Erectile dysfunction affects all men at some point in their lives. “Erection is a phenomenon of vascular relaxation. So, a problem at work, a family problem or any difficulty can disturb her,” recalls Dr. Marc Galiano, urologist and andrologist. We speak of erectile dysfunction when there is an inability to obtain an erection rigid enough to have sexual intercourse, or an inability to maintain it during intercourse.
Of course, occasional difficulty in obtaining an erection should not worry. If, on the other hand, these problems are recurring and persist over time, you must consult to determine their origin.
Erectile dysfunction: how to assess it?
To assess erectile dysfunction, the doctor has a tool called EHS (Erection Hardness Score). The man can also use it himself to know his erectile function. It consists of 4 grades:
- Grade 0: the penis does not grow
- Grade 1: the penis grows, but does not harden
- Grade 2: the penis hardens but not enough to allow penetration
- Grade 3: the penis is rigid enough to allow penetration but does not reach maximum rigidity.
- Grade 4: erection of complete rigidity allowing intercourse with penetration
Erection problem: what tests to determine the cause?
“Erectile dysfunction can have a psychological or physical origin but it is often mixed. Questioning the patient already makes it possible to guide the diagnosis and to sort things out.”, explains the urologist. If it appears suddenly and is linked to a particular situation, a context of adultery or depression for example, it is generally of psychological origin. On the other hand, if it occurs gradually in a diabetic person, who smokes a lot, is sedentary, or has cardiovascular problems, the origin is most often organic.
Even if the doctor suspects a psychological cause, he will still prescribe a biological assessment (lipid profile, hormonal measurements, blood sugar) and a penile Doppler ultrasound to rule out an organic problem. “If there is no physical cause, the patient is referred to a sexologist. But some men are completely resistant and cannot accept that the problem could have a psychological origin.”, explains the specialist.
Erectile dysfunction: what are the treatments?
Faced with erection problems, Dr. Galiano insists on the importance of resolving health and dietary problems. “A sedentary lifestyle is bad for erections, so it is very important to practice physical activity regularly. You must also ensure that you have good sleep, without apnea or snoring.”, he recommends.
Of course, effective treatments exist, depending on the nature of the disorders and possible contraindications: IPDE5 (or Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors), that is to say Viagra or Cialis, intravenous gel -urethral prostaglandin, injections of prostaglandin directly into the corpora cavernosa of the penis.
Thanks to Dr. Marc Galiano, urologist and andrologist.