Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is erectile weakness lasting at least 6 months that prevents satisfactory sexual intercourse in more than 70% of attempts.

No, erectile dysfunction does not normally occur, even though it is very common from a certain age. However, temporary erectile problems can certainly occur.

Of course, this varies greatly from person to person. Already between the ages of 40 and 50, almost one in ten men has problems with erections. The curve then rises steeply; between the ages of 60 and 70, roughly one in three men has difficulties.

As is often the case in medicine, a healthy lifestyle has a positive effect against the development of erectile problems. However, once these have occurred, you should seek urological care; home remedies are usually not very effective.

In addition to a detailed consultation and a physical examination, laboratory tests are carried out. In most cases, an "artificial" erection is induced with medication and an ultrasound examination is used to check whether the penis is receiving sufficient blood flow (angiodynography). Depending on the results, the causes of the erectile dysfunction can be determined.

That depends entirely on the cause of the condition, and the reasons can be many. In addition to hormonal and nerve changes, defects in the blood vessels in particular can cause problems. Systemic diseases such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction as well as various medications and psychological problems can also be the cause. Finally, penile curvature (IPP) can also lead to erectile dysfunction.

In general, successful treatment of the underlying disease can lead to an improvement in erection. In this case, the erectile dysfunction is indeed curable. If, on the other hand, there are structural defects, only symptomatic therapies usually help.

The first step in the treatment of erectile dysfunction is drug treatment. If the medication does not work or stops working at a later stage, various other options can be considered. Shock wave therapy of the penis (ESWT) is painless and has a positive effect as a mild form of therapy. Self-injection of a drug into the erectile body that induces an "artificial" erection (SKAT) is also promising. Finally, surgical therapy can also be performed in which artificial erectile bodies (penile prostheses) are inserted.