Tutorial 11 - Women's and Men's health - Erectile dysfunction

Question 1

What are the possible causes of erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Answer 1

• Vascular - i.e., Hypertension (narrowed blood vessels).
• Neurogenic - Stroke, diabetes, MS.
• Anatomical - i.e., peyronies disease (scar tissue).
• Anxiety
• Medications - i.e., blood pressure medications can reduce blood flow to penile tissue.

Question 2

What is erectile dysfunction?

Answer 2

• Inability to get an erection or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance.

Question 3

What are the risk factors for erectile dysfunction?

Answer 3

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Question 4

What are some biological causes of ED?

Answer 4

• Vascular: Hypertension, atherosclerosis/hyperlipidemia, DM.
• Hormonal: Hypogonadism
• Neurological: Central - MS, peripheral - DM.
• Drugs: Beta blockers, diuretics, antidepressants.

Question 5

What are some psychological causes of ED?

Answer 5

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
• Depression

Question 6

What history suggests psychological cause of ED?

Answer 6

• Suden onset
• Psychological problems diagnosed i.e., GAD.
• Major life events / problems in relationship.

Question 7

What history suggests organic(physical) causes of ED?

Answer 7

• Gradual onset.
• Presence of RF’s.
• Operations/trauma to pelvis/groin/scrotum recently

Question 8

Non pharmacological management of ED.

Answer 8

• Lifestyle tips (obesity, smoking).
• psychosexual council.
• Penis vacuum pump

Question 9

Pharmacological management for ED.

Answer 9

• Viagra.
• Alprostadil (topical or injection).
• Both drugs work by relaxing muscles in penis and blood vessels to allow for increased blood flow - allowing erection to form and maintain.