Men's Nightmare: Impotence

What is Impotence?

Impotence is a sexual dysfunction in which men have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during intercourse. Impotence, also medically referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED), can be caused by a variety of causes and can negatively affect men's sexual health. In this article, I will talk about impotence and treatment options

What are the Causes of Impotence?

Impotence can be caused by many different reasons. Physical and psychological factors can contribute to the problem of impotence. Here are common causes of impotence:

Physical health problems: Some physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, hormonal imbalances, prostate problems can cause impotence. These health problems can affect the blood flow to the penis, impairing the erection process.

Side effects of drugs: Some drugs can have side effects that can lead to impotence. In particular, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, anti-androgens, antipsychotics, chemotherapy drugs and some ulcer drugs can increase the risk of impotence.

Hormonal problems: Hormonal imbalances, especially a drop in testosterone levels, can lead to impotence. Testosterone is a hormone that controls sexual desire and erection in men. Hormonal problems can affect hormonal production in the testicles or other hormonal organs such as the pituitary gland and thyroid gland.

Psychological factors: Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low self-esteem, past sexual traumas or bad sexual experiences can be effective in the emergence of impotence. These factors can affect the process of sexual arousal, causing difficulties in achieving an erection.

Alcohol and substance use: Excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse can increase the risk of impotence by affecting the nervous system and blood flow. Long-term alcohol or substance abuse can negatively affect sexual function.

Vascular diseases: Another common cause of impotence is vascular diseases. Hardening of the arteries, called atherosclerosis, can reduce blood flow to the penis and affect the erection process.

Aging: The aging process can increase the risk of impotence in men. As we age, hormone levels change, veins harden and lose their elasticity. This reduces the blood flow required for erection and erection does not occur.

What are the General Treatment Methods of Impotence?

Various methods and treatment options are available in the treatment of impotence. Which treatment method will be preferred depends on the underlying causes, the patient's health status and personal preferences. Here are the most commonly used methods for the treatment of impotence:

Drug therapy: One of the most commonly used methods in the treatment of impotence is drug therapy. Oral medications called PDE5 inhibitors increase blood flow in the penis, resulting in an erection. Drugs such as sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil and avanafil are included in this group. However, these drugs are given by prescription and should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Hormone therapy: If low testosterone levels are causing impotence, the doctor may recommend testosterone supplementation. However, testosterone therapy is only effective in men with testosterone deficiency. Testosterone treatment should be carried out under expert control and regular follow-up.

Injection therapy: Injections of drugs into the side or base of the penis, some time before sexual activity, are used to achieve an erection. These injections usually contain drugs such as prostaglandin E1. Needle use can be uncomfortable for some men, but this treatment option can be effective.

Vacuum devices: Vacuum erection devices consist of a cylinder and a pump placed on the penis. A vacuum is created to draw blood into the penis, and then a ring is attached to maintain an erection. This method may be effective in some patients who do not respond to medications or surgical interventions.

Surgical treatment: In cases where medication and other treatment options are not effective, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical implants, called penile prostheses, allow the penis to harden during sexual intercourse. These prostheses are evaluated by the patient and the doctor and the most suitable option is determined.

Psychotherapy: Where psychological factors play an important role in the problem of impotence, psychotherapy may be helpful.

What are the Urological Approaches in the Treatment of Impotence?

Urological approaches in the treatment of impotence include the treatment methods used by urologists to solve or manage the problem of impotence. Here are the urological approaches commonly used in the treatment of impotence:

Drug therapy: Drugs called PDE5 inhibitors are the most widely used urological treatment method in the treatment of impotence. Drugs such as sildenafil , vardenafil , tadalafil and avanafil increase blood flow in the penis, resulting in an erection. These drugs are taken before sexual activity and are available by prescription. However, drug therapy may not be suitable for everyone and should be evaluated by a doctor, taking into account the underlying health condition.

Injection therapy: Another urological method used in the treatment of impotence is the use of drugs injected into the side or base of the penis. Injected drugs cause an erection by dilating the blood vessels in the penis. This treatment option may be effective in some patients who do not benefit from medication or other modalities.

Vacuum devices: Vacuum erection devices consist of a cylinder placed on the penis and a pump. A vacuum is created using the pump on the cylinder, which draws blood into the penis. A ring is attached to maintain an erection. Vacuum devices may be effective in some patients who do not respond to medications or surgical interventions.

Penile prosthesis: Penile prosthesis surgery may be considered in some cases of impotence that do not benefit from drug therapy or other methods. A penile prosthesis is a surgically implanted device. The prosthesis provides the erection of the penis during sexual intercourse. Prostheses can be inflatable or bendable, and the most appropriate option is determined by the patient and the doctor.

Surgical revision: Surgical revision can be applied in patients who have impotence problems due to a previous surgical intervention or complications due to other reasons. This process involves correcting or replacing previous surgical intervention.

Impotence is a problem that has a solution today. Your urologist will help you with this.