Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction affects more than half of men over 50.

Experiencing occasional erection problems is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if it persists over time, it can cause stress, affect self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems.

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What is it?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This has a significant impact on a man's sex life and, consequently, on his partner's.

Impotence is a fairly common problem in men. Approximately one in three men experience erectile problems by age 40, one in two by age 50, and nearly three out of four by age 70.

Experiencing occasional erection problems is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if it persists over time, it can cause stress, affect self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems.

Erectile dysfunction was historically considered to have a psychological origin. However, it has been shown that more than 85% of cases are due to organic reasons such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, lipid profile abnormalities, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, neurological diseases, or hormonal disorders, among others.

For this reason, it is important that men who suffer from erectile dysfunction see a specialist for a thorough medical history, examination, and additional tests in order to detect the underlying cause.

The sexual sphere, and therefore its problems and solutions, remains a taboo subject in our society. For this reason, many men with long-standing problems avoid asking questions, thus denying themselves the possibility of resolving the issue of erectile dysfunction.

It is important to create an environment of trust and understanding so that men with problems in the sexual sphere can express their situation, their fears and doubts, since that is the first step to identifying the problem and being able to solve it.

One of the first changes observed in men with erectile problems is a decrease in the duration of intercourse. In fact, patients with erectile dysfunction sometimes seek medical help for what they perceive as premature ejaculation, known as secondary premature ejaculation.

As the problem progresses, men often develop a degree of sexual detachment, consciously or unconsciously inhibiting their level of sexual desire. This leads to a decrease in sexual satisfaction for both men and women whose partners experience erectile dysfunction.

At ROC, a Urology clinic in Madrid, we offer different personalized options for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Some of the most common symptoms of erection problems are:

  • Decreased erection rigidity: This is the primary symptom. Some men notice that their erections are not as firm as they used to be. The partner tends to notice this decrease in firmness later than the man. It usually corresponds to mild erectile dysfunction.
  • Decreased duration of sexual intercourse: Related to the previous point, a man may notice that he is unable to maintain an erection for as long as he used to. This is usually indicative of mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. For this reason, some men report erectile dysfunction as premature ejaculation. Some studies suggest that treating erectile problems can lead to an increase in the duration of intercourse, a phenomenon that could occur either due to increased penile rigidity or due to a direct effect of erectile dysfunction medications on sexual response and control over the timing of orgasm.
  • Premature ejaculation: Closely related to the previous point. In some cases, a man may subconsciously anticipate orgasm and experience a lack of control and premature ejaculation. This is known as secondary premature ejaculation. It corresponds to mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
  • Inability to penetrate: Insufficient rigidity prevents penetration. Although desire, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm are often associated, these are distinct phenomena. Therefore, it is possible for a man with erectile problems and an inability to penetrate to still achieve orgasm and ejaculate. When this occurs, it is considered moderate to severe erectile dysfunction.

Some men exhibit typical symptoms or behaviors produced by the emotional response to erectile dysfunction, such as decreased sexual desire, anticipatory anxiety, or the phenomenon of self-observation.

It is necessary to establish an atmosphere of trust and open communication to allow each man to express himself freely and understand his symptoms. Furthermore, given the variety of terms and idioms used in sex-related language, it is important to fully grasp the narrative and establish a clear clinical diagnosis, avoiding confusion and defining the problem as precisely as possible.

Identifying the cause of erection problems is vital to choosing the best treatment for a quick and effective solution to erectile dysfunction. There are six main causes of erection problems:

  • Psychological causesThis is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction before the age of 50. It is characterized by fluctuating erections depending on the situation, the sexual partner, or mood. The main causes of this type of problem are external stressors, low sexual desire, or performance anxiety.
  • Vascular causes: It is the most common cause after age 50. It can be caused by any condition that promotes arteriosclerosis (of the penile artery), such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and prostate problems. A different type of vascular dysfunction is venous leak, which occurs when the "closing" mechanism of the corpora cavernosa fails.
  • Medication use: Although many medications can cause erectile dysfunction, the three types of drugs that characteristically cause the most problems are blood pressure pills (diuretics and beta-blockers), drugs to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride) or advanced prostate cancer (enzalutamide, abiraterone, androgen blockade), and most antidepressants and neuroleptics (to treat anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia).
  • Neurological causes: Diseases that prevent nerves from properly transmitting information generated in the brain to the penile arteries can cause sexual desire but a lack of penile response. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and prostate problems are examples of this type of issue.
  • Hormonal causes: Primarily hypogonadism, which is a decrease in testosterone, sex drive, and levels of this hormone. It is closely related to some medications (morphine, corticosteroids) and to metabolic syndrome (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia).
  • Penile causes: Some serious penile diseases can cause penile dysfunction. The main ones are: peyronie's disease (penile curvature, which affects 5% of men) and penile fracture. It is generally a significant and difficult-to-treat erectile dysfunction.

