The individualized approach to erectile dysfunction aims to offer greater clinical safety by adapting the therapy to each patient’s characteristics.
Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection due to physical or psychological causes, and it can affect men of any age.
The therapeutic response can vary, as there is no universally applicable medication. Therefore, a clinical evaluation is essential to seek the best individualized treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Below, understand the reasons why an individualized clinical approach can contribute to the treatment of sexual function.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection. Its causes include physical problems that affect blood circulation, such as cardiovascular diseases.
It can also have a psychological origin, such as anxiety and stress. This condition impacts self-esteem by affecting the perception of masculinity and can lead to frustration and even depressive symptoms.
Currently, medicine offers several therapeutic options that can be indicated after proper clinical evaluation.
Why does erectile dysfunction treatment need to be individualized?
Individualized treatment for erectile dysfunction is necessary because there is no single cause or universally effective treatment for all patients. In this context, the doctor analyzes the following factors to improve the strategy and efficacy of the treatment:
- age group;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- history of pelvic surgeries;
- emotional aspects;
- lifestyle.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
| Type of cause | Examples | How it affects the erection |
|---|---|---|
| Physical causes | Cardiovascular problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, hormonal changes (low testosterone ), neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and stroke | Impair blood flow, nerve signals, or the hormonal balance necessary for an erection |
| Psychological causes | Anxiety, stress, depression | Affect sexual desire, arousal, and the body’s response to sexual stimulation |
Why might generic treatments fail?
Non-individualized therapeutic approaches may have limitations when not directed at the specific causes of the clinical condition. Understand the reasons:
- Use of medication without proper prescription: phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor drugs, such as tadalafil and sildenafil, can assist with erectile function, but their use without proper follow-up to treat the underlying causes (vascular, hormonal, or psychological) can compromise long-term therapeutic efficacy.
- Lack of proper diagnosis: failing to identify the real causes of erectile dysfunction can worsen the condition and other associated health problems.
- Risks of self-medication: out of embarrassment to seek medical help, many men use medications on their own and expose themselves to side effects and drug interactions.
Related: How to talk to a doctor about erectile dysfunction without embarrassment
How does individualized treatment work?
Individualized treatment for erectile dysfunction occurs in three stages. Here is how it works:
Complete clinical evaluation
The urologist performs a physical evaluation to identify anatomical changes, such as nodules, thinning, or curvatures. They also investigate the patient’s medical history, including previous surgeries, hormonal changes, and the use of controlled medications.
Exams and diagnosis
In the second stage, the doctor requests laboratory tests, such as testosterone levels, blood glucose, and lipid profile, to identify hormonal changes and conditions like diabetes.
Specific exams, such as penile doppler, induced erection test, and nocturnal erection test, help evaluate blood flow and erectile function. When necessary, the doctor refers the patient for a psychological evaluation to investigate emotional factors.
Choosing the ideal treatment
Based on the results, the urologist defines the most appropriate treatment plan for each case, seeking to optimize safety and the therapeutic response.
Related: Main causes of male impotence and how to treat it
What are the available treatment options?
See the table below for how the treatment options for erectile dysfunction work and their indications:
| Type of treatment | How it works | When it is indicated |
|---|---|---|
| Oral medications | Increase blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection | Mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction |
| Injectable therapies | Application of medications directly into the penis to induce an erection | When oral medications do not work or are contraindicated |
| Devices (vacuum pump ) | Create a vacuum around the penis, stimulating blood entry and an erection | An alternative for those who cannot use medications or as a complement |
| Surgery (penile prosthesis) | Implant of a device that allows for a controlled erection | More severe cases or when other treatments yield no results |
Benefits of individualized treatment for erectile dysfunction
- Greater therapeutic suitability: the individualized clinical approach aims to treat both the symptoms and the underlying causes, seeking to promote a more stable clinical response.
- Safety: adapting the therapeutic plan allows for the careful choice of medications and complementary therapies, seeking to favor the clinical response and minimize potential risks of side effects and drug interactions.
- Impact on quality of life: proper medical follow-up can contribute to improving self-esteem, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics.
When to seek a specialist?
A man should consult a urologist when erection difficulties are persistent. Professional help should also be sought when the problem arises after the use of medications or surgeries.
Seeking specialized medical follow-up in a timely manner is essential for diagnosis and the proper initiation of therapy, contributing to a better prognosis.
Fill out the pre-analysis form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Paulo Egydio, a urologist specializing in a personalized approach to erectile dysfunction.
