Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
 
DEPARTMENT OF UROLOGY

Diseases and Conditions

Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction

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Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve an erection and/or dissatisfaction with the size, rigidity and/or duration of erections. Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men.

In the past, it was commonly believed that erectile dysfunction was due to psychological problems. However, today we know that 80 to 90 percent of impotence is caused by physical problems, usually related to the blood supply of the penis. And, fortunately, many advances have occurred in both diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Better diagnosis, better treatment for erectile dysfunction

Feeling embarrassed about being impotent may prevent many men from seeking the medical attention they need. That can delay diagnosis and treatment for more serious underlying conditions. Impotence itself is often related to an underlying problem, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease or other medical conditions.

The Jefferson Department of Urology has a longstanding commitment to helping men with sexual dysfunction including specialized physicians with advanced training. We offer a full complement of diagnostic tools and procedures—including hormonal assessments, duplex Doppler imaging to visualize and assess penile blood flow, sleep erection pattern evaluation, and nerve conduction studies.

By investing time in identifying the cause of a problem, our team of experts can develop a more precisely targeted therapy for each patient. Jefferson offers a full complement of therapies, including a variety of prescription drugs, vacuum erection devices, penile injection therapy and MUSE suppository treatment. Our physicians are expert in the use of the penile postesis to treat this condition as well.

Additional information about erectile dysfunction