Penile Implants
These are the most irreversible and drastic ways of achieving artificial erection. Only when all other measures have been exhausted with no longer-lasting effects are achieved is that penile implants are warranted. These are prosthetic devices made of inert silicone, which are surgically inserted into the penis. Normal erection cannot be achieved after that. There are two kinds of penile implants: Passive Implants: Two rods of silicone are inserted into the penis, which remains erect all the time. The silicone rods can be put in different angles, but this may be an embarrassment in public occasions such as swimming. Orgasm may be achieved unless there are hormonal or neural factors which impede it. Active Implants: These are inflatable silicone pouches which are also implanted into the penis. The penis remains in flaccid state until a proper manipulation of the prosthesis causes its inflation and consequent erection. One type of implant is activated by pressing the glans (the head of the penis) with one hand. Liquid is transferred from a reservoir to the main inflatable pouches. In another type, the liquid reservoir is implanted into the scrotal sac, and can be pumped by hand. Other Treatments
Other surgical and non-surgical treatments for impotence are being tried in an experimental basis, and there may be a promising future for some of them. For instance, groups of physicians in Russia and Germany have been experimenting with electrical stimulation of the pelvic area using an external pad applied to the abdomen and back. There are already commercial devices using this principle, which seems to increase the blood flow in the genital area. Direct stimulation of pelvic nerves (leading to a nerve-induced erection) by using implanted electrodes and an electrical pacemaker-like device are also being considered. "Natural" or alternative methods do abound. They range from "natural" foods which have high testosterone or DHEA levels, such as green oats (marketed under the brand name of SEXATIVA) or saw palmetto; to yoga exercises to increase muscle tone and blood flow in the genital area. It is hard to say whether there are real effects or they are just the effect of suggestion or placebo phenomena. One thing has been scientifically determined, however. The blood levels of testosterone increase just after exercise, or by loosing excessive weight. Thus, a natural way of combating mild hypogonadism might be frequent exercising and keeping a normal weight. Controversial and unapproved treatments
Controversial and unapproved treatments Bremelanotide
The experimental drug Bremelanotide (formerly PT-141) does not act on the vascular system like the former compounds but increases sexual desire and drive in male as well as female. It is applied as a nasal spray. Bremelanotide works by activating melanocortin receptors in the brain. It is currently in Phase IIb trials. Ginseng
A double-blind study appears to show evidence that ginseng is better than placebo: see the ginseng article for links and more details. Enzyte
Enzyte is a product that has been advertised by saturation coverage on television channels such as Court-TV. 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. Enzyte is a supplement that claims to increase the male libido or frequency of erections of the penis. Commercials for Enzyte are shown regularly on television. These commercials feature a man named Bob who never stops smiling, apparently because he had taken Enzyte and improved the size of his sex organs. The commercials are riddled with symbolic phallic imagery, e.g. golf clubs, remarkably tall glasses of iced tea, and a hose spraying barely a trickle of water (carried by someone who doesn't use Enzyte). The effectiveness of Enzyte is in dispute. Some medical professionals in fact advise against taking Enzyte, saying that it can lead to damage. The Center for Science in the Public Interest have urged the Federal Trade Commission to disallow further television advertising for Enzyte due to a lack of proper studies supporting claims. Enzyte maker Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals, Inc., is currently under a class action lawsuit for false advertising. Enzyte is said to contain: Tribulus terrestris; Yohimbe Extract; Niacin; Epimedium; Avena sativa; Zinc Oxide; Maca; Muira Pauma; Ginkgo biloba; L-Arginine; Saw Palmetto. Other ingredients: gelatin, rice bran, oat fiber, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide. Herbal and other alternative treatments These are generally ineffective when tested blind, but may be useful for their psychological (placebo) effect: if a good result is expected, any highly-praised, and often expensive, treatment can be effective. Reputable drugs can also benefit from the same effect. Uncontroversial treatments for erectile dysfunction PDE5 Inhibitors
The prescription PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are prescription drugs which are taken orally. They work by blocking the action of PDE5, which causes cGMP to degrade. cGMP causes the smooth muscle of the arteries in the penis to relax, allowing the corpus cavernosum to fill with blood. Vacuum pump An external vacuum pump will produce an engorged penis with success approaching 90%; a penis ring will maintain this state, although it should be removed after not more than 30 minutes. The erection is not as rigid or hard as a natural erection; drugs or injections, when they work, may be preferable. Various studies show the degree of satisfaction of users and their partners to be vary variable, even when drugs and injections do not work; in one study, about 20% of men who tried a (high-priced) pump decided to proceed to purchase one. Other studies show higher percentages of satisfied users. In some cases frequent use of a vacuum pump can eventually improve the degree of erection attainable without use of the pump. Claims of cheap "penis pumps" to permanently increase maximum penis size should be viewed with caution, however. Some vacuum pumps are sold at a higher price with 100% refund within 90 days to dissatisfied users, with a somewhat lower price with 50% refund guarantee (Osbon Erecaid, [7]). This pump is supported by medical insurance schemes, including the UK's NHS and US Medicare and private insurers. The better-known pumps sell for prices of around 200 GBP/400 USD (2006). There is at least one vacuum pump with rings which sells for around one-fifth of this price (Noogleberry, [8]). Specific devices are mentioned for information only; mention should not be taken as endorsement. |
