Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual activity. Some estimates suggest ED affects as many as 10-20 million men in the U.S. This number increases to 30 million if men with moderate to complete erectile dysfunction are included. ED has a linear relationship with age, increasing in prevalence with age. ED can be organized into several categories, based on the suspected cause.
Many men seek evaluation and treatment for erectile difficulties. The initial clinic evaluation will include questions such as:
- Sexual history
- The onset and duration of erectile difficulties
- The nature of the dysfunction (i.e., whether the problem is attaining or sustaining an erection, insufficient rigidity, penetration, or ejaculation)
- The presence or absence of nocturnal erections and their quality
- Psychosocial factors that may influence erectile function (such as stress)
- Current medications
- Other medical conditions
- A history of back, retroperitoneal, genitourinary or pelvic surgery
- Any changes in penile sensation
- Any medications or remedies that have been previously tried
- Social history, including smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use
- Degree to which this condition has impacted the patient’s quality of life
The initial evaluation will also include a physical examination.
The clinic performs a comprehensive evaluation of male erectile dysfunction, including evaluation of those men with hormonal, neurologic and vascular problems. Specific testing modalities available include Rigiscan, duplex Doppler ultrasound, cavernosometry and cavernosography, and penile angiography. A full range of treatments is available; possible treatments include hormonal therapy, oral agents, penile injection therapy, vacuum erection devices and penile prostheses. Selected patients may be referred for specialized sexual counseling along with these treatments. Microsurgical penile revascularization may be offered to patients meeting specific criteria. Currently available pharmaocologic treatments include:
- Sildenafil citrate (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil citrate (Levitra)
- MUSE (Alprostadil suppository)
- Caverject (Alprostadil injection)
| Service Name | Appointment |
|---|---|
| Urology - Adult | |
| General Urology | A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center | 734-936-7030 |
| Brighton Health Center | 734-936-7030 |
| Michigan Center for Minimally Invasive Urology - A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center | 734-936-7030 |
