Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability of the penis to reach the necessary firmness for sexual intercourse or to maintain that firmness throughout the relationship. According to research, erectile dysfunction is a common sexual health issue that affects one in two men over the age of 40. This article provides valuable information about erectile dysfunction and the available treatment methods.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability of the penis to achieve the firmness required for sexual intercourse or to maintain that firmness.
When men are sexually aroused, hormones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels all work together to create an erection. Signals sent from the brain to the penis through nerves cause the muscles to relax. This allows blood to flow into the tissues of the penis. When the penis fills with blood and an erection is achieved, the blood vessels in the penis close to maintain the erection. After sexual arousal, these blood vessels open again to allow blood to exit. A problem occurs when this process cannot be experienced or maintained properly, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
An erection happens when the two cylindrical structures within the penis, known as corpus cavernosum, fill with blood. Any physical condition that prevents this blood filling can cause the penis to fail to become erect or maintain its firmness.
All men may experience erectile dysfunction from time to time due to various reasons. It is normal to sometimes have issues both in achieving and maintaining an erection. Stress, alcohol use, and mismatches with a partner can sometimes cause difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. However, for some men, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection becomes a persistent problem. In such cases, it is referred to as erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, or its medical term, erectile dysfunction, refers to a condition where men experience long-term difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. For erectile dysfunction to be considered, it must occur frequently.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by various stress factors during sexual intercourse. However, stress-related erectile dysfunction is usually temporary. For a condition to be classified as erectile dysfunction, it must occur persistently. Generally, long-term erectile dysfunction is often related to issues with the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. Insufficient blood flow to the penis or blood not being trapped there can prevent an erection. Damage to the nerves in the penile area due to certain traumas can also be a factor causing erectile dysfunction. Additionally, conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening or blocking of arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes can also be causes of erectile dysfunction.
There are both physical and psychological aspects to erectile dysfunction. In some cases, these two factors can trigger each other, leading to both being present simultaneously. Some risk factors that can hinder an erection include:
Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age in men. However, as age increases, the frequency of erectile dysfunction also tends to rise. It is most commonly seen after the age of 50. However, some men who exercise regularly, do not smoke or drink alcohol, may maintain sexual functionality healthily even into their 80s.
Men experiencing erectile dysfunction sometimes seek remedies online without discussing their issue with anyone. They may look for foods, vitamins, or medications that promise to help with erectile issues. However, many of these products lack scientific validity and are often sold by individuals with malicious intent. It is crucial for men to be cautious and consult a reputable specialist. Erectile dysfunction is a common health issue and should not be considered shameful. Consulting a specialist is the first step to finding appropriate treatment. In hospitals, the department for male sexual dysfunctions and erection problems is urology.
Erectile dysfunction can have numerous causes, ranging from psychological factors to physical problems or other underlying health conditions. Therefore, a thorough examination is required. Specialists will first take the patient's history and then perform a physical examination of the penile area. Following this, blood and urine tests, hormone tests, and color Doppler ultrasonography are conducted to assess the condition of the penile blood vessels.
Based on the results of these tests, specialists determine the source of the erectile dysfunction and establish a treatment plan. If no physical problems are detected, the issue is assessed as psychological, and a psychological therapy process is initiated.
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition among men, especially after the age of 40, where nearly one in two men experiences this problem. Consequently, significant research and development have been devoted to its treatment, with many technological methods now available. These methods allow patients to overcome the issue without experiencing pain or discomfort. Once the cause of the erectile dysfunction is identified, a treatment method is determined accordingly. One commonly used method by doctors is ESWT Shockwave Therapy. Other treatments include erectile dysfunction medications, penile implants, or surgical interventions, depending on the underlying cause of the problem.
In low-intensity shockwave therapy with Modus ED SWT, shockwaves applied to an anatomical area cause mechanical stress and micro-trauma. This mechanical stress and micro-trauma trigger a series of biological reactions that increase blood flow and stimulate neovascularization in the tissue. As a result, the increased blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels in the penis resolve the erectile dysfunction issue.
