Researchers from the University of Naples have experimentally confirmed the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. According to preliminary research, exposure to wave discharges leads to the growth of fibers of the nerve tissue and blood vessels of the penis. And as you know, as a result of such growth, the functionality of the penis is restored. In the course of a subsequent experiment, the results of the new technique were compared with the effect obtained from taking known drugs against impotence.
erectile dysfunction problems
The participants in the experiment were 156 men with erectile dysfunction, as well as with type 2 diabetes, a frequent companion of problems with potency. All volunteers were given Cialis for 12 weeks, and half of them also received 6 sessions of shock wave therapy lasting 20 minutes for three weeks.
With the average age of the participants in the experiment 57 years, the degree of erectile dysfunction in them was determined using a special scale. Initially, both groups showed improvement, but later it turned out that only the group of men who were simultaneously treated with sound waves could achieve maximum progress. Thus, the result of six sessions using 2,400 energy pulses into the penile area surpassed the effect of the tablets themselves.
Priapism reflects a pathological erection that occurs without sexual arousal. Priapism is based on the enhancement of blood circulation in the penis, as well as the innervation of the corresponding muscles and tendons. Undoubtedly, a good erection is considered an integral part of men’s health, but priapism is another matter! Pathology is very exhausting, disrupting the quality of life of a man, accompanied by excruciating pain, emotional exhaustion, and the formation of a number of complexes.
priapism
What types of disease are there? Priapism can occur for various reasons and have varying degrees of severity. It is the type of pathology that will determine the tactics of treatment. Arterial priapism This is the mildest form of the disease, and the cause is increased blood flow to the penis area. As a result of the accumulation of blood, an erection appears, but it is not pronounced, mostly painless and can go away on its own. Ischemic type A severe type of disease in which the process of venous outflow from the penis has clear signs of impairment. This may be due to blood clots or an increase in blood viscosity. Erection with ischemic priapism is persistent, accompanied by severe pain, complications may develop. Nocturnal priapism This type of disease is characterized by involuntary erection at night, all accompanied by pain and a feeling of stiffness in the perineum. With nocturnal priapism, the man wakes up several times during the night. Attacks can appear even during daytime sleep. Normally, a man may have short-term episodes of nocturnal erections, but they are painless and do not cause sleep disturbances. What are the causes of priapism? In modern medicine, there are more than a hundred factors that can provoke the development of this disease. Doctors identify the main ones that really have clinical significance:
diseases of the blood system (anemia, leukemia);
trauma to the pelvis, penis and perineum;
injuries and diseases of the spine, central nervous system;
abuse of psychostimulating substances, tea and coffee, energy drinks;
drugs that temporarily increase potency (for example, Viagra). What are the signs of priapism? Naturally, the main diagnostic criterion is considered to be an unreasonable prolonged erection (more than 60 s), which is repeated several times. There are also the following symptoms that suggest priapism:
no orgasm and ejaculation;
erection can be very long, sometimes permanent;
the shaft of the penis can be hard, but the glans can be soft;
an erection is accompanied by soreness, irradiation to the perineum and thigh;
there may be cyanosis and redness of the genital organ;
urination is not disturbed. What is the treatment of priapism, how to provide first aid for this pathology? Naturally, a man who has noticed unpleasant symptoms in himself should consult an andrologist as soon as possible. Treatment tactics will depend on the type of disease. In the acute phase, experts recommend applying cold to the penis, performing a few simple exercises such as squats and leg raises. An attack of nocturnal priapism can be stopped by applying cold or urinating. If the erection has not disappeared, you should call an ambulance, as urgent help from a surgeon may be required. Ischemic priapism is treated surgically by draining excess blood away from the penis by additional veins. Priapism of the arterial type is treated conservatively – massage, taking a number of sedatives, as well as drugs that normalize metabolic reactions. What are the consequences of priapism? If the blood flow in the penis is disturbed for more than 7 hours, irreversible changes in the tissues of the organ may occur, up to their necrosis. The early complications of pathology include inflammation in the penis of the so-called corpora cavernosa. If the problem is ignored for a long time, a shortening of the penis, cavernous fibrosis, and, as a result, a lack of erection can form. Treatment of such a complicated pathology will require a major operation or falloprosthetics. That is why, if you have the slightest suspicion of a pathological erection, you should not delay visiting an andrologist!
