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Urology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Oxygen Tension and ED
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Oxygen Tension and ED

by rockin50, May 10, 2007 12:00AM
I am a 52 yr-old male that has suffered with ED all of my adult life.  I have tried Viagra - which was a disappointment both in terms of performance (weak erections) and side-effects (HEADACHES, blurred vision).  I have always noticed that when the situation presents itself, my penis seems to tighten up and reacts in a knee-jerk reaction when physically stimulated.  It's as if the blood flow is restricted in some way.  This is not to say that I've never had an erection, or ever had sex - I have.  But I would estimate that at least 80% of the time I experience this problem.
I have been doing some reading on the subject to see if this 'symptom' is outlined anywhere.  I found the subject of 'oxygen tension' to the corpova cavernosa that essentially blocks or inhibits the smooth muscles from relaxing.  My question is, can this be treated outside of the popular ED products out there today?  Is there anything else I can do to be tested for this - what would be the treatment?

Thanks for fielding my question.

by Kevin Pho, MD, May 11, 2007 12:00AM
Unfortunately, there is no standard nor easy way to measure oxygen tension.  I also am not aware of many studies that have shown that improvement in oxygen tension leading to improvement in the erections.  

An ultrasound to image the penis and blood flow can be considered.  Use of other ED medications like Levitra or Cialis can also be considered.  I would also check metabolic diseases like diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.

If the symptoms continue, these questions can be addressed with your personal urologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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