3 Key Takeaways:
- It is important to start with medications when exploring treatment options for erectile dysfunction, but there are other options such as injection therapy and penile implants.
- Injection therapy is less intimidating than it seems and most men are happy with the results.
- Advanced Urology Institute offers a comprehensive range of treatment options to cater to the unique needs of every patient.
Starting with Medications
It is often said that when it comes to addressing health concerns, the first step is acceptance, education, and then seeking treatment. Erectile dysfunction, a condition affecting many of men in FL, is no different. As stated by Dr. Brian Hale, a board-certified urologist in New Port Richey, FL, “We always start with medications and I usually will try maybe three medicines first and try to find one that works”.
Typically, the initial treatment options for erectile dysfunction involve the prescription of oral medications. These have varying effects depending on the particular needs and responses of the patient. But the journey does not end if these medications do not provide the expected results. Dr. Hale adds, “If that’s not working then we move on to injection therapy”.
Embracing Injection Therapy
Here’s a truth that might surprise you: injection therapy is less intimidating than it seems. It involves the injection of a basal dilator into the shaft of the penis, promoting dilation of the penile arteries. As Dr. Hale explains, “For most men who fail the medical therapy, the injection therapy works”. The process is carefully guided and includes a teaching session in the office, as well as using ultrasound technology to measure arterial flow for effective dosage determination.
While some men may initially be apprehensive about the idea of injections, most are pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain and the efficacy of the results. Indeed, Dr. Hale confirms, “Once the guys start the injection therapy, usually they’re pretty happy with it”.
Beyond Medications: Considering Penile Implants
When the usual methods of treatment options for erectile dysfunction fail, there are still other strategies to explore. Dr. Denis Healey, a renowned urologist in Panama City, FL, highlights this: “The options beyond medications are a little difficult for some patients but as long as the patient is willing to try them, they’re eventually going to find something that works for them.”
One such option is the penile implant, which, as Dr. Healey emphasizes, has an impressive “90 percent patient satisfaction rate”. Although surgical by nature, their safety and success rates are commendably high.
Advocating for Your Health with Advanced Urology Institute
As urologists of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, we are dedicated to providing expert care for men dealing with erectile dysfunction. Dr. Hale’s and Dr. Healey’s philosophies encapsulate our approach: proactive, personable, and dedicated to finding a solution that works for you.
At Advanced Urology Institute, we understand the complexity of health concerns like erectile dysfunction. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options that cater to the unique needs of every patient. Walk with us on your journey to better health and experience the difference of dealing with the largest team of specialized urologists in FL.
References:
- “Sildenafil (Oral Route) Proper Use – Mayo Clinic.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sildenafil-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20066989.
- “Maximizing Success Rates and Minimizing Infection Rates for Penile ….” https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/urology-mens-health-blog/2019/aug/.
- “5 Things to Know If You’re Considering a Penile Implant.” 17 Feb. 2020, https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/feb/5-things-to-know-if-you-are-considering-a-penile-implant/.
Transcription:
Dr. Brian Hale (New Port Richey, FL)
So we always start with medications and I usually will try maybe three medicines first and try to find one that works. If that’s not working then we move on to injection therapy and we inject a basal dilator directly into the shaft of the penis to dilate the penile arteries.
For most men who fail the medical therapy, the injection therapy works. Not many men come up and say that’s a great idea. I prefer to bring that up obviously but it’s not very painful for them and so we do a teaching session in the office and we also use an ultrasound, a Doppler ultrasound to measure arterial flow to try to get a good estimate on which dose of medication to use.
Once the guys start the injection therapy, usually they’re pretty happy with it. We do the first dose in the office to let them know that hey this is not that painful and it’s something you can do and then we give men a chance to try that at home and it’s pretty rare to have a guy who cannot do the injection therapy.
Dr. Denis Healey (Panama City, FL)
The outcomes for treatment of erectile dysfunction are very, very good. For probably 70 percent, 80 percent of patients just the phosphodiester inhibitor medications by mouth are adequate. The options beyond medications are a little difficult for some patients but as long as the patient is willing to try them, they’re going to eventually find something that works for them.
The implants, once the patient gets to the point of requiring any surgery for this, a penile implant has a 90 percent patient satisfaction rate. They work great. They are surgical procedures but the safety is very, very good and the success rate for the patient is very high.
