Erectile Dysfunction
“Erectile dysfunction is a disorder whose risk factors are primarily vascular.”
DR. JOSÉ ENRIQUE ROBLES GARCÍA
SPECIALIST. UROLOGY DEPARTMENT
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a disorder characterised by significant difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual activity. This problem must manifest persistently for at least six months to be considered clinically relevant.
The risk factors are mainly vascular in origin, with age being the most significant: the older the age, the greater the likelihood and severity of erectile dysfunction.
In addition, erectile dysfunction is often associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety. Other risk factors include obesity, metabolic syndrome, alcohol consumption and smoking.
Although less commonly, erectile dysfunction can also be experienced by those who have suffered trauma to the pelvic bones or who have received treatments such as radiotherapy or surgery for prostate, colon or rectal cancer.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
The symptom of dysfunction is the difficulty or inability to achieve or maintain an erection before or during sexual intercourse.
It may occur suddenly or gradually. Some men slowly lose the firmness of erections or the duration of erections.
In other men, especially when largely due to psychological factors, the problem may occur unpredictably and may improve at any time.
Despite difficulties with erections, they may still have normal orgasms and ejaculations without a full erection.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
To find out the degree of erectile dysfunction or whether such a situation exists, specific questionnaires are carried out which, with just a few questions, can reveal it. The doctor will take a detailed medical history and will look for any history of erectile dysfunction. It is also useful to know the social and family situation.
The doctor will then perform a physical examination and order tests to determine the hormonal situation and possible imbalances in liver, kidney or pancreatic function.
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
The treatment should be oriented according to the patient's expectations and wishes and with the participation of the couple in the discussion and choice of treatment.
Although most patients will benefit from a symptomatic treatment, that is to say, without relation to the cause, in some occasions the causal treatment is resorted to, as it can be the treatment of a psychologist specialized in sexology.
As a symptomatic treatment, the oral administration of a tablet containing sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil citrate has been shown to be effective. These drugs act, when there is sexual stimulation, increasing the blood flow of the penis.
As second line treatments, medications that the patient injects into the body of the penis are used. They have some side effects that should be avoided with a good training of the patient.
As a third line treatment, there is the placement of penile prosthesis. It is the last option because of its aggressiveness. The satisfaction rate is high, but it is not without complications.
What clinical trials do we have on Erectile Dysfunction?
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Urology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Urology of the University of Navarra Clinic offers the patient a medical team, composed of first-rate professionals, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic means such as the Da Vinci® robotic surgery.
The Department of Urology possesses the certificate of accreditation of the European Board of Urology, a reinforcement of the excellence of the service at the level of care, teaching and research, which in Spain only three hospital centers possess.
Diseases we treat:
- Prostate Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Urinary Incontinence
- Renal Lithiasis
- Genitourinary Prolapses
- Pediatric Urology
Why at the Clinica?
- A team of top-level professionals trained in international centers.
- State-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment.
- In 24-48 hours you can start the most appropriate treatment.
Our team of experts in erectile dysfunction
