Conditions
Erectile Dysfunction
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a consistent inability to get or maintain an erection prevents you from having satisfying sex. A man with ED either loses his erection before intercourse, gets only a partial erection, or gets no erection at all. ED is sometime...
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How Affordable Are Erectile Dysfunction Treatments Around the World?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects men all around the world. Nevertheless, the most common ED treatment options – phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i, or oral ED medications)...
Erectile Dysfunction Is a Risk Factor for Major Depressive Disorder, According to New Study
Past research has demonstrated an association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and depression. Sometimes, people experience mood disorders like depression or anxiety when they are facing other challe...
Are Men and Their Partners Really Satisfied With Their Penile Implants?
A penile prosthesis (PP), also called a penile implant, is a device that is surgically implanted into a man’s penis to allow him to achieve an erection that is suitable for intercourse. This is a trea...
Enlarged Prostate: Surgical Approach Preserves Ejaculatory Function in Men with BPH
Scientists have developed a new surgical approach for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – an enlarged prostate). It’s called urethral-sparing robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (usRASP)...
Prostate Cancer: Study Investigates Surgery Vs. Delayed Treatment
When men make prostate cancer treatment decisions, they need to weigh the pros and cons of their options. For those considering surgery, new research compares this approach with two others: watchful w...
Priapism Risk “Over Exaggerated” to Men Taking ED Drugs
Men who take erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs are often warned about a side effect called priapism – an erection lasting four hours or longer. However, a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine art...
Men With Both Peyronie’s Disease and Erectile Dysfunction Have Surgical Options
Many men with Peyronie’s disease also develop erectile dysfunction (ED – the inability to get an erection firm enough for sex). It’s possible to surgically treat both conditions, and a new study in&nb...
Statins Before Prostatectomy Don’t Improve Erectile Function, Study Finds
Taking statins before radical prostatectomy doesn’t seem to affect erectile function after surgery, scientists report in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Prostatectomy – surgical removal of the p...
Prostate Cancer Survivors Need Sexual “Support”
Most men experience sexual problems, especially erectile dysfunction (ED), after prostate cancer treatment. But for many, these problems aren’t addressed by doctors, according to a recent survey of me...
Prostate Cancer is a “Couples Disease,” Scientists Say
When a man has prostate cancer, his partner may feel the effects, too.
...
One in Three Male Childhood Cancer Survivors Has Erectile Dysfunction, Study Finds
Almost 30% of male childhood cancer survivors develop erectile dysfunction (ED) as adults, according to a research letter published last month in JAMA Oncology.
...
Study: Antidepressant Lurasidone Has Fewer Sexual Side Effects
People with a certain form of depression might benefit from a drug called lurasidone, which has fewer sexual side effects than other depression medications, according to a recent clinical trial.
Depr...
Stem Cell Therapy for Men’s Sex Health Needs More Research
Can stem cells help men with erectile dysfunction (ED) or Peyronie’s disease? Scientists have been investigating the use of one particular type of stem cell, but the data for these purposes are “defic...
Prostate Treatments May Have Sexual Side Effects, But Patients Not Always Aware
Some treatments for an enlarged prostate and related urinary symptoms have sexual side effects. However, doctors don’t always let patients know about them, according to a recent survey.
...
U.S. House Resolution: Continue Health Coverage for Certain Men with Incontinence and ED
The United States House of Representatives is considering a resolution that would protect Medicare and Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits for men who need urological therapies after treatment for ...
Prostate Cancer Treatment Affects Both Patients and Partners
Radical prostatectomy – the surgical removal of the prostate gland – is an effective treatment for prostate cancer, but it can also have sexual complications for both patients and partners.
...
Some Men Regret Prostate Cancer Treatment Decisions
Almost 15% of long-term prostate cancer survivors regret their treatment decisions, according to new research in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The findings underscore the need for infor...
Radiation to Penile Bulb Might Result in Severe ED, Study Suggests
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. However, new research suggests that avoiding the penile bulb – the base of the penis – during treatment migh...
