Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Turkey

Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is a medical condition affecting the ability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sexual activity.

Emotions significantly influence the ability to attain and maintain an erection. Being relaxed, confident, and aroused is crucial. However, experiencing occasional erection difficulties is common. 

Erection challenges may arise due to stress, anxiety, frustration, fatigue, alcohol consumption, substance use, other health issues, side effects of certain medications, or cancer treatments.

If you’re experiencing persistent issues with getting or maintaining an erection, it’s advisable to consult us so we can for sure help you as it’s our specialty at Istanbul Urology Clinic.

ED often serves as an early indicator of other underlying health problems, including heart disease. Therefore, it’s essential to seek medical advice if you face challenges with erections, as it may be a sign of more significant health concerns.

What Makes a Penis Erect?

Ever wondered about the mechanics behind an erection since your teenage years? Grasping the biological process of achieving an erection can shift your perspective on erectile dysfunction (ED).

The penis contains two internal chambers called the corpora cavernosa, extending from the penis head into your pelvis. These chambers are filled with a sponge-like tissue that can increase blood volume and size.

During everyday activities like working, exercising, or running errands, the arteries that supply blood to your penis are only semi-open, ensuring just enough blood flow to maintain healthy tissue.

The real transformation occurs when you’re sexually stimulated. Your brain, responding to physical or mental prompts, sends signals that initiate a hormonal reaction, causing those arteries to fully dilate.

This dilation allows a significant increase in blood flow into the corpora cavernosa. Blood flows in more rapidly than it can exit, leading to compressed veins and trapped blood in your penis. This sequence of events enables you to gain and sustain an erection.

Once the brain ceases to signal sexual excitement, this hormonal activity stops. Your arteries revert to their usual state, and your penis becomes flaccid again.

Types of Erectile Dysfunction

Health professionals classify Erectile Dysfunction (ED) into various types based on their underlying causes:

Vascular Erectile Dysfunction: 

This is the most common form of ED and is related to issues affecting the blood vessels. These problems can either impede the flow of blood to the penile tissues necessary for an erection or affect the valves in the penis that retain blood.

Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction: 

This type arises from nerve-related issues that obstruct the transmission of signals from the brain to the penis, essential for achieving an erection. Causes can include trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy, or neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal stenosis, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction: 

This type is due to hormonal imbalances, typically involving testosterone deficiency. In some instances, thyroid problems may also lead to hormonal ED.

Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: 

This category encompasses psychological factors – conditions affecting thoughts, feelings, or behaviors – that can lead to ED. These psychological aspects play a significant role in the ability to achieve and maintain an

Medical Conditions Leading to Erectile Dysfunction:

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can stem from various medical issues that impede blood flow or nerve function. Identifying a medical cause for ED often opens up treatment possibilities.

1- Diabetes: 

This condition is a notable cause of ED. Diabetes can lead to damage in nerves, blood vessels, and muscles, which might manifest as pain, numbness, or loss of sensation, particularly in the extremities like hands and feet. 

These complications directly affect the mechanisms necessary for achieving an erection, which rely on efficient nerve signaling and blood flow. Additionally, the likelihood of ED issues increases as men with diabetes age. 

The interplay between diabetes and ED underscores the importance of managing blood sugar levels and overall diabetes care to potentially mitigate the impact on sexual health.ED is usually treatable, and oral medications often serve as the initial erectile dysfunction treatment method.

However, for men with diabetes, these medications might be less effective, necessitating more sophisticated erectile dysfunction treatment. In such situations, options like injection therapy, vacuum devices, or penile implants could be advisable.

Should you be a diabetic dealing with ED, it’s important to consult with your doctor or a diabetes educator to discuss the most suitable treatment alternatives for your condition.

2- Heart Disease

Erectile dysfunction (ED) often precedes coronary artery disease, appearing in nearly 70% of cases before the latter.20

Coronary artery disease involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries, potentially limiting blood flow. When the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked due to artery hardening, it can lead to angina (chest pain) or a heart attack. The arteries supplying blood to the penis are smaller than those to the heart, so ED may manifest earlier as difficulty in achieving an erection.18

ED is prevalent among individuals with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Sexual issues often occur before CVD onset and should be considered a risk factor for cardiac events. 

Likewise, those with preexisting CVD have a higher likelihood of experiencing ED. Thus, ED and CVD can be seen as two different expressions of the same systemic condition.19

If you’re experiencing ED, it’s important to consult your doctor about your potential risk for cardiovascular disease. 

