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Most men have experienced difficulty in getting or keeping an erection. So how do you know if you have Erectile Dysfunction? Take our quiz and find out.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a very common problem that affects millions of men around the world. Approximately 2 million Australian men suffer from some form of ED.
ED can occur at any age and at any point in a man’s life. The common thought that ED is an “old man’s problem” is wrong, and young men can suffer too.
Most men have experienced difficulty in getting or keeping an erection at one-time in their lives. This is normal and is often related to anxiety or nervousness, having had too much to drink, tiredness or distraction. This does not indicate a problem but could indicate an issue if the difficulties are ongoing.
ED is not something that you have to put up with – and is by no means an inevitable consequence of ageing. There are many different treatment options for ED giving successful outcomes, including medication and penile implants. ED may also be a sign of other medical problems which may need treatment in their own right, so it is always worth checking with your doctor.
Solutions are available for this common problem. A consultation with a Urologist who is experienced in evaluating and treating ED is the best starting point, as they will be able to explain the cause of the problem, investigate it correctly, and offer a range of treatments.
Dr Christopher Love specialises in treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. Make an appointment to discuss your personal situation and the options available to you. We do not require a referral from your GP (although it may help reduce the costs of the consultation). You can make an appointment by calling 1800 DR LOVE (1800 375 684) or request an appointment online.
In their own words, past patients of Dr Love share their stories and experiences of common conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction, their treatments and how their lives have changed since.
Dr. Love is the highest volume, most experienced penile implant surgeon in Australia.
There are various methods for treating Erectile Dysfunction. Dr. Love can discuss all of these options with you in more detail.
All decisions regarding your options for treating ED should be made between you, your partner and your doctor, with consideration given to your individual needs and realistic expectations, and the pros and cons of each treatment option.
Treatment options may include:
Have a free, confidential chat with our specialist ED nurse, Gill, and find out more about your treatment options.
By completing this form, you are sending your details to our specialist ED nurse Gill. Gill will contact you for a confidential discussion.
Yes, a man with erectile dysfunction (ED) can still have an orgasm. ED refers specifically to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. However, it doesn’t necessarily affect the ability to experience sexual pleasure or reach orgasm. Many men with ED can still achieve orgasm through other forms of sexual stimulation, such as oral sex or manual stimulation.
There isn’t a single “fastest” way to cure erectile dysfunction as it depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. However, some immediate treatments like medications can provide rapid relief by increasing blood flow to the penis. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment based on your specific situation.
The most successful treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on various factors, including the cause of ED, the individual’s health status, and personal preferences. Common treatments include oral medications, penile injections, vacuum erection devices, penile implants. Success rates vary among these treatments, and what works best for one person may not be as effective for another. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Regaining erectile strength often involves addressing underlying health issues, adopting lifestyle changes, and considering specific treatments. Some strategies to improve erectile function include:
A penile prosthesis is the only way to fix erectile dysfunction, the other treatments are really just ways of achieving an erection.
An inflatable penile prosthesis is a device that is surgically placed into a man’s body and is designed to duplicate and cause an erection.
This is a 40-minute surgical procedure, involving one night in hospital, and then approximately 4 weeks recovery before the implant is used.
There are different types of penile implant available, and an experienced implant surgeon, such as Dr. Love, will know the benefits and appropriate use of each, depending on the patient circumstances and expectations.
Coloplast offers the Titan Touch® inflatable implant which enables men with erectile dysfunction to have a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse and to experience the joys of sex again.
You should be able to have an orgasm with a penile implant if you were able to have one before your surgery, unless you have another medical problem that affects it.
Inflatable implants (like the Titan) produce a controlled, more natural erection. The best type of penile implant, giving normal flaccid and erect appearance, is three – piece inflatable penile prostheses which are a self-contained, fluid-filled system.
Titan Touch penile implants consist of:
The Titan Touch® is MRI conditional* and latex free.
The Titan Touch® inflatable penile implant offers a dependable method of restoring sexual function.
Rigicon, another notable penile implant manufacturer, has made noteworthy contributions to the field. Focusing on technological advancements and patient comfort, Rigicon’s implants have earned global recognition.