ED SWT therapy is applied directly to various areas of the penis and the base of the penis. In each session, 300 shockwaves are administered to each area, totaling 1,500 shockwaves. Treatment is performed on five different points on the penis.
Treatment is conducted in sessions of six. The number of sessions can be increased based on the severity of the condition, as the treatment has no side effects. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes.
No medications, sedation, or anesthesia are used before the session. After the session, the patient can return to their daily activities immediately.
Non-surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction typically involve intracavernosal injections of vasodilators to increase blood flow by expanding the vessels. However, these methods do not address the underlying pathological causes of the erection issues and are generally used only before sexual intercourse with a limited effect duration.
Medications for erectile dysfunction are taken orally, allowing active ingredients to spread throughout the body, which can pose serious risks for individuals with heart and vascular diseases. In contrast, Modus ED SWT uses focused shockwaves to stimulate only the targeted blood vessels.
In Modus ED SWT therapy, pathological causes are completely addressed, and full recovery can be observed even in severe cases. Unlike other methods that increase vessel width, Modus ED SWT promotes the formation of new vessels, avoiding potential side effects for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.
Additionally, Modus ED SWT is a non-invasive treatment, so no surgical intervention is required. Patients can resume their daily lives immediately after approximately 20-minute sessions.
No sedation, soothing, or other preparations are needed before the treatment. There are no side effects such as pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, burning, or irritation during or after the procedure.
Sexual health problems and certain psychiatric conditions in men can also lead to sexual function disorders. These disorders include lack of sexual desire, sexual aversion disorder, erectile dysfunction (impotence), premature ejaculation, and painful intercourse. Sexual function disorders are quite common among men. However, many men prefer to ignore these issues due to social stigma, fear of embarrassment, or reluctance to discuss them with their partners. Research indicates that one in three people experiences a sexual function disorder at some point in their lives. The following table shows the prevalence of various sexual function disorders worldwide.
| Sexual Function Disorder | Lifetime Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| Decreased Sexual Desire | 16 |
| Erectile Dysfunction | 5-50 |
| Premature Ejaculation | 21-35 |
| Other Orgasm Disorders | 3-4 |
Source: İncesu, 2004
As shown in the table above, the prevalence of sexual function disorders worldwide is quite high. Despite the common occurrence of these conditions, their significance has only been recognized in recent years.
Despite the frequent occurrence of sexual function disorders, the number of hospital visits remains relatively low. This is due to both traditional reasons and fear of societal pressure, as well as a lack of knowledge about treatment options among men. Each sexual function disorder has varying treatment methods depending on the patient. With recent technological advancements, treatments like ESWT Shockwave Therapy make it possible to effectively address many sexual function disorders. Men who suspect they have such a disorder should consult a specialized urologist.
Impotence, commonly known as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection until ejaculation, is a problem faced by men. However, it's important to remember that not every instance of failed erection or inability to sustain an erection constitutes impotence. Impotence is only considered when this issue persists over time.
For a complete sexual intercourse, an erection must be achieved and maintained until ejaculation. This requires that there are no issues with the blood vessels in the penis or the chambers that hold blood during an erection. If blood can be retained in these chambers until ejaculation, the erection can continue.
Many men who experience impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, often hide their condition or believe that no treatment exists, leading them to avoid seeking medical help. Research indicates that one in ten men suffers from erectile dysfunction. However, hospital visit statistics do not reflect this high number. Although impotence is more common with age, it can occur at any age. Importantly, impotence is a treatable condition. Recent treatments like ESWT Shockwave Therapy can effectively resolve impotence.
Under normal conditions, the penis is a soft tissue. When a sexual stimulus is encountered, blood-carrying vessels continue to supply blood to the penis while vessels that prevent blood from leaving the penis constrict, retaining the blood inside the penile chambers and causing an erection. For the penis to penetrate the vagina during intercourse, it must achieve a certain hardness, known as an erection. If the penis fails to reach this level of hardness or if the hardness diminishes prematurely, it is defined as erectile dysfunction, also referred to as impotence. In medical terminology, the term "impotence" has not been used since the 1990s. Erectile dysfunction can be classified into two types: situational and complete erectile dysfunction.
