FAQs

Is it appropriate to get treatment for ED at any age? Regardless how old I am?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is: as long as you adequate sexual desire, you are physically and mentally reasonably healthy and you would like to enjoy sex, it is appropriate to get a medical evaluation and treatment for ED even at advanced age.

Is ED the same as impotence?
Yes, impotence was a more common term until the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus development conference in 1992. That conference recommended replacing impotence with ED. The World Health Organization (WHO) first international consultation on ED in 1999 repeated the same recommendation. ED is a medically more accurate term with less negativity than impotence. In addition to impotence, and depending on cultural and educational background, patients use various types of "common language" to communicate their ED, such as "I cannot get a hard-on", "My erections are not firm enough", "I loose it too quickly", "I cannot perform", "my nature is shot", "my penis is weak", "I cannot make love", "I cannot penetrate", …

How does an erection happen?
Erection is a neuro-vascular event. Stimulation, by touching, seeing, smelling, and fantasizing will be transmitted to the central nervous system via the sensory nerves. The brain and the spinal cord will process this stimulation input and generate orders via the motor nerves to the blood vessels to open up (dilate) and fill the penis under high pressure.

Should I tell the doctor about my personal sexual practices in detail? Should I tell my doctor about my alcohol and drug abuse?
Absolutely. Your relationship with your doctor is highly confidential. It is to the benefit of your health that your doctor knows about all your health issues and problems. This will enable your doctor devise the appropriate treatment plan for you.
Does my health insurance cover my visit to the doctor for the evaluation and treatment of ED?
Most insurance plans do. Check your insurance policy or call the insurance patient information number.

Is Viagra an aphrodisiac?
No. Viagra does not increase the sexual desire. It only enhances erections in response to sexual stimulation.

Is Viagra currently the only effective oral medication approved by the FDA for ED
Yes, but there are a number of other new medications in advanced clinical research with approval expected within the next very few years.

How often can I use injection therapy?
No more than 3 times a week and at least 24 hours between injections.

Can anyone see my penile implant?
No, an implant is completely inside the body. If you walked naked, no body would be able to see the implant.

:Do treatments of ED cause recurrence of prostate cancer?
No, none of the treatment of ED causes recurrence of prostate cancer.

My husband was treated by a urologist after having ED for several years. Resuming sexual intercourse after several years of no activity has proved to be painful. Every time he penetrates me, if feel a lot of pain in the vagina. I noticed that my vagina is dry. What should I do?
Female sexual dysfunctions including this one, i.e. difficulty in lubricating and pain with intercourse are common. Dry vagina is common after menopause. If you are experiencing such symptoms, seek help with your gynecologist or a specialist in sexual dysfunction. There are good and successful treatments for your condition including hormones, lubricants, and others. There are also nowadays new treatments under development.