Additionally, if you’re on specific medications like nitrites for your heart or alpha-blockers for blood pressure management, your doctor will need to determine if ED medications are suitable for you or if other options would be more appropriate.

3- Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancer itself is not a direct cause of erectile dysfunction (ED), but treatments for the condition, such as radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and surgical removal of the prostate gland, can lead to challenges in achieving or maintaining an erection. 

ED related to prostate cancer treatment may be temporary, but many men face ongoing issues that require different treatment approaches.

The ability to achieve orgasm is not dependent on the prostate gland. Men who have undergone a radical prostatectomy will experience a dry orgasm without ejaculation.

 However, as long as you have normal skin sensation, achieving an orgasm through appropriate sexual stimulation is still possible. Therefore, effectively treating ED can enable you to enjoy a normal and healthy sex life.

4- Kidney Disease:

Kidney disease can impact various factors essential for a healthy erection, including hormones, blood flow, and aspects of your nervous system. 

All these elements need to function in harmony to achieve and maintain an erection, but kidney disease can disrupt this balance.

5- Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis (MS) can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) as they interfere with the brain’s capacity to transmit signals of sexual desire to the reproductive system.

Prevention

To prevent erectile dysfunction (ED), adopting healthy lifestyle choices and effectively managing any pre-existing health conditions is key. Here are some strategies:

1. Manage Chronic Health Conditions: Collaborate with your doctor to control conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Effective management of these conditions can significantly reduce the risk of ED.
2. Regular Medical Checkups: Schedule regular visits with your doctor for checkups and medical screenings. These appointments can help catch and address potential health issues early on.
3. Avoid Harmful Substances: Quit smoking, and limit or abstain from alcohol consumption. Refrain from using illegal drugs, as these substances can adversely affect erectile function.
4. Regular Exercise: Maintain a consistent exercise regimen. Physical activity not only improves overall health but also boosts circulation and can help in maintaining a healthy weight, which is crucial for sexual health.
5. Stress Reduction: Take active steps to reduce stress. Chronic stress can impact your body in many ways, including affecting sexual performance.
6. Address Mental Health Concerns: Seek help for issues like anxiety and depression. Mental health plays a significant role in sexual health, and addressing these concerns can improve ED symptoms.

Implementing these preventative measures can significantly decrease the risk of developing ED. They promote overall health and well-being, which is intrinsically linked to sexual health.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Turkey

Since every individual is unique, finding the most effective erectile dysfunction treatment depends on the underlying causes. It’s crucial to overcome any hesitation and schedule a visit with a doctor who specializes in Men’s Health. 

These professionals are committed to assisting men in improving their intimate relationships with their spouses or partners.

For many, pills are the initial approach to treating ED, yet they aren’t suitable for all. Some men experience negative side effects like headaches or ongoing stomach issues.

In more severe cases, there can be significant side effects including chest pain, and changes in vision or hearing. 

It’s estimated that about 30-35% of men don’t experience any benefit from these medications. Moreover, ED medications may require 30 minutes to 2 hours to become effective, which could disrupt the natural flow of intimate moments.

When traditional pill medications for erectile dysfunction treatment (ED) prove ineffective, The Istanbul Urology Clinic, for example, provides a variety of both surgical and non-surgical treatments designed to enable the achievement of an erection when desired.

It’s worth exploring the latest erectile dysfunction treatment, including some innovative therapies, that have shown effectiveness for many individuals.

These treatments range from advanced surgical options to cutting-edge non-invasive methods, offering a spectrum of solutions tailored to individual needs and conditions.

Non-Surgical Erectile Dysfunction Treatment:

1. Stem cell Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction Treatment:

The application of stem cells in erectile dysfunction treatment (ED) harnesses their remarkable ability to morph into different cell types in the body and aid in repairing damaged tissue. 

When applied to the penile region, stem cells exhibit their therapeutic effects by regenerating the structures that are crucial for achieving an erection.

They primarily target the muscle and vascular structures of the penis, repairing and rejuvenating damaged tissues. 

This regeneration can lead to improved blood flow and muscle function in the penis, potentially restoring the ability to achieve and maintain erections.

This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in erectile dysfunction treatment, offering a novel solution where traditional methods may fall short.