It is important not only to understand the root of the problem but also its impact on the sex life and quality of life of the man and his partner. Likewise, the urologist should be aware of each person's preferences and the types of treatments they would prefer to avoid.

Only in this way will it be possible to attack the root of the problem in an efficient and sustainable way over time, improving the quality of sexual life with a treatment that suits that person and their scale of values.

Establishing a good diagnosis is the first step in helping a man with erectile dysfunction. Since the effectiveness of treatment varies greatly depending on the cause of the problem, it is very important to accurately determine its origin.

  • Clinical interview: The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is made through a medical history and the use of questionnaires (EHS, IIEF, IIEF-5) with a dual objective: to determine the cause of the problem and to assess its severity. Any relevant personal history will be evaluated, and the course of the condition, ejaculatory function, and sexual desire will be investigated to establish the possible cause. A detailed medical, psychological, and sexual history is necessary to obtain as much information as possible about how the problem began, in what situations it occurs, how it progresses, and the factors that may improve or worsen it. The clinical interview is especially relevant for ruling out erection problems due to pharmacological, psychological, and neurological causes. It also allows for determining the intensity of the problem and its potential repercussions: decreased sexual desire, premature ejaculation, decreased satisfaction, relationship problems, etc.
  • Physical exploration: It helps to understand some fundamental aspects and rule out very common causes of impotence, such as hypertension. Likewise, examination of the genitals, the distribution of pubic hair, the size and consistency of the testicles, and the presence of plaques on the penis can reveal information about hormonal and penile problems (Peyronie's disease).
  • Blood test: In almost all patients, a blood test is necessary to determine a hormonal profile (testosterone, SHBG, LH, prolactin). In addition to identifying possible hormonal causes, this will also allow for verifying or ruling out vascular causes such as hypercholesterolemia, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes, or neurological causes such as diabetes or liver problems.
  • Nocturnal penile tumescence test: If psychological erectile dysfunction is suspected, a nocturnal penile tumescence test will be performed. This test measures the automatic nocturnal erections that all men experience upon entering the REM phase of sleep. A device called RigiScan is used for this test, measuring the degree and frequency of these erections to assess whether the vascular mechanism responsible for erection is intact. It is simple to use and consists of two straps placed at the base and tip of the penis, connected to a recording device. The information provided allows for a highly accurate differentiation between erectile dysfunction of vascular origin and that of psychogenic origin.
  • Doppler ultrasound with prostaglandins: If venous leakage is to be ruled out, a baseline penile Doppler ultrasound will be performed. Beforehand, vasoactive substances are injected to induce an erection. After the prostaglandin injection, a significant increase in blood flow to the penis is observed, allowing for an assessment of the integrity of the corporo-veno-occlusive mechanism. Some healthy men do not respond to this medication, so the results will always be critically analyzed. This diagnostic test allows for the exploration of the arterial and venous nature of the erectile problem, as well as the vascular system in diseases such as... Peyronie's disease when complex surgeries are planned.

Other tests such as cavernosography, cavernosometry, pelvic arteriography or assessment by mental health experts are not usually necessary in most men with erection problems, although they may be in selected cases.

After identifying the cause of erectile dysfunction and understanding the patient's desires and expectations, the most appropriate treatment will be applied to fit their sex life in order to achieve positive, effective and lasting results.

The main treatments for erectile dysfunction are:

Lifestyle modification and risk factor reduction

This is especially important in cases of arterial vascular erectile dysfunction and erectile dysfunction due to low testosterone. A proper diet, regular exercise, and weight loss can normalize many erection problems. In some studies, particularly with men who are obese or diabetic, diet and exercise, and even occasionally bariatric surgery (surgery designed to help obese people lose weight), have normalized erectile function without medication. If vascular problems—such as arteriosclerosis—or hormonal imbalances are present, lifestyle modification is essential to prevent erection problems from worsening.

Low-intensity shock waves

It is a regenerative treatment, indicated for mild to moderate vascular erectile dysfunction, that promotes blood vessel growth. This erectile dysfunction treatment is performed in the office, without the need for hospitalization or anesthesia, with a very low probability of complications (the most common being a minor bruise). Several sessions (4-8) are usually needed to achieve results. Its effectiveness is approximately 70%, but it loses effectiveness in other types of erection problems or if the problem is not vascular.

