by Antonio Caperna
ROME – Only the name once aroused shame and concern in the man and his partner. Today, however, impotence is a disease that can be overcome 100%.
«The old term impotence is today scientifically replaced with erectile dysfunction or the inability to obtain or maintain an erection valid enough to have a satisfactory sexual intercourse – underlines Professor Ermanno Greco, director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Biology of the European Hospital of Rome. Premature ejaculation is also included in the term. Today there are adequate diagnostic systems to objectively evaluate whether the pathology is due to real physical or psychological alterations.”
Erection is a neuro-mediated vascular phenomenon and is evaluated through the classic Doppler ultrasound examination, to verify the functionality of the penile arterial and venous system as well as the structure of the corpora cavernosa itself, the anatomical structures responsible for erection. It is carried out after the administration of a vasodilator drug inside the corpora cavernosa, to repeat what happens physiologically, i.e. the release of nitric oxide. During this test, visual sexual stimulation is also administered to the patient and penile rigidity is recorded and computerized. The therapeutic armamentarium is vast today, but on-demand treatments must be combined with a correct lifestyle and supplements capable of restoring normal levels of nitric oxide in the body, such as those based on citrulline, an amino acid transformed into arginine in the kidney .
Together with the oxygen present in the blood it gives rise to the synthesis of nitric oxide. «These conditions may be missing when testosterone levels are low or following surgical interventions, which damage the neurological system such as radical prostatectomy – continues Professor Greco -. The next step is the painless administration with auto injectors, directly into the corpora cavernosa of vasodilatory substances. If this therapy also does not work, surgery can be resorted to with the insertion of penile prostheses. In case of premature ejaculation, drugs capable of increasing brain serotonin levels can be given.”