Stem cell therapy in the erectile dysfunction treatment (ED) focuses on several key objectives:

Regeneration of Damaged Tissues: 

Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into various types of cells, which can be used to repair or replace damaged tissues in the penis.

This regeneration is crucial for restoring the normal function of the penile tissues, particularly those involved in achieving and maintaining an erection.

Improving Penile Blood Flow:

One of the primary causes of ED is impaired blood flow to the penis. Stem cell therapy aims to improve this by enhancing the health and function of blood vessels within the penile structure.

Healthy blood flow is essential for the erectile process, as it allows for sufficient engorgement of the penile tissues to achieve an erection.

Formation of New Blood Vessels: 

Additionally, stem cell therapy can stimulate angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This is particularly important in cases where ED is due to vascular issues.

New blood vessels improve overall blood circulation within the penis, further aiding in the erectile function.

By targeting these areas, stem cell therapy offers a promising and potentially effective erectile dysfunction treatment, particularly for those who have not found success with more conventional treatments.

2. P-Shot for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

The P-Shot is a therapeutic approach that utilizes your blood’s growth factors to promote healing in penile tissue.

It’s a non-surgical erectile dysfunction treatment, a noninvasive method, allowing patients to resume normal activities, such as sexual intercourse, on the same day as the procedure.

This erectile dysfunction treatment harnesses the power of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which aids in the healing of penile tissue and blood vessels.

Platelets, a natural component of blood, are concentrated in plasma. These platelets are crucial for producing collagen, which aids in the repair of tissues in muscles, joints, and bones.

Therefore, by injecting a high concentration of platelets in plasma into the penis, the P-Shot in erectile dysfunction treatment aims to enhance tissue and nerve regeneration.

As the penis regains healthy tissue, various benefits can be observed, such as heightened sensitivity, enhanced sexual endurance, improved blood flow to the penis, stronger erections during intercourse, and a decreased likelihood of premature ejaculation.

3. ESWT in Erectile Dysfunction Treatment:

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is the clinical term used by urologists for a specific treatment aimed at improving penile function.

During this procedure, a handheld device emits targeted sound waves to stimulate the penile tissue, enhancing blood flow and expediting the healing process.

 

These low-intensity shockwaves have been found to foster the growth of new blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the penis, crucial for maintaining erections.

This erectile dysfunction treatment is typically carried out in an examination room without the need for anesthesia. The urologist maneuvers a wand-like instrument across various sections of the penis, releasing gentle pulses that promote increased blood circulation.

The entire session usually lasts about 15 minutes.After the treatment, patients can usually go home immediately and are typically capable of driving themselves.

Most individuals can resume their normal activities the day following the shockwave therapy, though your urologist will advise if a longer recovery period is necessary.

Beneficial outcomes from shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction treatment (ED) are generally observed within one to three months. Early results, appearing within the initial weeks, can be quite significant.

However, due to the lack of extensive long-term studies, the duration of the treatment’s effectiveness remains uncertain. Based on our experience over the past year, the benefits might last up to one or two years.

It’s important to consider that the effects of the treatment may diminish over time, and additional treatment could be necessary in the future.

4. ESWT and P-Shot Merging:

Merging shockwave therapy with the P-Shot can lead to augmented results in erectile dysfunction treatment.

Each treatment, effective in its own right, works in tandem to boost blood flow, encourage tissue regeneration, and refine sexual performance.

Undergoing shockwave therapy before the P-Shot prepares the penile blood vessels for enhanced growth and repair.

This preconditioning potentially amplifies the impact of the PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections used in the P-Shot, leading to more effective results. 

By integrating these two erectile dysfunction treatments, a more holistic approach is adopted in addressing erectile dysfunction, promising both immediate and sustained improvements.

Surgical Erectile Dysfunction Treatment:

There are various erectile dysfunction treatment avenues for erectile dysfunction (ED), with surgical intervention being considered when medications and other non-surgical methods prove ineffective or are not recommended by a specialist.

The most frequently employed surgical solution is the insertion of a penile implant. Another surgical option is vascular reconstruction surgery; however, this procedure is seldom performed, and we will explain the reasons for its rarity.

This article aims to delve into surgical erectile dysfunction treatment, exploring the associated risks, benefits, potential outcomes, and additional relevant information.

1- Penile Implant Surgery

A penile implant is a device designed to aid in achieving an erection and is entirely concealed within the body.

