Erectile Dysfunction – Causes & Treatment Options

DTAP Men’s Health Clinic Singapore

Can’t get it up? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Help is on the way!

Since the 1990’s, erectile dysfunction (ED) has been gaining greater recognition as a common and significant problem for men and their sexual partners. Higher rates of men seeking help are being driven by the emergence of more accessible and effective treatment options, especially in primary healthcare provider settings.

Studies indicate that up to 20% of sexually active men suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction.

The prevalence of ED increases with age, with up to 86% of men aged 80 years or above unable to achieve a satisfactory erection. Tags: Erectile Dysfunction Clinic Singapore / Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Singapore / ED Treatment Singapore

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

What are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a complex condition which can be caused or associated with multiple factors and chronic diseases, such as:

  • Venous leak (cavernosal insufficiency)
  • Obesity
  • Medication side effects

While erectile dysfunction is not a life-threatening condition, it can often be the first sign of an underlying condition such as heart disease or diabetes. Furthermore, it can have a considerable impact on a man’s sense of well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Tags:Erectile Dysfunction Clinic Singapore / Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Singapore / ED Treatment Singapore

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

If you think you may have Erectile Dysfunction, the first step is to speak to your doctor.

There are many safe and effective treatments now available for Erectile Dysfunction, but recommended treatments may vary depending on the underlying cause, age and comorbid conditions such as heart disease.

Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes will benefit, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and cutting down on alcohol. If the Erectile Dysfunction is being caused by a medication, you may be counselled to reduce the dose or change to an alternative drug. – Erectile Dysfunction Clinic Singapore / Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Singapore / ED Treatment Singapore

Other effective treatments for Erectile Dysfunction include:

  • Counselling
  • Oral medications
  • Injectables
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Surgery (prosthesis)

Oral Medications

The most common form of medications available are known as PDE5 inhibitors. This class of medications work by increasing blood flow to penile tissues and are effective for over 80% of patients.

Some possible side effects can include a headache, nasal stuffiness, feeling flushed, and slight muscle ache.

If you have heart disease and are taking a class of drug called nitrates, you will be advised by the doctor not to take them concurrently as this can potentially cause a significant drop in blood pressure.

It is also dangerous to mix the blue pills and alkyl nitrites together.

Please also inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including over the counter medications or herbal supplements. – Erectile Dysfunction Clinic Singapore / Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Singapore / ED Treatment Singapore

Injectables

This is a pre-filled injection pen that is self-administered by patients into the penile tissue to achieve an erection rapidly and consistently.

As it is injected directly into the penis, there are fewer potential systemic side effects, which some people may experience with the oral medications.

Using this injectable, an erection can be attained within minutes of administration and usually will last up to one hour. Your doctor will advise whether this is a suitable treatment for you, as well as demonstrate self-injection technique.

While it may seem slightly daunting initially, most patients quickly get used to using this injectable and may find it more effective than just the oral medications. – Erectile Dysfunction Clinic Singapore / Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Singapore / ED Treatment Singapore

Counselling

Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be caused by stress or anxiety, sometimes in combination with other medical conditions. These may be triggered by problems at work, family, or with your partner.

It can be useful to speak to a licensed therapist who can address these issues and reduce sexual anxiety, building confidence and improving aspects of your relationship. – Erectile Dysfunction Clinic Singapore / Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Singapore / ED Treatment Singapore

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

ESWT For Erectile Dysfunction

This is a novel mode of treatment for Erectile Dysfunction which uses low-intensity shock waves directly to penile tissues to help stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.

It has been shown to be safe, painless, and effective for the treatment of vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction (caused by blood vessel problems such as in people with diabetes and high blood pressure).

While the medications above help to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, ESWT is the only method that aims to restore the natural mechanism to enable normal and spontaneous erections.

It has also been shown to improve Peyronie’s disease in certain cases, by breaking up the scar tissue that is causing the abnormal penile curvature.

ESWT usually comprises of 6-12 sessions over a period of a few weeks, and results have shown to last for upwards of a year.

It is not effective for all types of Erectile Dysfunction, so make sure you speak to your doctor to decide if it is suitable for you.

Penile Pumps & Surgery

Penile pumps are vacuum devices which help increase blood flow to the penis and are sometimes used after prostate surgery to help with erectile rehabilitation.

You will be typically recommended a daily regimen designed to restore normal blood flow to the penis, but this program can sometimes take a few months to show improvement. If all other methods fail, your doctor may refer you for surgery with a urologist.

This usually involves the insertion of a penile prosthesis (implant), which can either be malleable (bendable) or operated with an inflatable pump.

Implantation of these prostheses usually occurs under general anaesthesia, and complications can include breakage or infection.

With over 4,500 ESWT procedures done, we have successfully helped numerous men overcome erectile dysfunction safely and quickly.

If you or your partner are experiencing any signs or symptoms of erectile dysfunction, please contact us or email us at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg for an appointment today.

DTAP Clinic @ Robertson

DTAP @Robertson Men’s Health Clinic.