HOW IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION DEFINED?

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance and completion of intercourse. This condition may be isolated, temporary, or persistent.

Erectile dysfunction is not uncommon. Approximately 1 in 10 men under the age of 40 experience erection problems. This percentage increases with age, with up to 40–80% of men over 60 suffering from some degree of erectile dysfunction.

The causes of erectile dysfunction can be both psychogenic and organic. In younger men, the condition is mostly due to psychological factors, whereas in men over 50, the majority of cases are attributed to organic causes. These include cardiovascular diseases, metabolic conditions such as dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, as well as hormonal imbalances and neurological disorders.

Additionally, many medications used to treat the above conditions, along with pelvic surgeries, may lead to erectile dysfunction. Lastly, lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are also considered significant risk factors.

Every man experiencing erectile problems should consult a specialized urologist-andrologist to undergo the necessary examinations, which will help determine the severity and underlying cause of the issue, allowing for the recommendation of the most appropriate treatment options.

TREATMENT

The approach to treating erectile dysfunction largely depends on the severity of the condition, its underlying cause, the patient’s age, and his personal expectations and desires. Today, specialists have a wide range of tools available, addressing both symptomatic relief and the treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by organic factors. In most cases, treatment is multimodal, meaning that more than one intervention is used in combination to achieve the desired outcome more quickly and effectively.

INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTIONS

Intracavernosal injections are one of the oldest and most effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. Their effectiveness exceeds 95%, and similarly high satisfaction rates have been reported by patients undergoing this therapy. The treatment involves the local injection of one or more vasoactive agents directly into the penis using a fine needle. Unlike oral medications, intracavernosal injections have an immediate effect, and their efficacy does not depend on the presence of sexual desire. Additionally, their action is strictly local and is not influenced by food intake or alcohol consumption. Importantly, they do not cause systemic side effects like oral medications can. The main disadvantage of intracavernosal injections is related to the method itself—using a needle to inject directly into the penis can be off-putting for some patients. However, this concern can often be minimized through the use of specialized injection devices.

SOFTINJECT

The SoftInject device by Androsystems is a simple and unique self-injection system specifically designed for intracavernosal injections. With SoftInject, the injection is completely painless, and the needle remains hidden until the moment of application. Additionally, the device ensures the safe handling and delivery of the injection through its built-in safety mechanism. This allows for discreet use in any setting, maximizing spontaneity during intimacy. Every man can be easily and quickly trained to use the SoftInject device and enjoy the effectiveness of intracavernosal injections without the common drawbacks associated with the traditional method.

Buy here:

VACUUM PUMPS

Vacuum pumps have multiple applications in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The principle behind these devices is that by placing the penis inside the pump and using the piston, air is removed from the device, causing the penis to fill with blood and resulting in a mechanical erection. This process is very important as a form of physical therapy for erectile function recovery after surgeries such as radical prostatectomy, as well as after pelvic radiation therapy, helping to maintain the elasticity and structural health of the erectile tissue. Additionally, the use of vacuum pumps produces an erection that can be maintained with appropriate constriction rings placed at the base of the penis, enabling sexual intercourse. In fact, vacuum pump therapy can be used both as a standalone treatment or in combination with pharmacological therapies, according to the guidelines of the European Association of Urology.

SOMAERECT STF

The SomaErect STF device by the American company Augusta Medical is a comprehensive vacuum pump solution that includes a complete range of constriction rings for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The major innovation of the SOMAerect is its STF (Size-to-Fit) technology, which features three cylinders. This allows each man to use the cylinder that best matches his anatomy, enabling optimal axial expansion of the penis and maximizing the effectiveness of the method.

Buy here: