A duplex ultrasound is a diagnostic technique that uses painless, high frequency sound waves to measure blood flow in structures such as the penis.The procedure itself is painless. It is usually performed before and after injection of a smooth muscle relaxing medication into the penis, which should significantly increase the diameter of the penile arteries.A duplex ultrasound is most useful in evaluating possible penile arterial disorders. Further studies of the venous drainage system as well as arterial imaging are usually recommended if vascular reconstructive surgery is anticipated.
Most often, ED can be traced to issues associated with circulation, the nervous system that controls the body’s functions, or the system of glands and organs that produces chemicals called hormones. Sometimes, ED is directly related to certain chronic medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart or kidney disease.
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Journal of Sexual Medicine: “Prevalence and correlates of erectile dysfunction by race and ethnicity among men aged 40 or older in the United States: from the male attitudes regarding sexual health survey.
The penile implant allows men to achieve an erection through an implanted device. These devices can be effective in restoring sexual activity for a man and his partner. At Yale Medicine, our doctors have specialized experience with placing the penile prosthesis.
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As with all content on Greater Boston Urology's blog, the following information is educational in nature, not medical advice. Always talk to your physician about your specific questions concerning erectile dysfunction.
A physical examination helps in diagnosing ED. Some additional testing may rule out underlying health issues.
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A physical examination helps in diagnosing ED. Some additional testing may rule out underlying health issues.
The doctor or nurse will ask about your lifestyle and relationships, and any problems you might be having.
A man’s psychological state is clearly an essential consideration when addressing issues of sexual function. While ED that is purely psychological is not common, many men who experience difficulty with erections may develop anxiety or fear about being able to get an erection the next time they try. This anxiety may lead to a stress response involving activation of the sympathetic nervous system and release of adrenaline, which will tend to make it even more difficult to get an erection. Conflict with a partner (or the absence of a partner) will also tend to increase stress and potentially interfere with erectile function.
Eat a healthy dietStop smokingLose excess weightExercise dailyMaintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levelsGet help for alcohol or drug addiction problemsLearn about the side effects of medicines you takeConsider couples counseling if you and your partner are having trouble communicating
But the BIG QUESTION is, which exercises are most effective? According to this study, pelvic floor exercises, also known as kegel, can help men suffering from ED. The study goes ahead to recommend these exercises as a first line approach for those seeking long term relief from ED.
A number of medical treatment options exist for erectile dysfunction include the following:
According to Professor Bente Klarlund Pedersen from the University of Copenhagen and Ellids Kristensen, doctor and research scientist at the Sexological Clinic in Copenhagen, these conclusions are supported by known mechanisms that can explain the link to erectile dysfunction: Physical activity makes the blood vessels more elastic, allowing more blood to flow to the sex organs. Physical activity stimulates the body’s production of nitrogen oxide, allowing the blood vessels to expand. This is essentially just what the popular medicine, Viagra, does.
A healthy diet also helps to maintain a healthy body weight, which is important because men who have a 42-inch waist are 50 percent more likely to have ED than men with a 32-inch waist. Also, obesity increases the risk for vascular disease and diabetes, two factors that contribute to ED.