
Patients undergo a thorough “cardiometabolic” workup to address the root cause of the problem and determine if additional cardiovascular testing is necessary. The Men’s Health Center employs a multidisciplinary model of care that takes into account all factors that may contribute to sexual dysfunction. Is the Men’s Health Center at The Miriam Hospital unique in the treatment and services it offers for erectile dysfunction? Having a supportive partner is also an important factor.

Men who are committed to addressing the root cause of the problem (diabetes, sleep disorder, smoking) have a better response to treatment. Response to oral therapies can be as high as 70%, and the rate of satisfaction in men who have surgical treatment for ED is more than 90 percent. Response to treatment depends on the cause of the problem and the type of treatment. How effective are the treatments for erectile dysfunction? The American Urologic Association guidelines do not currently recommend this treatment outside of clinical trials.

Clinical studies in men with ED responsive to medications like Viagra show promise, but this treatment has not been standardized and is not yet FDA approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) has been used successfully to help with wound healing and healing of bone fractures. Research in animals shows that this type of treatment stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and recruitment of stem cells to the penis. Several newer therapies are in development and show promise. Are there any new treatments available for erectile dysfunction? For men who have difficult to treat erectile dysfunction, or who prefer a more permanent solution, implant surgery is an option with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Addressing psychological factors is always part of the treatment plan and is sometime the most important aspect of care. Non-invasive testing like an ultrasound and Doppler can help guide decisions about using oral medications, gels inserted into the urethra or intracavernosal (penile) injections. Treatment for erectile dysfunction always starts with an assessment of the root causes of the problem and making healthy lifestyle changes to address those risks. What are the different types of treatments for erectile dysfunction? What can be expected during a physician’s visit to discuss ED and treatments of ED? Since ED usually presents 3 to 5 years prior to cardiovascular disease, recognizing risk factors is crucial in addressing potential heart disease in men with ED. The presence of the condition is a precursor to the nation’s leading cause of death in men, cardiovascular disease. What is a little known fact about erectile dysfunction that the public should be aware of? Due to repeated failed attempts, performance anxiety may present with subsequent attempts. Men report guilt, shame and frustrations related to inability to perform.

Nearly 50 percent of men ranging in age from 40 to 70 years of age are affected by ED and nearly 40 percent of men will experience some problem with erections, libido or ejaculation by the age of 40.

Who is affected by erectile dysfunction? How are men affected by erectile dysfunction? Is the problem getting better or worse?
