Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

For many men, sexual performance is intimately tied to self-confidence and self-image. In these men, erectile dysfunction can be devastating. Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men as they age, but Dr. Bertolino can help. At Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics, we feature two treatments to help men with ED.

What is erectile dysfunction?

For successful intercourse, a man needs to have an erection that is firm enough, and he needs to be able to maintain that erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the term when men cannot get or keep an erection adequate for intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can have physical or psychological causes or a combination. It is a common condition as men age, increasing with the passing years after the age of 40. It’s estimated that as many as 30 million men suffer from ED.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Just about any man over 40 has had at least an occasional problem with his erections. But when it becomes more routine, the situation needs to be examined. Erectile dysfunction can happen due to three main areas:

  • Blood flow in the penis is limited or nerves are harmed
  • Stress or emotional reasons are intervening
  • It is an early warning of a more serious health problem, such as heart disease

Getting an erection can seem like a straightforward process, but it’s actually a complicated mixture of physical components involving blood vessels, muscles, and nerves, coupled with complicated psychological function involving both the brain and various hormones. Erectile dysfunction can result from health problems, emotional issues, or a mix of both. These are some physical reasons behind ED:

  • Heart disease
  • Atherosclerosis
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • A side effect of certain medications
  • Alcoholism
  • Substance abuse
  • Sleep disorders
  • Peyronie’s disease
  • Treatments for prostate cancer or enlargement
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These are some emotional causes of ED:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Stress at home or work
  • Stress from social, cultural, or religious conflicts
  • Worry about performance

In many cases, a physical situation, such as a period of stress at work, is behind a man’s erectile dysfunction. But once a couple of episodes occur, now a psychological component comes into play, as the man has lost some confidence. Now the causes are mixed.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

When a man has erectile dysfunction, he has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection that is strong enough for intercourse. Erectile dysfunction becomes more prevalent as men move into their 50s, partially because there is some constriction of blood vessels with age. If the problem becomes routine, it should be examined and treated.

That’s partial because ED can be a major warning sign of cardiovascular disease indicating blockages are building in the man’s vascular system. Research has shown that men with ED are at significant risk for heart attack, stroke, or circulatory problems in the legs.

ED also can impact a man’s relationships and personal well-being. It can lead to depression and lower self-esteem.

How is erectile dysfunction treated at Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics?

At Smooth Solutions, Dr. Bertolino specializes in two approaches for erectile dysfunction: Acoustic Wave Therapy and the P-Shot.

The key to erections, as discussed above, is blood flow to the penis. To increase blood flow, Dr. Bertolino uses a non-invasive treatment known as acoustic wave therapy or shock wave therapy. This treatment uses the energy from low-intensity shock waves to trigger a process called neovascularization in the penis. Neovascularization creates new blood vessels, which improves and increases blood flow.

How does acoustic wave therapy help with erectile dysfunction?

Blood flow is the critical component of a man getting an erection. There is an inverse relationship between the arteries and the veins where erections are involved. When sexually excited, the arteries open and the veins close. This allows blood to flow to the penis, filling the corpora cavernosa, the sponge-like structures that run the length of the penis. This creates the erection. By building new blood vessels and improving blood circulation, acoustic wave therapy helps restore natural function without the need for reliance on ED pills.

What is the Priapus Shot?

The Priapus Shot, P-Shot for short, is named for Priapus, the Greek god of virility. The P-Shot uses a patient’s own blood platelets, white blood cells, and stem cells to improve penile function. It utilizes the healing and regeneration power of platelets, stimulating new tissue growth, and increased blood flow. The P-Shot procedure is a fast, painless injection intended for men who have lost function and are suffering from ED due to an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, drug side effects, conditions such as diabetes, declining circulation due to aging, or the after-effects from surgery.

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How is the P-Shot procedure done?

The process starts by taking a typical blood sample. The blood is placed into a centrifuge that separates out the platelets, stem cells, plasma, and white blood cells, but removes the red blood cells. What is left is super-concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that has extensive healing and regeneration capabilities.

Next, a local topical numbing cream is applied to your penis, and then Dr. Bertolino injects the PRP into the various parts of your penis that are critical to sexual arousal and erectile function. The entire process takes around 30 minutes.

Is there recovery after acoustic wave therapy or the P-Shot?

There isn’t any downtime for recovery involved with either of these treatments with Dr. Bertolino.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re interested in learning more about erectile dysfunction please contact us for a consultation at 716-633-6100 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.

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