By Dr. Kristina Buscaino
Are you experiencing changes in your sexual health and erectile quality?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) may present as difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection. It can be an embarrassing issue, not only when
when it happens to you, but also when you seek medical treatment. Many men live quietly with poor erectile quality without determining the etiology due to feeling self-conscious about what they are going through. It is important to discuss this issue with your doctor, as 1) ED may be due to underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and 2) ED may affect your quality of life by decreasing your confidence and causing strain on your relationships.
Most men start treatment with oral medications, penile injections, or vacuum erection devices. These options may not be tolerable due to side effects of medications or fear of needles; men may also prefer not to utilize these options as it may only mask their ED, rather than fix their ED.
So, what other options are there?
Low Intensity Shock Wave Lithotripsy (LiSWT)
LiSWT is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes a small external probe to apply soundwaves to your penis. These soundwaves stimulate tissue and blood vessel regeneration, improving penile blood flow and erectile quality. Studies have demonstrated improvement in erectile hardness scores.1 There is minimal downtime with this procedure. You may resume sexual activity the same day as your LiSWT.
Priapus Shot (P-shot)
The P-shot consists of platelet rich plasma (PRP) spun down from your own blood. PRP contains platelets and growth factors. This is injected directly into your penis with or without stem cells. These components help rejuvenate and stimulate cells to regenerate, increasing tissue and blood supply to improve your erectile quality. Studies have demonstrated PRP is a safe and effective treatment for ED.2 As with LiSWT, there is minimal down time, and you may resume sexual activity the same day of your injection.
Penile Implant
There are two types of penile implants, the semi rigid (malleable) and inflatable penile prosthesis. Penile implants require surgery to be placed. Semi rigid (malleable) penile implants are always firm, and as the name entails, can be straightened for sexual intercourse or bent for concealment. The inflatable penile implant is meant to mimic penile firmness (when inflated) and flaccidity (when deflated). Major benefits of undergoing penile implant surgery are no longer relying on time sensitive options, as you are in control of your erections. With a penile implant, patient satisfaction rates are greater than 85%, with improved sexual quality of life among patients and their respective partners.3
What To Do Next
If you are not satisfied with your sexual health and current erectile quality, and are considering these treatment options for ED, contact Advanced Urology Institute today. Schedule your appointment for an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms and history to determine the best treatment option for you.
About the Author
Kristina Buscaino is the only urologist in Southwest Florida who is fellowship trained in sexual medicine and andrology, with a focus on erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, and infertility. She received her medical degree from Touro University Nevada, completed her urology residency at McLaren Macomb in Metro Detroit, and completed a fellowship in sexual medicine and andrology at University of South Florida in Tampa.
Please Contact Advanced Urology Institute Today.
239.465.4157
www.advancedurologyinstitute.com
1035 Piper Blvd., Suite 101
Naples, FL 34110
6811 Palisades Park Court, Suite 1
Fort Myers, FL 33912
References:
1. Yao, Huibao et al. “Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 16
Randomized Controlled Trials of Clinical Outcomes of Low-
Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Treating Erectile
Dysfunction.” American journal of men’s health vol. 16,2 (2022):
15579883221087532.
2. Poulios E, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Improves Erectile
Function: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled
Clinical Trial. J Sex Med. 2021 May;18(5):926-935.
3. Barton GJ, et al. Sexual Quality of Life and Satisfaction With
Penile Prostheses. J Sex Med Rev 2019;7:178-188.