Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or «ED» for short, is a common problem that affects men's ability to achieve or maintain a sufficient erection for sexual intercourse.
ED can have a significant impact on quality of life and self-esteem, as it is often associated with feelings of shame. Thanks to modern medical advances, there are numerous diagnostic and treatment options available to significantly improve the quality of life of affected men.

Quickfacts
Cause & Symptoms
Diagnosis
Rehabilitation
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Quick facts

  • Prevalence: Affects about 50% of men over 40 years of age
  • Common causes: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, psychological problems
  • Diagnosis: Medical history, physical examination, blood tests, specific ED tests
  • Treatment: medication, mechanical aids, psychological counselling, surgical interventions

Causes

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by various physical and psychological factors:

  • Cardiovascular diseases: High blood pressure, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis
  • Diabetes: Can cause nerve damage and circulatory disorders
  • Neurological disorders: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries
  • Hormonal problems: Low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances
  • Medications: Some medications, especially antidepressants and antihypertensives
  • Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems

Symptoms

The main symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

  • Difficulty getting an erection: Inability to achieve an erection
  • Difficulty maintaining an erection: Loss of erection during sexual intercourse
  • Reduced sexual desire: Decreased sex drive

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction includes:

  • Anamnesis: Taking a medical history and current complaints
  • Physical examination: Examination to identify physical causes
  • Laboratory tests: Checking hormone levels, blood sugar and other relevant parameters
  • Specific tests:
    • Doppler ultrasound: Assessment of penile blood flow
    • Nocturnal test: Measurement of nocturnal erections (nocturnal penile tumescence)
    • Injection tests: Assessment of vascular function by direct injection of medication into the penis

Treatment

Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the underlying cause and may include :

  • Medication: Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are commonly prescribed to help achieve and maintain an erection.
  • Mechanical aids: Vacuum pump devices and constriction rings can help maintain an erection. Penile implants are an option for severe cases.
  • Psychological counselling: Cognitive-behavioural therapy or counselling can be helpful in treating the psychological causes of ED, such as anxiety or depression.
  • Surgical interventions: In some cases, vascular surgery may be considered to correct blood flow problems.

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Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after the treatment of erectile dysfunction includes:

  • Aftercare: Regular medical examinations to monitor progress
  • Psychological support: Continuation of psychological counselling if required
  • Lifestyle: Maintaining healthy habits to improve sexual health long term

Erectile dysfunction is a treatable problem, and with the right diagnosis and treatment, most men can regain satisfactory sexual function. It is important to talk openly about this issue and seek medical advice to get the best possible treatment.

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Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Erectile dysfunction

Chemin de Beau-Soleil 20
1206 Genève

info@beaulieu.ch

+41 22 839 55 55

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