Erectile dysfunction

Disease description

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. According to statistics, one in ten men experiences erectile dysfunction, with the incidence of early-onset impotence increasing in the world.

This condition can occur as an independent disorder or serve as a marker of serious cardiovascular issues such as coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis. Approximately 40% of all ED cases are of psychogenic origin, often linked to stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and neuroses.

Erectile dysfunction is also the most common complication following prostatectomy—the surgical removal of the prostate gland. This issue arises due to nerve and vascular damage affecting erectile function.

In such cases, penile prosthesis implantation is recommended, involving the placement of specialized implants into the penis. This method effectively restores erectile function, enabling men to resume a full sexual life. Penile prosthesis implantation has a high success rate and is a proven solution for ED following prostatectomy.

Symptoms indicating the need for diagnosis and treatment

Early signs of sexual dysfunction include:

• Absence of orgasm and ejaculation
• Premature ejaculation
• Loss of erection during intercourse
• Decreased libido

Diagnosis and treatment methods

Diagnosis

To identify erectile dysfunction, leading clinics conduct the following diagnostic procedures:

• Tests for STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• Prostate secretion analysis
• Doppler ultrasound
• Cavernosography
• Psychotherapeutic assessment

Treatment

The treatment of male sexual dysfunction depends on the underlying cause:

• Psychogenic factors: use of specific medications combined with psychotherapy
  Hormonal imbalances: implementation of hormone replacement or suppression therapy
• Vascular insufficiency: use of medications and physiotherapy; in severe cases, surgical intervention, including penile prosthesis implantation

Among modern treatments for erectile dysfunction is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves the injection of platelet-enriched plasma to restore tissue and vascular regeneration.

Innovations in global clinics

A modern surgical technique is penile revascularization, which focuses on creating new blood vessels in the penis to enhance blood flow. Similarly, penile reinnervation is used, where nerve tissues from the patient’s leg are used to restore nerve function in the penis.