Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as male impotence is a type of sexual dysfunction. The main characteristic of this sexual dysfunction is the inability to sustain an erection long enough to experience a satisfying sexual performance. Physical, psychological or relation problems are the primary causative factors behind impotence. Identification of the causes and their focused treatment is a must if you want to treat impotence.
Erectile dysfunction treatment – A brief history
Erectile dysfunction, as a problem, has been around for centuries. Since the time, this problem was identified; various treatments have been created or identified by the physician of different eras. Treatment options for erectile dysfunction included various therapies, many of them of an exotic nature. Oral medications were also offered to sufferers. Old world physicians, doctors, magicians and shamans, had identified various herbs, plants and foods that reportedly treated erectile dysfunction. Some of these treatment options actually worked and many of the herbs have been “re-discovered’ by new age doctors who are using them to develop revolutionary new medications. It is thought aphrodisiacs were first developed to treat problems related to impotence. But, there is very little evidence to support this thought.
In the US, earliest medication for impotence or erectile dysfunction was in the form of goat glands that were inserted into the penis. The treatment begun in 1920s by Dr. Brinkley also advocated the use of mercurochrome injections. It didn’t take too long for his license to be revoked. It was in the 1970s that penile implants appeared on the scene and were inserted. But, it was not until the mid 1980s that the first modern medication was developed for the treatment of impotence. The non-specific vasodilator injection which brought about smooth muscle relaxation was first utilized by Dr. Brindley. This is the discovery that formed the basis for all subsequent ED medications.
Unhealthy lifestyle and erectile dysfunction
It should come as no surprise that there are various lifestyle factors that can be linked to impotence or erectile dysfunction. Smoking is one of the primary lifestyle factors leading to ED. Smoking puts a person at risk of suffering from atherosclerosis, which results in a decrease of blood flow throughout the body. This means there is also a reduction in blood flow to the penis, leading to erectile problems. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or are overweight, it increases your chances of suffering from ED. An excessive drinking habit restricts the blood flow to the penis restricting erectile functioning. Because of these factors the first thing that patients are asked to do is to take steps to change their lifestyle.
Clinical tests to diagnose ED
There are a number of clinical tests used to diagnose impotence or ED:
Duplex ultrasound
Works by injecting prostaglandin; a type of hormone that induces erection. Ultrasound tests are then conducted for the evaluation of blood flow, atherosclerotic signs and other symptoms
Penile angiogram
This invasive test is used to visualize the circulation taking place in the penis.
Other clinical tests that are commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are penile nerves function, nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), penile biothesiometry, dynamic infusion cavernosometry, corpus cavernosometry, digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography.
Efficacy of penis pumps in order to cure erectile dysfunction
Bathmate Penis pumps create an area of vacuum around the penis. The chamber that is a part of the penis pump is placed over the penis and the device is then pumped to create suction inside the chamber. This action increases the blood flow to the penis, which helps you to get an erection. The effectiveness of penis pumps cannot be denied as they also help correct the curvature of the penis. Most people suffering from erectile dysfunction have experienced stronger and more long lasting erections after using these pumps.
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