This solution empowers the individual with control over their sexual function, allowing for spontaneous erections without the need for planning or waiting, unlike other erectile dysfunction treatment.

The device is surgically implanted through a minor incision in the skin. Most men can return home the day after the procedure and typically resume sexual activity within 4 to 6 weeks.

Penile implants are considered after other erectile dysfunction treatments like oral medications and penile injections cease to be effective.

They are also an option for patients who prefer a more immediate solution. Long-term, penile implants are a cost-effective treatment for ED.

There are two inflatable types of penile implants:

1- Three-Piece Implants:

These inflatable penile implants are the most widely used. The system includes a pair of cylinders placed in the penis, a pump located near the testicles in the scrotum, and a saline reservoir.

Activating the pump transfers saline into the cylinders, resulting in a natural-feeling, rigid erection.

Excellent rigidity and the ability to return to a flaccid state.

The advantages of these types of penile implants include:

• Total control over the erection.
• Availability of antibiotic coatings to reduce infection risk.

2- Two-Piece Implants:

These are similar but have a combined pump and reservoir, making them a simpler system but with less capacity than the three-piece implants.

Both types of implants maintain an erection for as long as desired, even post-climax. A deflation mechanism in the pump allows the penis to return to a flaccid state.

One of the most advantages of this implant for erectile dysfunction treatment is the suitability for a wide range of patients, including those with conditions like prostate cancer, diabetes, vascular disease, spinal cord injuries, pelvic trauma, transplant recipients, and others.

3- Malleable penile implants

Malleable penile implants for erectile dysfunction treatment consist of flexible or semi-rigid cylinders, often likened to the flexibility of a goose-neck lamp.

These implants are designed to be rigid enough for sexual intercourse while still being soft enough to be discreetly concealed under clothing.

Advantages of malleable penile implants include:

• They are generally the least expensive type of penile implant.
• They have fewer mechanical components, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure.

However, there are certain downsides to consider:

• The erection provided by these implants is the least natural in comparison to other types.
• They typically do not have an antibiotic coating, which can be a disadvantage in infection prevention.
• They offer the least effective rigidity for sexual activity and are not as easily returned to a flaccid state as inflatable implants.

Malleable penile implants for erectile dysfunction treatment are particularly suitable for men who have limited hand function and may find it challenging to operate inflatable implants.

While they may not offer the same level of functionality as inflatable implants, malleable penile implants provide a viable solution for specific cases, especially where ease of use and cost are significant considerations.

All Penile implants Model can offer a durable and reliable option for managing erectile dysfunction, particularly when other erectile dysfunction treatment have failed or are unsuitable.

2- Vascular Reconstructive Surgery

Vascular reconstructive surgery represents one approach to enhance blood flow to the penis, aimed at aiding men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in achieving and maintaining an erection.

However, this procedure is not widely recommended by the American Urological Association due to several factors:

• Technical Complexity: The surgery is intricate and demands a high level of surgical skill.
• Cost: It is a costly procedure, which may not be feasible for all patients.
• Inconsistent Results: The effectiveness of the surgery is not always guaranteed, leading to varying outcomes.

Vascular reconstructive surgery might be suitable for a limited group of patients. It is most applicable for younger men whose ED is primarily due to penile or surrounding area injury, but it does not assure a definite result.

Unfortunately, the long-term efficacy of vascular reconstructive surgery is questionable. Even in the most optimistic studies, only about 1 in 20 men show improvement post-treatment. 

The success rate tends to be higher in younger patients with a solitary vascular injury resulting from pelvic or genital trauma.

Despite these specific cases, the overall effectiveness and sustainability of results from vascular reconstructive surgery remain a concern in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Takeaway:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread condition, particularly as men age. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment and lower self-esteem, and may even contribute to more severe psychological issues. 

However, experiencing ED is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It can often be a signal from your body indicating that something may need attention.

It’s crucial to engage in an open and honest conversation with healthcare professionals such as the Istanbul urology team about your symptoms and the impact they have on your quality of life.

This dialogue is essential for an accurate diagnosis of ED. Understanding its underlying causes is key to determining the most effective erectile dysfunction treatment plan.

By discussing your experiences and concerns, Istanbul Urology Clinic can offer personalized advice and solutions tailored to your specific situation. 

Remember, ED is a common health issue, and there are many effective erectile dysfunction treatments available. The first step towards managing it effectively is open communication with us or your doctor.