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Figure 5. Penile inflatable implant
The man causes the erection by using the pump to shift fluid from the
reservoir into the inflatable tubes. The erection is 'deflated' by reversing
the direction of the fluid.
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Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is a common disorder inmiddle aged and older men.
Although less common in younger men, it is usually a more urgent condition for these individuals. Erectile dysfunction
requires understanding in areas such as pharmacology, cardiology, psychology
andrology, endocrinology and urology. None of these disciplines on their own are sufficient to deal with ED,
and that is why the well informed GP is ideally placed in being able to synthesise from all these to
manage the condition.
SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT POINTS
• ED is a common condition that is under
diagnosed.
• ED is essentially a vascular disorder
associated with other
comorbid conditions
of middle age.
• The availability of efficacious, tolerable, and
safe oral treatment
allows most cases of ED
to be managed in a general practice
setting.
• The doctor-patient relationship will be
enhanced if a sexual
history and diagnosis
of ED is included as part of the overall
management plan of male patients. |
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