Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem. It affects more than 150 million men worldwide, and 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will suffer from it at some stage.

Erectile dysfunction

Many men are reluctant to seek help – maybe through fear of seeing their doctor, difficulty discussing the problem, or because they accept it as a ‘normal’ part of the ageing process. Occasionally, men report that medical professionals have not been interested in helping.

The good news is that it is possible to get help – at London Men's Clinic we have a team of experts who specialise in treatments for erectile dysfunction.

There are a number of risk factors for erectile dysfunction including diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A number of studies have now shown that erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign for heart disease later in life.

There are also a number of other physical and psychological causes such as previous pelvic / prostate surgery, radiotherapy, Peyronie’s disease, hormone disorders, psychological factors or occasionally abnormalities of the veins in the penis.

At London Men's Clinic we offer a complete assessment and examination and then discuss the best treatment options for you. You can be assured that the team at London Men's Clinic will treat your condition with confidentiality and professionalism and discuss your needs to ensure that you receive the correct treatment.

Treatment Options

We have a variety of treatment options available to patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Tablets

Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis)

Approximately 80% of men with ED will get a good response to these medications. It is also the most convenient form of treatment, and often the option that patients prefer to use if they get a good response.

They generally have to be taken 30 minutes-1 hour before intercourse. They are generally very safe to use, but some men can get side-effects such as facial flushing / headache etc. It is important when starting these medications to give them several attempts, and they do not work without some sexual stimulation.

Intra-Cavernosal Injection Therapy

(CAVERJECT OR INVICORP)

Where tablets and or topical treatments have failed, it may be necessary to progress to intracavernosal injections. This involves a tiny needle (similar in size to an insulin injection), injected into the side of the penis which then induces an erection within 10-15 minutes.

Following a test-dose and training by one of our experienced consultants, this is a self-administered injection that is highly effective in patients who do not respond to tablet therapy.

Vacuum Erection Device

(VED)

VED is a device used to help achieve and maintain an erection by drawing blood into the penis via a vacuum created by the VED. It is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, but can help increase your ability to have sexual intercourse. This device is a non-invasive treatment that can be used alone or with other erectile dysfunction treatments or oral medications. It is suitable for men who do not wish to undergo surgical treatments.

Topical Treatments

(VITAROS OR MUSE)

Where tablets are not suitable or effective, it is possible to apply a gel onto the head of the penis, or insert a pellet into the urethra. These both contain Prostaglandin E1, which helps improve blood flow into the penis.

Surgery

The mainstay of surgical treatment for this condition is the penile implant, or penile prosthesis. Typically these are inserted for men with end-stage erectile dysfunction in whom all other modalities of treatment have failed or are unsuitable.

Either an inflatable or semi-rigid device is inserted under general anaesthetic by one of our highly experienced consultants at London Men's Clinic. These devices lead to a reliable erection and high patient satisfaction rates. Infection rates are down to less than 2%. The operation requires an overnight stay and a catheter for 24 hours.

At London Men's Clinic we ensure that you are provided with an expert service in order to minimise complications.

All patients are discussed within the team prior to penile prosthesis surgery and fully counselled to ensure that the surgery is appropriate and that patients have expectations fully met.