How is erectile dysfunction treated?
In the treatment of erectile dysfunction, in many cases a physical examination and answering questions about your medical history will be enough to diagnose the problem. If you have a chronic health condition, or if your doctor suspects that an underlying condition may be involved, you may need further tests or a consultation with a specialist.
Tests for underlying conditions may include:
- Physical examination: this may include a careful examination of the penis and testicles and checking the nerves for sensation.
- Blood tests: a blood sample may be sent to the laboratory to check for heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health conditions.
- Urine tests (urinalysis): like blood tests, urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.
- Ultrasound: this test is usually performed by a specialist. With a device held over the blood vessels that supply the penis, the doctor can see whether there are blood-flow problems. In ultrasound tests a drug may be injected into the penis to evaluate blood flow better.
- Psychological evaluation: your doctor may ask questions to assess depression, anxiety or other psychological conditions.
The treatment of erectile dysfunction varies according to the underlying problem. If you have a problem such as diabetes or heart disease, your doctor will first refer you to a specialist for the treatment of these diseases. If you are already aware of these problems and your treatment is progressing well, the doctor may prescribe certain medications for your erectile problem. Drugs containing sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil increase blood flow to the penis, producing or sustaining an erection. The doses and duration of effect of these drugs vary according to the active ingredient. These drugs are tried first in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In patients who do not benefit from them, penile injections, pumps or implants can be used.
Is it suitable for patients who do not benefit from medication?
As a first option for erectile dysfunction, patients use oral medications. Because these drugs have to be taken every day, and because of possible side effects, patients look for a treatment method that can be permanent. After a certain time the drugs also stop working. At this point patients can turn to ESWT treatment.
Which ESWT technology is used at the AndroFert Clinic?
With shockwave energy, waves can be delivered to 100% of the penis, achieving success in 87% of patients. This technology, which has no pain or side effects, has begun to be used in leading clinics around the world.
This technology, developed by the German company WOLF and called PIEZO WAVE2, was brought to the AndroFert clinic in 2021. With the 2021 and 2022 devices, our patients receive SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (ESWT) sessions with the latest technology.
