By: Kristina Buscaino, D.O., M.S.
Sometimes, men can be pretty bad at talking about stuff that matters. For example, did you know that 44% of men are worried about erectile dysfunction, but only two in five will seek professional help?
Don’t worry, at Advanced Urology Institute we talk about this every day! Managing your sexual health is essential to protect your physical, mental, and overall long-term health. As physicians, we’re comfortable talking about sexual health issues with you, and we want to help you resolve them. So, today, let’s talk about some common male sexual health issues and treatments.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
What is it? ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough to have sex.
Who is at risk? Approximately 1 in 5 American men over 20 years old will experience ED in their lifetime. About 1 in 4 men face chronic health conditions, which can impact erectile function, too. These include diseases like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity.
Common treatment options?
- Oral medications – Take about 1 hour to work and last for 4-36 hours
- Injections – Self-injected medications directly into the penis, which typically begin working within 5 to 20 minutes
- Penile prosthesis – The physician implants a bendable or inflatable device that can create an erection.
- Vacuum device – A hand or battery-powered pump creates a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis. Once an erection is achieved, an elastic tension ring is placed at the base of the penis to help maintain the erection.
- Low-intensity Shockwave Therapy (LiSWT) – Clinically validated to stimulate better blood flow.
Low Testosterone (Low-T)
What is it? A man’s body is not making enough testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.
Who is at risk? It is more common in men who are over the age of 80, have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or are overweight.
Common treatment options?
- Oral medications
- Topical agents such as gels or creams
- Injections
- Testosterone pellets placed under the skin
Peyronie’s Disease
What is it? A condition that causes penile curvature, indentation, or loss of length upon erection.
Who is at risk? It’s estimated that 10-15% of adult men experience some form of Peyronie’s disease. It is more common in men over the age of 40, and it can be caused by microscopic trauma that occurs during intercourse. The trauma leads to inflammation and then a penile scar or lump.
Common treatment options?
- Oral medications
- Penile traction
- Injections – Introducing injectable collagenase into penile plaques to break them up has dramatically broadened the options for safe and effective office-based treatment
- Surgery remains highly effective for correcting more severe or S-shaped curvatures.
The bottom line is that it is okay (and healthy!) to talk about sexual health. Talk about it with your partner and, most importantly, a physician. As urologists, we receive the most extensive training available in physiology, anatomy, and treatments associated with men’s sexual health issues. We can help you enjoy a more fulfilling sex life.
Find an AUI location near you and schedule an appointment today.
