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===Alternative treatment methods===
===Alternative treatment methods===
Numerous alternative therapies are used to improve sexual function. Some include: [[niacin]], [[zinc]], [[copper]], Korean red [[ginseng]] root, [[ginkgo]], pine bark, ''Tribulus terrestris'', [[arginine]], ''Avena sativa'', [[horny goat weed]], [[maca root]], muira puama, [[saw palmetto]], and Swedish flower pollen. None of these however have been recognized as effective by the FDA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/562177 |title=Dangers of Sexual Enhancement Supplements |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> While zinc deficiency may be a cause of lower testosterone levels in [[hemodialysis]] patients, which may benefit from zinc supplementation,<ref name="pmid7051913">{{cite journal |author=Mahajan SK, Abbasi AA, Prasad AS, Rabbani P, Briggs WA, McDonald FD |title=Effect of oral zinc therapy on gonadal function in hemodialysis patients. A double-blind study |journal=[[Ann. Intern. Med.]] |volume=97 |issue=3 |pages=357–61 |year=1982 |month=September |pmid=7051913 |doi= |url=}}</ref> such supplements have no effect on the testosterone levels of healthy males who consume a zinc-sufficient diet.<ref name="pmid17882141">{{cite journal |author=Koehler K, Parr MK, Geyer H, Mester J, Schänzer W |title=Serum testosterone and urinary excretion of steroid hormone metabolites after administration of a high-dose zinc supplement |journal=[[Eur J Clin Nutr]] |volume=63 |issue=1 |pages=65–70 |year=2009 |month=January |pmid=17882141 |doi=10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602899 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602899}}</ref>
Numerous alternative therapies are used to improve sexual function. Some include: [[niacin]], [[zinc]], [[copper]], Korean red [[ginseng]] root, [[ginkgo]], pine bark, ''Tribulus terrestris'', [[arginine]], ''Avena sativa'', [[horny goat weed]], [[maca root]], muira puama, [[saw palmetto]], and Swedish flower pollen. None of these however have been recognized as effective by the FDA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/562177 |title=Dangers of Sexual Enhancement Supplements |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> While zinc deficiency may be a cause of lower testosterone levels in [[hemodialysis]] patients, which may benefit from zinc supplementation,<ref name="pmid7051913">{{cite journal |author=Mahajan SK, Abbasi AA, Prasad AS, Rabbani P, Briggs WA, McDonald FD |title=Effect of oral zinc therapy on gonadal function in hemodialysis patients. A double-blind study |journal=[[Ann. Intern. Med.]] |volume=97 |issue=3 |pages=357–61 |year=1982 |month=September |pmid=7051913 |doi= |url=}}</ref> such supplements have no effect on the testosterone levels of healthy males who consume a zinc-sufficient diet.<ref name="pmid17882141">{{cite journal |author=Koehler K, Parr MK, Geyer H, Mester J, Schänzer W |title=Serum testosterone and urinary excretion of steroid hormone metabolites after administration of a high-dose zinc supplement |journal=[[Eur J Clin Nutr]] |volume=63 |issue=1 |pages=65–70 |year=2009 |month=January |pmid=17882141 |doi=10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602899 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602899}}</ref>

;The Kegel Male Exercise Trainer
[[Image:KegelMale_Thumbnail.jpg|thumb|right|The Kegel Male Exercise Trainer]]
The [[Kegel Male Exercise Trainer]] has also been used as a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction. The Trainer functions as a resistance exercise regimen, targeting the three major muscles contained in the penis. These three muscles are believed to begin their natural atrophy after the age of 18[1]. Using lightly weighted ball bearings of appropriate numbers (1 to 4 balls; provide a total weight of 2.5 ounces to a maximum of 10 ounces), the training apparatus focuses on the male Pubococcygeus (PC muscle), Bulbocavernosus and Ishiocavernosus muscles. The Trainer also strengthens the tunica albuginea, anal sphincter and urogenetial diaphragm. Strengthening these tissues has been reported to produce penis enlargement and increased testosterone levels.