Study: ED Drugs Don’t Increase Risk for Prostate Cancer Recurrence
New research suggests that oral drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED) don’t increase a man’s risk for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.
The term “biochemical recurrence” refers to the possibil...
ED After Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Generally Improves Within 3-6 Months
Sometimes, men develop erectile dysfunction (ED) after a transperineal prostate biopsy. However, new research shows that such ED is usually temporary and that erections don’t typically worse...
Finasteride Linked to Sexual Problems in Men
Researchers have found that men who take finasteride, a drug prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged prostate, may be at higher risk for erection problems when c...
Prostate Cancer Surgery May Affect Both Partners
When a man has surgery for prostate cancer, it can affect sex for both him and his partner, Swiss researchers have found.
...
Love, Sex, and Antidepressants
Antidepressants seem to affect men and women differently in terms of love and sex, Italian researchers have found.
...
Depression Linked to Erectile Dysfunction
Depression may play a bigger role in erectile dysfunction (ED) than testosterone levels, according to a recent study.
...
Insulin Resistance Predicts LUTS and Erectile Dysfunction
Men who have insulin resistance are at higher risk for erectile dysfunction (ED) and severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), according to Italian researchers.
...
Sildenafil Citrate May Help Men Who Have Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Men who have undergone radiotherapy for prostate cancer may benefit from taking a drug called sildenafil citrate, American researchers say.
The drug could improve their ability to have erec...
PDE5 Inhibitors and Alpha-Blockers May Help Men with ED and LUTS
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) become more common as men get older. New research suggests that taking a combination of two drugs may benefit these men more than...
Sex Health Blog
Can a Person’s Diet Have an Effect on Erectile Dysfunction?
Contrary to what it may say on the internet, there is no magic food or supplement that can prevent erectile dysfunction (ED). Even so, diet and other lifestyle factors can play a role in contributing ...
How Sex Changes With Age
Those who believe that sex ceases to play a significant role in people’s lives as they age may want to reconsider their opinion. A 2017 national survey of senior citizens conducted at the University o...
Are Sexual Dysfunction and Urinary Symptoms Related?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are complex conditions that negatively impact one’s ability to experience satisfying, consensual sexual activity. A person’s sexual functi...
The Role of the Mind in Erections and Erectile Dysfunction
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials’ by sexual medicine specialists. The current article was submitted by Mark Goldberg, LCMFT, CST, a certified sex therapist and SMS...
Enlarged Prostate Treatment and Your Sex Life
Getting older? If you’re a man, the size of your prostate might become a concern.
...
Did You Know?
Do ED Medications Increase One’s Risk of Vision Problems?
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. They are one of the most frequently prescribed medications...
Is Cycling a Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction?
Some studies have suggested there may be a relationship between cycling and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. However, before you panic and sell your bicycle, take into consideration that, at this tim...
Penile Implants From a Partner's Perspective
One of the most frequently asked questions among people who are considering getting a penile prosthesis (implant) to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) is: How will my partner feel about it? Fortunately,...
Penile Implants for Erectile Dysfunction: A Q&A With an Implant Specialist
A penile prothesis, or penile implant, is a device that is surgically inserted into the penis to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Getting a penile implant is a big decision, but one that can restore a...
A Non-Medicated Gel to Treat Erectile Dysfunction: Snake Oil or the Real Deal?
The results of a 2019 clinical trial of 1,000 European men with erectile dysfunction (ED) have led people to wonder: could a non-medicated topical gel really help men get erections? Unfortunately, the...
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Materials viewable in this section of SMSNA for Patients have been contributed by Sponsors of the SMSNA Foundation and reviewed by SMSNA Website Committee for the purposes of patient education. SMSNA requires that medications and prosthetics discussed are FDA approved for use in the United States. The SMSNA Foundation and SMSNA are not endorsing the medications or prosthetics displayed. Investigational Procedures and Therapeutics are not shown. Patients are advised to consult an expert in sexual medicine or surgery to enhance their understanding of risks and benefits of treating their sexual dysfunctions – link for Find a Provider.
