregnancy and fertility Aging Fitness and exercise Gastrointestinal health Asthma Infections Everyday aliments: fatigue, pain and headaches [vitamindcouncil.org]
Just a mild headache and no other changes here Quick easy and quality. I will use again. Excellent. Fast processing, relevant follow up questions. [onlinedoctor.superdrug.com]
Ph usually presents with symptoms including paroxysmal headache, sweating, palpitations, and hypertension. During a computed tomography (CT) scan in a normotensive 49-year-old man, an incidentaloma of 4.5 cm was detected. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Irritability
Heart Disease Heartburn Hepatitis C Heroin Herpes High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Hives Hoarding Hodgkins Lymphoma Huntingtons Disease Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism Hysterectomy Incest Survivors Infertility Infidelity Insomnia Internet Addiction Irritable [erectile-dysfunction.supportgroups.com]
These include increased blood pressure and heart rate, irritability, and tremor. If you decide you want to try yohimbe, be sure to talk to your doctor beforehand. [healthline.com]
Remove the ring after that time to bring back normal circulation and to prevent skin irritation. You may find that using a vacuum device requires some practice or adjustment. [niddk.nih.gov]
Credit: iStockPhoto Low testosterone can cause guys to be grouchy and irritable. Sometimes the problem is more apparent to friends, family members and colleagues - than to the men themselves. "A guy might say he's fine," says Dr. [cbsnews.com]
Patanol Prescription Included Free Patanol is a prescription medication used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, a condition that occurs when allergens irritate the eyes, causing itching and redness. [accessrx.com]
- Tingling
[…] injury (for example, a broken pelvic bone or a back injury) Symptoms of disorders of the blood vessels (for example, pain in the calves when walking or coolness, numbness, or blue color of the feet) Symptoms of nerve disorders (for example, numbness, tingling [msdmanuals.com]
Urogenital
- Sexual Dysfunction
^ "Neurogenic Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women" (PDF). Neurologic Bladder, Bowel and Sexual Dysfunction. Retrieved 2015-08-10. ^ "Male Sexual Dysfunction Epidemiology". Erectile dysfunction. Armenian Health Network, Health.am. 2006. [en.wikipedia.org]
This case report describes four cases of substance abusers with sexual dysfunction, three of them with erectile dysfunction, and the fourth with erectile dysfunction and ejaculatia praecox. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Sexual Dysfunction Indian physician Dr. Sudhakar Krishnamurti provides information on a variety of sexual dysfunctions; site offers free consultation by email. [curlie.org]
- Premature Ejaculation
Video: Premature ejaculation Premature ejaculation affects a surprisingly large number of men. Dr Joe Kosterich defines premature ejaculation and when it may be considered a problem. [myvmc.com]
Premature ejaculation is divided into lifelong and acquired categories: Lifelong premature ejaculation. With lifelong premature ejaculation, the patient has experienced premature ejaculation since first beginning coitus. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Premature ejaculation is often confused with erectile dysfunction. [emedicinehealth.com]
After he was switched to sertraline 50 mg/day, his erectile dysfunction, premature and spontaneous ejaculation symptoms subsided in 2 weeks. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Premature Ejaculation Premature ejaculation is another common problem. Premature ejaculation is when you orgasm/come too quickly for your liking. It can be lifelong issue or of recent onset. Don’t be tempted to respond to commercial calls to action! [clinic66.com.au]
- Painful Erection
Prolonged, painful erection (priapism) may damage the erectile tissue of the penis, leading to ED. [msdmanuals.com]
Sleep-Related Painful Erections: A Meta-Analysis on the Pathophysiology and Risks and Benefits of Medical Treatments. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Vol. 15, Issue. 1, p. 5. [doi.org]
If a man develops a prolonged (~4 hours or more) and painful erection he should be seen emergently as the penis may otherwise be permanently damaged. [urology.ucsf.edu]
One possible side effect of penile injections is a painful erection lasting for hours, known as priapism. This occurs if the medication dose is too high. If an erection lasts for four hours or longer, your penis may be permanently damaged. [betterhealth.vic.gov.au]
Workup
The patient should be inquired about any history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, prostate surgery or recent trauma. History of drugs, alcohol and caffeine intake should also be carefully taken. Psychological history regarding any worries, depression or recent significant event e.g. divorce should also be taken.
