Counseling

Counseling can help by working with couples to reducing tension, improve communications and obtain realistic expectations. In some patients where psychologic causes are not the originating problem but have become a significant factor, counseling may be necessary during the difficult rehabilitation period. Lifestyle modifications may be beneficial, including changes in exercise, stress levels, diet, alcohol and smoking if these are considered major contributing factors.

UWave (Penile Shockwave Therapy)

Urology of Indiana Men’s Health Center offers UWave – a revolutionary shock wave technology that can help patients achieve more satisfying, longer lasting erections without medications. Urology of Indiana is the only location in Indiana offering UWave.

While some treatments only improve blood flow temporarily, UWave stimulates the body to build new blood vessels. It’s unique because, unlike other lesser Erectile Dysfunction “shock wave” therapies, it delivers the energy right where the body needs it, every time. Other shock wave therapies used in different clinics only target the skin and don’t penetrate deep enough to reach the actual erectile tissues.

UWave is a safe, comfortable, and non-invasive shock wave therapy performed by our experts at the Men’s Health Center. Instead of increasing the body’s blood flow temporarily, UWave actually treats the underlying cause of ED by improving the body’s own natural blood flow. While medicines may “mask” the symptoms of ED, UWave can improve and eliminate erectile difficulties.

Administered over the course of just six twice-weekly sessions, many patients notice an improvement in their erections within a few weeks. Read more here about UWave.

Medications

There are several prescription drugs that may successfully treat erectile dysfunction. These drugs do not directly cause erections, but enhance erections caused by sexual stimulation. Ask your physician which drug might be best for you.

At this time, there is no evidence that nutritional supplements or vitamins have any significant bearing on sexual performance. The Food and Drug Administration has currently banned the sale or advertising of all nonprescription products for the treatment of erectile dysfunction due to the lack of scientific evidence.

Self-Injection Therapy

Self-injection therapy involves the patient or his partner giving an injection of medication directly into the side of the penis to create an erection. The erection is a natural one and usually begins five to 15 minutes after the injection. Not all patients respond to this type of treatment, but those who do should develop an erection that lasts anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes.

The injections are given with a tiny needle and use very small amounts of medicine. The injections are relatively painless and are easily taught to the patient in one or two visits with the doctor. Self-injection therapy does not impede the development of an orgasm or ejaculation and is less costly than surgical implantation. Self-injection therapy can be used by the patient at his own discretion and at any time with minimum preparation.

MUSE

MUSE is a drug treatment that represents a unique approach to treating erectile dysfunction. It is based on the discovery that the urethra can absorb certain medications into the surrounding erectile tissues, thereby creating an erection. The MUSE system uses prostaglandin E1, which is the same medication used in the self-injection therapy. An erection should begin within five to 10 minutes after administering MUSE. The duration of effect is approximately 30 to 60 minutes, but the actual duration will vary from patient to patient. Muse can be used in combination with oral therapy such as Viagra.

The most common side effects reported after using MUSE are aching in the penis, testicles, legs and in the area between the scrotum and the rectum; warmth or burning sensation in the urethra; redness of the penis due to increased blood flow; and minor urethral bleeding or spotting due to improper administration.

Vacuum Devices

The vacuum erection device is a simple mechanical tool that creates an erection by temporarily trapping blood in the penis. The more blood trapped in the penis, the firmer the erection. The penis is inserted into a hollow plastic tube, which is pressed against the body creating a seal. A vacuum is then created in the tube by use of a small hand pump. Blood is drawn into the penis, causing engorgement, enlargement and rigidity.

A vacuum device works best in patients who are able to achieve a partial erection on their own. After having adequate foreplay, which creates a mild erection, the partner can help in applying and using the vacuum device. In any type of sex therapy, the partner’s full acceptance of whatever technique is used is always helpful.

Surgical Implantation Treatment

Implantation of a penile prosthesis is one of several options available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The penis consists of three hollow tubes running along the length of the shaft. One of these, the urethra, runs along the bottom of the penis and brings urine from the bladder out through the end of the penis. The other two matched tubes running side-by-side on the top of the penis are constructed much like an automobile tire with an outer tube and an inner tube. The erection is created by the two inner tubes filling and pushing against the outer tubes, much like a tire that is inflated with air.

One of the treatment options for erectile dysfunction is the placement of prosthetic inner tubes within the penis to mimic the inflation process and create an erection. There are different types of prostheses, and hundreds of thousands of men throughout the world have been successfully treated with penile implants. Today there are three types of penile prostheses: the semi-rigid implant, the inflatable implant and a self-contained inflatable implant.

Implants are effective in treating almost every cause of erectile dysfunction. The success rate is more than 90% when both partners are informed of the nature and limitations of the prosthesis. Prostheses require no further treatment after implantation, and there is no external equipment, which might have negative connotations to the partner. No medicines or injections are needed, and once the prosthesis is placed and functioning there are no further costs. The newer prostheses are very reliable and the chance of mechanical failure is very low.