2 minute read
Erectile Dysfunction - Beyond the Blue Pill?
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By Paul H. Kim, MD, Medical Institute of Healthy Aging
Erectile dysfunction (male impotence) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to engage in intimacy. One source has noted that up to 30 million men presently suffer from erectile dysfunction.
There are many causes to erectile dysfunction that may signal further health problems. For instance, erectile dysfunction may be a harbinger for coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack. It may also indicate a sugar problem such as diabetes. The complicated mechanisms of erection also involve nerve inputs that could be severely compromised by such factors as high stress or smoking. Finally, as an example, low testosterone states have been linked to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, before initiating any therapy, it is important to speak to your doctor to get a thorough medical history and exam and lab work, so reversible medical causes of erectile dysfunction can be addressed. With that being said, the PDE5 inhibitor class of medications which started with sildenafil (Viagra) in the United States revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Prior to PDE5 inhibitor class of medication, there were not many effective oral therapies for impotence. Most of the therapies involved cumbersome and physically altering treatments such as penile injections, vacuum devices, penile implants, etc. There are now four (4) FDA approved PDE5 inhibitors on the market. They all work on the same mechanism of action -- enhancing the effects of nitric oxide on smooth muscle relaxation for firmer erections. However, the need to take product in anticipation of intimacy as well as side effects, precautions and occasionally ineffectiveness has diminished some of the allure to this class of medicines.
Newer therapies are starting to emerge that may reduce or remove the need for the “blue pill.” One that has been popularized by Dr. Charles Runels and termed the “P-shot” or Priapus shot involves the use of autologous blood components that are harnessed and inputted directly into the penile tissue. Another more recent advancement involves the use of high intensity electromagnetic field to strengthen the musculature of the pelvic floor to help with erections. Please contact the Medical Institute of Healthy Aging to learn about these and other newer options for erectile dysfunction.
