Ελληνικά
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a condition defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Permanent erectile dysfunction is rare in young men but increases sharply after the age of 40. It has been estimated that about 10 million men in the U.S. have age-related sexual dysfunction and coexisting conditions, with an incidence of 1.9% at age 40 and 25% at age 60.
The possibilities of dealing with the problem lead more and more people to search for a solution, as a result of which it begins to occupy part of the daily clinic. It is estimated that in Greece, about 300,000 men have some degree of erectile dysfunction. However, the ignorance and fear that accompany it make it impossible to treat it, as only 5% of patients who face erection problems refer to specially trained urologists — although there is treatment for 95% of cases.
About 80% of cases of erectile dysfunction are due to organic causes such as diabetes, hypertension, radical surgery on the prostate, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, penile curvature, etc. The specialist urologist can arrive at the correct diagnosis based on the history and clinical examination.
What exists today in the treatment of erectile dysfunction
The introduction of effective oral drugs in recent years has revolutionised the treatment of erectile dysfunction and multiplied the number of sufferers looking for a solution to their problem. However, 1 in 3 sufferers do not respond to medication, either due to side effects or ineffectiveness.
Such cases are mainly patients with erectile dysfunction due to diabetes (4 out of 10 do not respond) and radical surgery on the prostate (6 out of 10 do not respond). In cases where there is no response to medication, the only radical treatment is the placement of a penile prosthesis — which is why the patient should contact specially trained urologists.
Penile prosthesis
Penile prosthesis placement is one of the most successful treatment methods for erectile dysfunction and offers a permanent, radical solution to many sufferers for whom conservative treatments have not worked. A penile prosthesis is a device that is placed in the patient's penis in order to achieve an erection whenever he wishes.
The operation is performed by specially trained urologists, with epidural anaesthesia (from the waist down) and lasts about an hour. The whole procedure requires a day's hospitalisation.
Inflatable (variable hardness) prostheses
Penile prostheses of variable hardness (inflatable devices) are the result of advanced engineering and medical research and are preferred by patients as they mimic the characteristics of normal erection and relaxation of the penis. They also enable the patient to induce and control his erection whenever he wishes, while its existence is not visible from the outside.
Results and satisfaction rates
According to published studies, the satisfaction rate of sufferers and their partners, and the mechanical reliability of the penile prosthesis, amount to 90%. With this method, the erection is completely natural and the aesthetic and functional result is excellent. Spontaneous sexual intercourse is allowed, with erection being achieved automatically, anywhere, anytime and for as long as desired — unlike other treatment options.
Established track record
This method has been applied in the USA for 35 years to about 250,000 men. In Greece, the method has been applied for the last 32 years with very high success rates.
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Dr. Mertziotis specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction, offering all modern therapeutic options including penile prosthesis.
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