Erectile dysfunction

Male erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain a hard erection that is persistent or sufficiently hard for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can be temporary or permanent and can have a serious impact on the quality of life of the men affected.

Causes

1. Physical causes:

   • Cardiovascular disease
   • Diabetes
   • High blood pressure
   • Obesity
   • Hormonal imbalance (e.g. low testosterone levels)
   • Neurological diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
   • Prostate diseases and their treatment (e.g. surgery, radiotherapy)
   • Chronic diseases (e.g. kidney or liver diseases)

2. Psychological causes:

   • Stress
   • Depression
   • Anxiety
   • Relationship problems

3. Methodological factors:

   • Smoking
   • Alcohol and drug use
   • Loose exercise

Treatment

1. Pharmacological treatment: PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil), which increase blood flow to the penis.
2. Habitual changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking and alcohol cessation.
3. Psychotherapy: Psychological support, stress management, couples therapy.
4. Hormone therapy: Testosterone replacement if hormone deficiency is the cause.
5. Surgical interventions: Penile implants, vascular surgery.
6. Vacuum penis pump: A device that creates a vacuum around the penis, thereby "pulling" blood into the penis and causing an erection.

Vacuum penis pump

A vacuum penis pump is a mechanical device that helps to achieve and maintain an erection. Its use consists of the following steps:

1. The penis is placed in a sealed cylinder.
2. Air is sucked out of the cylinder, creating a vacuum.
3. The vacuum causes blood to flow into the penis, resulting in an erection.
4. A rubber ring is placed at the base of the penis, which prevents blood from flowing back into the penis, creating a permanent erection.

The method is non-invasive, i.e. it does not require surgery. It produces an immediate erection (about 60-90 seconds). When used correctly, there are no side effects. Drug-free, i.e. a solution for those who cannot take medication.