Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is characterized by a persistent inability to achieve an erection. More specifically, the patient may be unable to maintain an erection to reach orgasm or, alternatively, may be unable to become hard enough to penetrate their partner.

ED can be caused by numerous things, including:

• Psychological issues, such as anxiety, stress or relationship problems.
• Vascular problems, such as narrowing of the blood vessels. This can be caused by poor lifestyle habits or illness and is associated with smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Neurological problems, in particular, damage to the nerve endings. This is typically caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, a stroke, a herniated disc or another medical condition.
• Hormonal imbalance, such as low testosterone.
• Drug side effects, particularly those caused by antidepressants, antipsychotics and recreational drugs.
• Treatments for prostate cancer, specifically, a radical proctectomy or radiation therapy (brachytherapy).

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by several factors. Therefore, it’s hard for patients to identify the exact cause on their own. A doctor can effectively isolate these factors through a comprehensive assessment, which includes reviewing the patient’s medical file, performing a physical exam (examining the genitals, testing blood pressure, the heartbeat, blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol levels and more), conducting a neurological exam and reviewing the patient’s use of substances (tobacco, drugs, certain medications, alcohol), all of which may be associated with erection problems.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet, being physically active, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can play a major role in helping patients avoid developing the sorts of diseases that cause erection problems. If physical health isn’t an issue for the patient, then seeing a psychologist or sex therapist may be the best course of action. In any case, the doctor will recommend the best treatment.

Patients with ED rely on medical intervention to improve their sexual performance. There are several types of drug treatments available, including:

• Oral PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Staxyn)
• Intra-urethral medication (Muse)
• Intracavernous injections of vasodilators (Caverjet or Trimix)

Erectile dysfunction drugs are effective, reasonably safe and only have minor side effects. Most of them are taken as needed before sexual intercourse, providing a temporary effect. They don’t improve erection quality in general.

While taking 5 milligrams of Cialis daily allows patients to enjoy a more spontaneous sex life, it doesn’t treat the cause of erectile dysfunction.

• Shockwave therapy
• Penile implant
• Platelet-rich plasma injection
• Penile pumps
• Intracavernous injections

Cliniques Marois offers a variety of treatments for erectile dysfunction. We can also analyze the blood flow in the penis using a penile ultrasound and doppler.

Contact us to learn more about ED treatment options in Montreal, Laval, Greenfield Park and Quebec City.