SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (ED)


To attain an erection, there must be a stimulus that provokes the sensory perception of the brain, which hence commands the penile blood vessels to dilate and accommodate more blood flow. The accumulated blood will permeate through the spongy bodies of the penis resulting in expansion. The entrapment of the blood within the penis, caused by locking to the drainage valve, (taking place during erection) induces the rigidity to the penis. Upon ejaculation and completion of sexual act5, the valve will open up, and trapped blood will be drained terminating erection. Many of the male infertility risk factors also contribute to erectile dysfunction(ED). However, there is a set of issues to be considered in ED. Metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol levels may cause diminution of the blood flow into the small blood vessels secondary to causing diseases to the blood vessel wall. This results in diminished blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation causing impotence. Other causes commonly consist of psychogenic disorders, where the real cause behind the inability of attaining erections is psychological e.g., stress, depression and anxiety. Many medications are currently available and are used in the treatment of ED. These are so called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I). Sidenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vardenafil (Levitra) are commonly used medications that belong to the PDE5I. The act by blocking the effect of PDE5 enzyme that is responsible for detumescence. Hence by doing so, the patient can benefit a better quality to his erections. Side effects and contraindications (especially patients using nitrates) are to be considered while using these medications. When oral therapy fails, the patient may elect to use penile injections, a.k.a intra-cavernousal injections, which entails injection of active substances that induces immediate dilatation of the venous channels and results in immediate erection.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT MALE SEXUAL DISORDERS BY REQUESTING AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. HUSSEIN KANDIL



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