Vasoactive drugs may also be injected intracavernosally. Such therapy represents an important second-line therapy for erectile dysfunction. It is the most effective pharmacologic treatment but has a high dropout rate because of the associated pain and apprehension involved. Phentolamine is an -blocker that was used in initial studies; its efficacy is poor, but it may be used in combination with other agents. Papaverine is a nonspecific PDE inhibitor and was the first effective intracavernosal therapy for erectile dysfunction. Currently, intracavernosal alprostadil therapy is preferred; it is more effective than other agents and produces fewer side effects. In a comparison study comparing alprostadil, a papaverine–phentolamine combination and papaverine alone, rates of success (ability to achieve and maintain an erection) of 72%, 61% and 31% were reported respectively.54 No patients in the alprostadil group experienced priapism, as compared with 2% and 4% of patients in the combination therapy and papaverine-only groups respectively. On the other hand, patients who used alprostadil were the only ones to report penile pain. For patients who do not respond to or do not tolerate alprostadil monotherapy, a triple mixture of papaverine, phentolamine and alprostadil may be prescribed. Such combination therapy has been shown to be more effective and, because of a lower dose of alprostadil, results in less pain.62 Complications of intracavernosal injections include pain, priapism and fibrotic changes at injection sites. Androgens Homeopaths take into consideration the exact symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) and prescribe a remedy based on those symptoms—the remedies will treat the root cause, as opposed to some pharmaceutical drugs that treat the condition in general. Although relief from symptoms may require several doses and take longer with homeopathic remedies than with pharmaceutical drugs, homeopaths believe that the results are longer lasting and act on a deeper level in the body. Q. What about the problem of prolonged erection? ANSWER: Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, refers to the persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. It is a common condition with 52 percent of men aged 40-70 reporting some degree of impotence or erectile dysfunction. Penile erection is managed by two different mechanisms. The first one is the reflex erection, which is achieved by directly touching the penile shaft. The second is the psychogenic erection, which is achieved by erotic or emotional stimuli. The former uses the peripheral nerves and the lower parts of the spinal cord, whereas the latter uses the limbic system of the brain. In both conditions, an intact neural system is required for a successful and complete erection. Stimulation of penile shaft by the nervous system leads to the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), which causes the relaxation of smooth muscles of corpora cavernosa (the main erectile tissue of penis), and subsequently penile erection. Additionally, adequate levels of testosterone (produced by the testes) and an intact pituitary gland are required for the development of a healthy erectile system. As can be understood from the mechanisms of a normal erection, impotence may develop due to hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neural system, lack of adequate penile blood supply or psychological problems. Restriction of blood flow can arise from impaired endothelial function due to the usual causes associated with coronary artery disease, but can also be caused by prolonged exposure to bright light. The researchers concluded that under the supervision of a physician, sildenafil can be safely used in conjunction with heart medications. There are insufficient studies on the newer medications vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) to draw conclusions, however. So what should a woman do when her man just can't perform? Experts seem to agree that most important is to remember it's not your problem and you're not the cause. The study was to be presented over the weekend at the annual meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy, in Seattle. Qaseem and colleagues analyzed the findings of 130 studies that evaluated PDE-5 inhibitors alone or combined. They found that treatment with the drugs led to statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in sexual intercourse and erectile function in men with ED, regardless of the cause (e.g., diabetes, depression, prostate cancer) or ED severity at the start of the study. Penile ultrasound to check for blood vessel or blood flow problems Enzyte is a product that has been advertised by saturation coverage on television channels such as CourtTV. However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about Enzyte for deceptive advertising. It is manufactured by Berkeley Nutritionals, which is alleged to be the subject of an investigation by the Attorney General of Ohio and the defendant in class-action lawsuits. Is male infertility treatable? 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