Erectile and Sexual Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

Also known as impotence or ED, erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Typical causes of erectile dysfunction may include diseases such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), nerve disorders or psychological factors such as stress, depression, or performance anxiety.  An injury sustained to the penis may also result in ED.  Chronic illness, certain medications and a condition called Peyronie’s Disease (scar tissue to the penis) can also cause erectile dysfunction.

There are various warning signs of ED: 

Morning erections are less frequent, softer, or absent altogether

More effort or concentration is required to get and/or maintain an erection

Ejaculation may occur quickly or with a softer erection

Difficulty maintaining an erection to complete intercourse or ejaculation

Unable to penetrate their partner because the penis is too soft

Treatment of ED begins with a full patient history and evaluation. Dr Cassidy utilizes a variety of tests to determine the nature and the extent of the problem.

Based on the results, a few treatments may be used. These remedies can include:

Oral Therapies

Intra-Urethral Suppositories

Intra-Cavernosal Injection Therapy

Surgery

Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s Disease (also referred to as penile curvature) is best described as a build up of a fibrous “plaque” or scar tissue within the elastic covering of the erectile tissue of the penis. The symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease include penile curvature and may result in penile pain that sometimes increases upon erection.  Difficulties in maintaining an erection may also occur. The exact cause is unknown. Left untreated, Peyronie’s Disease worsens in 50% of those with the condition and intervention should be started as early as possible to prevent progression. May treatment options are available including oral therapy, injection therapy or reconstructive surgery.

Sexual Dysfunction

The issue of sexual dysfunction is multi-dimensional and can manifest in a variety of way, some of which include:

Premature Ejaculation – ejaculation that occurs before or soon after penetration

Anorgasmia – the inability to achieve orgasm

Hypogonadism- a low blood testosterone level

Hematospermia – blood in the semen

Dr. Cassidy’s practice includes the management of these symptoms to help patients lead normal sexual lives. After a full medical evaluation, the treatments may include:

Oral Therapies (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis)

Hormone Therapies

Intra-urethral Therapy (MUSE)

Intra-cavernosal injection Therapy

Penile Prothsesis