The physical examination should include the measurement of blood pressure, peripheral pulses and sensations. Examination of the genitalia should be performed to look for any lesions such as penile plaques, small testis, prostate carcinoma or infection. The size and texture of testes should also be inspected. It is also necessary to look for penile abnormalities such as priapism, Peyronie disease and epispadias.
Additional workup includes evaluation of the following:
- Hormonal levels:
- Free testosterone levels should be checked at 8 am (peak level) if there is depression and decreased libido and secondary sex characteristics.
- Luteinizing hormone should also be evaluated. If the levels of luteinizing hormone are high with low testosterone levels, Leydig cell failure might be present. On the other hand, if the levels of luteinizing hormone are low, there may be an underlying central nervous system defect.
- Prolactin levels should be measured to detect hyperfunctioning of the pituitary gland.
- The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone should be evaluated.
- HBA1c level: This test is helpful in detecting diabetes.
- PSA (Prostate specific antigen): Very high PSA levels indicate for prostatic carcinoma.
- Urinalysis: The presence of red or white blood cells, proteins or glucose indicate an underlying genitourinary or organic disorder.
- Injection of PGE1 into corpus cavernosa: If erection did not occur within 5 minutes of injection of PGE1 into the corpus cavernosa, an underlying abnormality is indicated.
- Biothesiometry: In this procedure, electromagnetic probe is attached on the left and right side of the glans and on the penis. The vibrational sense is then tested and compared with normal.
- Ultrasonography: It is used to measure the blood flow in corpus cavernosa after PGE1 is injected.
- Nocturnal penile tumescence test: In this test, bands are applied on penis for 2 or 3 nights and erection during sleep is evaluated with the help of a graph. It helps in differentiating between psychogenic and organic causes of erectile dysfunction. If erection is normal, the cause is most probably psychogenic.
Treatment
The best solution for every patient should be identified and the partner should preferably be included in the discussion.
Pharmacological treatment:
These include:
- Phosphodiestrase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra) are very effective in inducing and maintaining erection. In the patients who are refractory to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, they can be combined with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) injections for better efficacy.
- Androgens are available in oral, injectable or gel form. They may have other side effects and should be used with caution.
- Intracavernosal injections of alprostradil are used in 40 ug dose to maintain adequate rigidity for 90 minutes
- Intraurethral PGE1 pallet is used in the patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension or myocardial infarction.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor can also be used.
Devices:
Two types of devices are used for treating erectile dysfunction.
- Constriction devices: These are applied it at the base of the penis in case of venous leak.
- Vacuum devices: These devices create vacuum which draws the blood inside penis and sustains an erection of around 30 minutes. Side effects include hematoma, ecchymosis and perineal pain.
Surgery:
Surgical options include:
- Revascularization: This is performed in young patients with traumatic history by rotating the epigastric artery.
- Penile implant placement: Penile implants are used for organic erectile dysfunction when other treatments have failed. They are of two types; semi-rigid and inflatable. The inflatable type is better tolerated and can be used for 7 to 10 years.
Counselling:
Sexual counselling is an essential part of the treatment. The emotional aspect should be addressed with active involvement of the partner in order to reduce stress and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Prognosis
The all-cause mortality in patients suffering from erectile increases up to 25% with up to 44% higher risk of cerebrovascular events and 62% higher risk of myocardial infarction [10].
Associated morbidities include premature ejaculation, hypoactive sex desire, lack of pleasure, and depression.
Etiology
Erectile dysfunction results from psychogenic causes or due to any organic disease.
Psychogenic causes
The psychogenic causes of erectile dysfunction include depression, performance anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
Organic causes
There are many organic abnormalities that may lead to erectile dysfunction.
- Vascular: Vascular disorders such as arterial insufficiency (as in atherosclerosis) and veno-occlusive dysfunction are the most frequent organic causes of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction may be one of the earliest manifestations of atherosclerosis in some patients [1]. Hypertension is also associated with erectile dysfunction [2].
- Neurologic: Erectile dysfunction may be seen in the patients suffering from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
- Endocrine: Erectile dysfunction is associated with diabetes mellitus with poor glycaemic control [3] [4]. Hypogonadism and hypothyroidism may also cause erectile dysfunction.
- Medication: Drugs such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and cholesterol-lowering agents may also cause erectile dysfunction.
- Surgery: Erectile dysfunction may follow radical prostectomy that is performed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia [5].
- Penile abnormalities: Erectile dysfunction may accompany penile abnormalities such as Peyronie disease, epispadias and priapism.