Oral medications

This is the most widely used alternative, as it improves erections regardless of the underlying cause. Chemically known as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, commercially known as Viagra, they are usually used on demand (with some exceptions). They are very safe, with an efficacy rate of up to 70%, although some men respond less well if they have diabetes, venous leak, or erectile dysfunction following a prostatectomy. Currently, four medications of this type are available: sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil. They can be classified as short-acting phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil, and avanafil), with an onset of action between 30 and 60 minutes and a duration of 6 to 10 hours; and long-acting (tadalafil), which requires taking the medication 1 to 2 hours before sexual intercourse and has an effect that lasts up to 36 hours.

Local treatment with alprostadil

A vasodilator drug that is applied directly to the penis in various ways. In Spain, there are three presentations of this product, with an efficacy ranging from 50% to 90% of cases depending on the treatment strategy and the type of erectile dysfunction.

  • Crema: It is applied to the urinary meatus without inserting any cannula.
  • SuppositoriesIt is applied inside the urethra with the help of a small device, thus increasing its effectiveness. The medication is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the urethra (corpus spongiosum) and transferred to the erectile chambers (corpora cavernosa) through small blood vessels. The erectile tissue relaxes and allows blood to flow in, producing an erection. It begins to work within the first 5 to 10 minutes, and the effect lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. The erection may continue after ejaculation, but it will subside within an hour, depending on the dose prescribed by the doctor.
  • InjectionThis is the most effective non-surgical method. The medication is applied inside the corpora cavernosa.

Hormonal treatment

It is the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by hypogonadism (a disorder affecting the testicles and ovaries). This treatment can be combined with other medications. It is a very safe and effective supplement, but results may take months to appear. There are two testosterone formulations:

  • TransdermalThe transdermal gel formulation is applied every morning to the shoulders and abdomen, and is the method of choice to start treatment.
  • InjectableAfter 3-6 months of treatment, and having ruled out the presence of side effects, we can move on to quarterly injectable treatment, which facilitates application.

Psychological therapy

Indicated for men with psychological erectile dysfunction. It also helps many men with long-standing organic problems who have developed a negative emotional response as a result. Its effectiveness in treating psychological erectile dysfunction reaches 95%.

Penile prosthesis

This involves the placement of a penile implant, a device implanted inside the corpora cavernosa to give the penis the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. It is indicated in some cases of severe erectile dysfunction or when other treatments have failed. It is a very effective and safe surgery, and patient satisfaction is very high.

FAQ

Because the penis doesn't accumulate enough blood for an erection. This can be due to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or elevated cholesterol levels, which can cause vascular problems that make erections difficult.
Some have a longer-lasting effect, up to 36 hours, and others a shorter-lasting effect, up to 10 hours. But you should always take the medication your doctor recommends.
The amount of use a prosthesis receives will affect its lifespan. A sexually active man will find that the prosthesis becomes less effective over time. For this reason, it is recommended to have checkups every 5 years.
30 minutes of daily physical exercise, a healthy and balanced diet, and reducing stress can help improve the quality of erections.
Try to regain your self-confidence by confronting the problem. Withdrawing will only increase your apprehension and prevent any form of intimacy with your partner. Be patient; rebuilding self-esteem is a gradual process. Savor intimate moments with your partner and enjoy the foreplay.
When all other treatments have failed and the patient has no contraindications.
Yes, they are very common, especially after the age of 40.
Drugs sold online for erectile dysfunction have not undergone the necessary health controls and in many cases are dangerous.
It's a myth that these types of medications cause heart attacks or angina. Numerous studies with over 20 years of follow-up demonstrate that medication for erectile dysfunction is effective and safe.
It's very likely your partner already knows. Talk to your partner openly about what's happening and how it makes you feel. Your partner needs to be an ally in finding the best solution, and that requires communication and dialogue.
When a man does not respond to treatment with pills, the best alternative is usually the placement of a penile prosthesis.
We all have bad spells and a lot of stress, but if you go a while without a good erection, that can undermine your confidence and enter a vicious cycle where you get worse and worse erections.

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Our centers
urology

We treat our patients at the ROC Chamberí clinic and in the HM Hospitals network of centers in Madrid: Sanchinarro, Montepríncipe, Madrid Río, Rivas, Puerta del Sur, Nuevo Belén, Policlínico HM Moraleja and Nuevo Norte. 

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