Dr. Fabio Castiglione Urologist London and Director, HolisticAndrology Clinic. The center uses a therapeutic approach based on the most recent clinical studies, on the guidelines of the international scientific societies of sexual medicine of which, Dr. Castiglione, andrologist London, is a member of the commission.
In this article we will analyze two options for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Shockwaves vs Viagra. One of the most felt, embarrassing and difficult to recognize problems for men is erectile dysfunction. Over the years, medicine and science have proposed different solutions, the best known was Viagra, but is this still the case today?
Erettile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction currently affects about 40% of those over the age of 50 and 50% of those over seventy in UK, but it also represents a problem for younger men, particularly if exposed to cardiovascular risk factors. A serious problem that is not always addressed correctly and that can have negative implications on the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Let’s frame the problem, let’s define the concept of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to obtain or maintain an erection consistent enough to have sexual intercourse. It is also sometimes referred to as impotence.
The most common causes of erectile dysfunction are:
· Vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries) or endothelial dysfunction.
· Psychological factors (stress, performance anxiety, depression).
· Trauma or injury to the penis.
· Use of some medications.
· Peyronie’s disease (presence of calcified plaques in the penis)
The causes that concur to create this disorder, as seen, are multifactorial and it is very important to establish, with an accurate diagnosis, the real reason. There are medical and psychological reasons that must be evaluated, starting with the medical causes; which must be excluded first.
It is necessary to make sure that there are no:
· Hormonal changes (e.g. low testosterone values).
· Cardiovascular risk factors such as:
· Diabetes.
· High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
· Obesity.
· Abuse of cigarette smoking.
· Sedentary life.
· Hydraulic Penis Control
Thanks to the dynamic penile Eco-doppler examination, the correct hydraulic functioning of the penis is verified. An erection is very similar to a bathtub that fills up, to take a bath you have to: open the tap, let the water enter the tub and make sure that the cap is closed. If little water comes out of the tap, because the pipes are calcified or if the cap does not close properly, it will be impossible to fill and keep the tank full. The penis behaves in a similar way to the bathtub and the dynamic penile echo-doppler allows you to understand if there is a plumbing problem.
Solutions for impotence
Staying on the example of the pipes, we have seen that the penis can have hydraulic problems (eg calcified tubes). To date, the main treatments used are oral medications similar to Viagra and Cialis and treatment with low intensity shock waves (ED-ESWT).
Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Spedra
About twenty years have passed since men experimented with Viagra or similar, benefiting from a real ally against erectile dysfunction. Oral drugs such as Viagra and similar are effective because they induce a transient dilation of blood vessels, favoring an erection. To take the example of the plumber and the calcified pipes in the bathtub, Viagra is a sort of temporary sink plunger. Certainly Viagra was a revolution in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the blue pill has allowed many men to be able to resume a normal sex life. Over time, however, this therapy has shown various limitations.
Limits of the drug solution for ED
The first is that the use of Viagra or similar implies sex programming. In fact, those who take the drug do not have an immediate response but after about an hour. The second relates to patient safety. With a colossal turnover (4-6 billion, in Italy alone), it was unthinkable that Fake drugs would not be created, which could be purchased through unconventional channels. Unfortunately, all this happens without a medical examination and without a possible prescription of Viagra.
An undeclared risk
Buying a pack of Viagra or similar online carries risks, experts warn against the use of pills purchased without a prescription, because the content of the active ingredient is often incorrect or altered. Given that there is not only Viagra, there are 4 effective drugs on the market, each one has different characteristics and is used according to the problem and needs of the patient. Consulting a urologist in London is essential to understand which drug to use, identify the correct dosage, evaluate the presence of contraindications based on risk factors present.
Low intensity shockwaves (ED-ESWT)
The promising new frontier in the treatment of erectile dysfunction uses shockwaves at low intensity to return to physiological erections. What does shock wave treatment consist of and how is it carried out? This therapy, which is still on an experimental basis, is enjoying considerable success due to the promising results coming from the different experiments around the world. Discovered almost by chance, this methodology uses low-frequency shock waves (those used for kidney stones); to restore complete functionality, with erections that will not be limited to those desired or desired, but also include physiological ones, including erections upon awakening.
Shockwaves vs Viagra
At the moment, shock waves are used to treat most, although not all, of the vascular problems underlying erectile dysfunction. The big difference between drugs like Viagra and shock waves is that the first binds the man to a programming of sexual intercourse, while the second allows to rejuvenate the tissues, stimulating a new circulation in the penis and restoring normal erections. When the problem is due to mild or moderate vascular dysfunctions, shock waves give excellent results 4 months after treatment and up to 70% of the results maintained 3 years after therapy.
What is the difference between Viagra and shockwaves?
Viagra: promotes erection on demand (requires programming of sexual activity)
Shockwaves: restores normal erections by rejuvenating the tissues of the penis, erections are both desired and physiological, including erections upon awakening
While Viagra and the like offer a temporary and contextual solution to the problem, low intensity shock waves, to go back to the plumber’s example, add new tubing and faucets to the bathtub, restoring normal operation of the bathtub. ‘plant. In this way it is no longer necessary to plan intercourse first and the problem of erectile dysfunction is therefore cured, not only treated transiently as is the case with Viagra, Cialis and similar oral drugs.
The importance of contacting a urologist in London !
More dangerous than a phony drug is only a fearful patient, confronting a doctor by addressing the problem should not be a limitation for anyone. Unfortunately, there are already too many “fake” drugs sold and purchased on the Net to combat erectile dysfunction. Why keep making mistakes? The assessment of the dysfunction must be done by a specialist, able to identify and understand the pre-existing risk factors. Before proceeding with any treatment, it is advisable to proceed with a series of checks aimed at certifying the cause of the problem; to identify the best therapy.
HolisticAndrology, urology clinic in London, has always been at the forefront to improve the quality of life for all people suffering from Impotence. If you are interested and want more information, do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact HolisticAndrology, andrology clinic in London (tel. +44 (0) 7830398165) to book an andrological consultation with dr. Fabio Castiglione, Urologist London.