Situational erectile dysfunction occurs when an erection is not achieved in certain situations or with specific partners.
Complete erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to achieve any erection whatsoever.
For sexual intercourse to occur, the penis must achieve sufficient hardness. A penis that is not firm enough cannot enter the vagina. Achieving this hardness requires some time. Both the penis must reach adequate hardness, and the vagina must be lubricated for successful intercourse. Otherwise, intercourse may not be possible. Sometimes, even if the penis is erect before intercourse, it may lose its firmness before entering the vagina. This condition is known as impotence in medical terms and is colloquially referred to as "the sexual organ being indifferent."
The treatment for impotence involves a diagnostic assessment by a specialist, followed by the creation of a treatment plan based on the condition. Treatment options may include medications, ESWT Shockwave Therapy, penile implants, or surgical interventions.
Research shows that six out of ten men experience short-term or persistent erection issues during their lifetime. Erection problems often lead to psychological issues, such as depression, due to their perceived seriousness. For adolescents and young men who view sexual activity as a central aspect of their lives, erection problems can sometimes lead to severe distress. Today, discussions about sexual disorders are more common, and men are becoming more open about these issues. This shift is largely due to the availability of effective and painless treatment options. Erection disorders can now be treated with various methods, even yielding positive results in older patients.
First used in the 1980s, ESWT Shockwave Therapy is now effectively used for various conditions. Initially applied in urology and orthopedics, it is favored by both doctors and patients due to its non-invasive nature and minimal discomfort, allowing patients to continue their daily lives during treatment.
This method is used primarily for erectile issues related to the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis and retain it during an erection. By sending sound waves to the affected area, this therapy stimulates the blood vessels and promotes neovascularization. During the application, a local anesthetic gel is used, so the patient does not feel any discomfort.
Each session of ESWT Shockwave Therapy lasts approximately 20 minutes. Sessions are typically held every two days, with a total treatment duration of around two weeks. Patients can resume their normal activities and sexual relations immediately. Although the effectiveness of the treatment is usually apparent about a month after completion, ESWT is highly effective for treating erectile issues. Its non-invasive nature and the fact that it does not require hospitalization make it a convenient treatment option.
For men with erection issues, regardless of the treatment method used, it is recommended to quit smoking and alcohol use and to engage in regular exercise.
Sexual desire decline, a type of sexual dysfunction, can affect men of all ages but is more common in older men. The most common sexual dysfunctions in men include:
Sexual dysfunction in men can initially be diagnosed through a physical examination. However, the physical examination should be supported by various tests.
These play an important role in diagnosing and identifying the disease.
The Shock Wave Therapy for Sexual Desire (Modus ED SWT) is applied using a rod-shaped device placed near different areas of the penis. These rods send small impulses. The procedure, which does not require anesthesia, lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Shock waves enhance blood flow to the penis, supporting tissue stimulation. Because it does not cause pain or any side effects in men experiencing sexual desire issues, it is commonly preferred. Shock wave therapy is effective in eliminating sexual desire issues. While the duration and frequency of the treatment can vary from person to person, positive results can be seen from the first session if performed correctly and effectively.
Andropause is defined as age-related changes in testosterone levels. It most commonly occurs in men aged 50 and above. One of the most common reasons for andropause is a decrease in androgen production in older men. The role of the androgen hormone is not only to drive sexual desire but also to initiate changes during puberty, provide mental and physical energy, and maintain muscle mass.
Also known as male menopause, andropause differs from female menopause in certain aspects. Firstly, not all men experience this condition. Secondly, men experiencing andropause do not completely lose reproductive functions. However, sexual complications can arise as a result of low hormone levels.
The Modus ED SWT shock therapy method is the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction seen in andropause. Men in many different countries face andropause as they age. The negative effects of andropause on couples' sexual lives can be eliminated with the Modus ED SWT shock therapy method. This method helps to reduce the effects of andropause, improve erectile issues, and allow individuals to continue enjoying a high-quality sexual life.
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