| Understanding Erectile Dysfunction |
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| What is Erectile Dysfunction? |
| Erectile dysfunction or impotence is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection adequate for sexual intercourse. It is a common and treatable condition. |
What are the risk factors and causes of Erectile Dysfunction? |
Any disorder or conditions that affect the blood vessels, impair the nervous system function and induce endocrine imbalances in the body may cause erectile dysfunction. |
| Below are some of the risk factors and causes of erectile dysfunction: |
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What can be done for Erectile Dysfunction? |
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Changing lifestyle habits (e.g. quit smoking, regular exercises, well-balanced nutritious diet) |
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Changing any medication that may be the cause of the erectile dysfunction |
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Professional counseling for the man and the couple |
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Hormone Medications (e.g. Testosterone therapy) |
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Treatment* |
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*Oral Medication |
This is the most widely used treatment modality and has been popular since 1997 when the first of its kind Viagra (Sildenafil) was first available in Singapore. This group of medicine is termed as phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors (PDE5-inhibitors) and they should not be taken together with other nitrate containing medications for example glycerine trinitrate for heart disease as when combined, possible cardiovascular side-effects can result in.
PDE-5-inhibitors help increase blood flow to the penis when stimulated and help to maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse.
Since 1997, there are three different oral pills currently, available in Singapore. The second oral pill available is Cialis (tadalafil), which offers the advantage of being the longest acting one.
Levitra (Vardenafil) is the latest oral pill for the treatment of erectile dysfunction available in Singapore. It can give results as fast as 10 minutes (on average 25 minutes) and it is the most potent PDE-5-inhibitor available.
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* Other treatment modalities are as follow: |
| Transurethral Agents - E.g. MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for Erection) in which a pellet is inserted into the urethra for the release of medication. |
| Vacuum Therapy - enables erection by increased blood flow to the penis through negative pressure suction generated by the device. |
| Injection Therapy - involves self-injection of a medicine into the side of the penis. |
| Surgical Treatment - usually to correct the blockage of blood flow to the penis so that erections will occur naturally. |
Penile Prostheses - involves the surgical placement of a device (implant which comes in 2 forms, an inflatable device and semi-rigid rods) into the two sides of the penis. This treatment is not recommended until other methods have been considered or tried.
You may obtain more detailed information on the various types of testosterone therapies available from your physician. |
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Sexual Health Questionnaire |
Take this questionnaire to assess if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction. |
| Erectile dysfunction Questionnaire >> |