The Infla10® inflatable penile implant by Rigicon is renowned for its proven reliability and durability. Engineered to withstand daily demands, this implant delivers enduring performance and satisfaction. The surgical procedure and post-implantation care associated with Infla10® are well-established, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.
Rigicon® Rigi10™ malleable penile implant epitomizes the latest innovation in penile implants, incorporating cutting-edge features and technological advancements. This implant prioritizes patient comfort and usability, providing a natural and seamless experience. With its advanced design, Rigicon® Rigi10™ offers enhanced ease of use, empowering patients to engage in intimate moments with confidence and satisfaction. Comparative analysis underscores the superiority of Rigicon® Rigi10™ in terms of patient comfort and overall performance.
Read more about Penile Implants
PDE5 Inhibitors are drugs for treating impotence can be taken orally, injected directly into the penis, or inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis.
Oral Medications
are tablets available on prescription in Australia and they help achieve and make erections harder in response to sexual stimulation. These tablets do not cause an erection; they only make the erection better than it would be without taking them.
Known potential side effects and problems with these tablets:
They cannot be safely used with some heart medications and won’t work for all men. Some brands have been expensive, and one or two still are, but fortunately the most commonly used medications are now available in cheaper, generic brands which work just as well.
Each medication has different properties to the others, and different advantages for the patient, so discussing and understanding the one that suits you best is important.
Injection treatment
Many men can get an erection by injecting medication themselves, directly into the side of the penis, causing it to become engorged with blood.
The advantages of injection therapy are:
Potential side effects and problems of injection therapy include:
Although some men are happy to commence self-injection therapy, dropout rates from injection treatment range from 24 – 42%, with 70% of men stopping the injections within 5 years.
Reasons for dropping out of treatment include:
Urethral medication
Medication inserted down the “eye” of the penis by the patient can also be useful to open up blood vessels and cause an erection.
Apart from a few compounding pharmacies that still produce such medication, these types of drugs are currently not available in Australia, largely because they have not been found to be as useful as oral or injected drugs.
They can be useful for some men who want more engorgement of the head of the penis after, for instance, penile implant surgery.
There are a range of different pumps that can be used to engorge the penis and cause an “almost” erection.
These devices are a tube that goes over the penis, a pump that extracts air from that tube so the vacuum that is created causes the penis to be “sucked up” into an erection, and then a rubber ring that goes around the base of the penis to keep the blood trapped there after the tube is removed.
Whilst they can cause a firm erection, they do not achieve a really hard erection, are not very spontaneous to use, are a bit cumbersome, and cause the penis to be a bit “blue” in appearance and a bit cool to touch.
We generally find that not many patients persevere with them for erections, although they have a role in some other penile treatments, for Peyronie’s disease for instance.
There are a number of new and evolving therapies for treating Erectile Dysfunction that have become available in recent times, some without much scientific evidence that they work. Dr. Love is interested in all of these and can possibly offer them to patients in very select circumstances, often as part of a clinical trial, where we are trying to really see how well these technologies work. If you have heard of other treatments and are interested in them, we are happy to discuss these in your own particular circumstances.
Low-intensity shockwave therapy has been shown to have some effect, perhaps similar to oral medications, for men whose Erectile Dysfunction is caused by narrowing of the arteries into the penis. This treatment is available in Dr. Love’s office and may be an option that Dr. Love discusses with you. However, it should be regarded, at this stage, as not a “mainstream” therapy, as there is only a little amount of supporting evidence for how well it works in the Erectile Dysfunction literature.
Dr Love and his team understand that you may be feeling nervous, anxious or embarrassed about your symptoms or condition. We want you to know that you deserve to get the treatment you need and that you can go on to live a fulfilling and satisfying life. It’s never too late.
You can call our expert team confidentially and ask any questions you may have about your symptoms, condition, treatment options and the best way forward. No obligation.
You can request an appointment with Dr Love by calling 1800 375 683 or or completing the contact form on this page. You do not need a referral from your GP, but this may assist with the cost of the consultation.
Concerned about Erectile Dysfunction? Have a free, confidential chat with our specialist ED nurse, Gill, and find out more about your treatment options.
If you are not ready to make an appointment, but would like to ask a question or get some more information – we are here for you. Send your question to Dr Love using the form below:
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