Epidemiology
Erectile dysfunction is more common in the elderly with up to 25% prevalence in men in their 60’s and 89% in those in their 80’s, seriously affecting their quality of life [6] [7]. It is also more common in the lower socioeconomic classes.
Pathophysiology
Erection of the penis is controlled by a balance between contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, and the action of the ischiocavernous muscle. Contraction is mediated by noradrenaline and endothilin 1 whereas relaxation is mediated by nitric oxide, acetyl choline and adenosine triphosphate.
Erection of the penis requires a coordinated interaction of the peripheral nerves (S2 to S4), vascular events and events in corpora of the penis. Nitric oxide locally relaxes the vasculature of corposal smooth muscle with a half-life of about 5 seconds. Due to this relaxation, blood fills the corposa. Furthermore, there is occlusion of venules beneath tunica albuginea. This raises the intercarvosal pressure as high as 100mmHg. The ischiocavernous muscle then contracts and causes the pressure to rise up to 200 mmHg.
A normal level of testosterone is essential for the proper physiology of erection. Low levels of testosterone are associated with low libido, poor erection and ejaculatory dysfunction [8]. Erectile dysfunction occurs when this complex cycle of events is disrupted due to vascular, endocrine, psychogenic or other causes [9].
Prevention
The following measures can be helpful in prevention of erectile dysfunction.
- Adequate daily exercise reduces the occurrence of erectile dysfunction and associated organic diseases.
- Weight loss: This reduces inflammation, increases testosterone level and improve the patient’s self-esteem.
- Cessation of smoking is essential.
- Precise glycaemic control in diabetics and pharmacologic treatment of hypertension is necessary to prevent erectile dysfunction.
Summary
Erectile dysfunction refers to an inability to achieve or maintain erection for intercourse. An underdiagnosed disorder, it occur either due to sensory abnormalities or decreased blood flow to the penis. The causes of erectile dysfunction may be vascular, neurogenic, psychogenic, endocrine or drug-related.
Phosphodiestrase 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra) offer good short term treatment. Penile implants may be considered as long term treatment. If untreated, erectile dysfunction may increase the mortality by increasing vascular accidents such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents.
Erectile dysfunction is associated with sexual deprivation which causes anxiety and depression. Exercise, weight reduction and cessation of smoking play huge role in prevention of this disease.
Patient Information
Erectile dysfunction means an inability to achieve or sustain normal erection of the penis. In the younger age, the cause is usually psychogenic. In older individuals, an underlying disease may be present. Diabetes and high blood pressure often cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can be treated by the use of drugs or implants.
References
- Nehra A, Jackson G, Miner M, et al. The Princeton III Consensus recommendations for the management of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Mayo Clinic proceedings. Aug 2012;87(8):766-778.
- Burchardt M, Burchardt T, Baer L, et al. Hypertension is associated with severe erectile dysfunction. The Journal of urology. Oct 2000;164(4):1188-1191.
- Romeo JH, Seftel AD, Madhun ZT, Aron DC. Sexual function in men with diabetes type 2: association with glycemic control. The Journal of urology. Mar 2000;163(3):788-791.
- De Berardis G, Pellegrini F, Franciosi M, et al. Identifying patients with type 2 diabetes with a higher likelihood of erectile dysfunction: the role of the interaction between clinical and psychological factors. The Journal of urology. Apr 2003;169(4):1422-1428.
- Larson TR. Current treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia and their impact on sexual function. Urology. Apr 2003;61(4):692-698.
- Lopushnyan NA, Chitaley K. Genetics of erectile dysfunction. The Journal of urology. Nov 2012;188(5):1676-1683.
- Latini DM, Penson DF, Lubeck DP, Wallace KL, Henning JM, Lue TF. Longitudinal differences in disease specific quality of life in men with erectile dysfunction: results from the Exploratory Comprehensive Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction study. The Journal of urology. Apr 2003;169(4):1437-1442.
- Guay AT. Testosterone and erectile physiology. The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male. Dec 2006;9(4):201-206.
- Andersson KE. Erectile physiological and pathophysiological pathways involved in erectile dysfunction. The Journal of urology. Aug 2003;170(2 Pt 2):S6-13; discussion S13-14.
- Miner M, Seftel AD, Nehra A, et al. Prognostic utility of erectile dysfunction for cardiovascular disease in younger men and those with diabetes. American heart journal. Jul 2012;164(1):21-28.