==History==
==History==

Revision as of 15:02, 7 April 2009

Erectile dysfunction
SpecialtyUrology, psychiatry, psychology, sexology Edit this on Wikidata

Erectile dysfunction (ED or (male) impotence) is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.[1]

An erection occurs due to hydraulic effects due to blood entering and being retained in sponge-like bodies inside the penis. During intercourse, the process is initiated when sexual arousal is transmitted from the brain to nerves in the pelvis. There are various and often multiple underlying causes, some of which are treatable medical conditions. The most important organic causes are cardiovascular disease and diabetes, neurological problems (for example, trauma from prostatectomy surgery), hormonal insufficiencies (hypogonadism) and drug side effects. It is important to realise that erectile dysfunction can signal underlying risk for cardiovascular disease.

There is often a contributing and complicating and sometimes a primary psychological or relational problem. Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings (psychological reasons) rather than physical impossibility; this can often be helped. Notably in psychological impotence, there is a strong response to placebo treatment. Erectile dysfunction, tied closely as it is to cultural notions of potency, success and masculinity, can have severe psychological consequences. There is a strong culture of silence and inability to discuss the matter. In reality, it has been estimated that around 1 in 10 men will experience recurring impotence problems at some point in their lives.[2]

Besides treating the underlying causes and psychological consequences, the first line treatment of erectile dysfunction consists of a trial of PDE5 inhibitor drugs (the first of which was sildenafil or Viagra). In some cases, treatment can involve prostaglandin tablets in the urethra, intracavernous injections with a fine needle into the penis that cause swelling, a penile prosthesis, a penis pump or vascular reconstructive surgery.[3]

The Latin term impotentia coeundi describes simple inability to insert the penis into the vagina. It is now mostly replaced by more precise terms. The study of erectile dysfunction within medicine is covered by andrology, a sub-field within urology.

Overview and symptoms

Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the regular or repeated inability to obtain or maintain an erection. There are several ways that erectile dysfunction is analyzed:

  • Obtaining full erections at some times, such as when asleep (when the mind and psychological issues, if any, are less present), tends to suggest the physical structures are functionally working. However, the opposite case, a lack of nocturnal erections, does not imply the opposite, since a significant proportion of sexually functional men do not routinely get nocturnal erections or wet dreams.
  • Obtaining erections which are either not rigid or full (lazy erection), or are lost more rapidly than would be expected (often before or during penetration), can be a sign of a failure of the mechanism which keeps blood held in the penis, and may signify an underlying clinical condition, often cardiovascular in origin.

Erection problems are very common. The Sexual Dysfunction Association estimates that 1 in 10 men in the UK have recurring problems with their erections at some point in their life.[2]

Pathophysiology

Penile erection is managed by two different mechanisms. The first one is the reflex erection, which is achieved by directly touching the penile shaft. The second is the psychogenic erection, which is achieved by erotic or emotional stimuli. The former uses the peripheral nerves and the lower parts of the spinal cord, whereas the latter uses the limbic system of the brain. In both conditions, an intact neural system is required for a successful and complete erection. Stimulation of penile shaft by the nervous system leads to the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), which causes the relaxation of smooth muscles of corpora cavernosa (the main erectile tissue of penis), and subsequently penile erection. Additionally, adequate levels of testosterone (produced by the testes) and an intact pituitary gland are required for the development of a healthy erectile system. As can be understood from the mechanisms of a normal erection, impotence may develop due to hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neural system, lack of adequate penile blood supply or psychological problems. Restriction of blood flow can arise from impaired endothelial function due to the usual causes associated with coronary artery disease, but can also be caused by prolonged exposure to bright light.

Causes

A few causes of impotence may be iatrogenic (medically caused). Various antihypertensives (medications intended to control high blood pressure) and some drugs that modify central nervous system response may inhibit erection by denying blood supply or by altering nerve activity.

Surgical intervention for a number of different conditions may remove anatomical structures necessary to erection, damage nerves, or impair blood supply. Complete removal of the prostate gland or external beam radiotherapy of the gland are common causes of impotence; both are treatments for prostate cancer. Some studies have shown that male circumcision may result in an increased risk of impotence,[13][14] while others have found no such effect,[15][16][17] and another found the opposite.[18]

Excessive alcohol use has long been recognised as one cause of impotence, leading to the euphemism "brewer's droop," or "whiskey dick;" Shakespeare made light of this phenomenon in Macbeth.

A study in 2002 found that ED can also be associated with bicycling. The number of hours on a bike and/or the pressure on the penis from the saddle of an upright bicycle is directly related to erectile dysfunction.[19]

Some evidence suggests that smaller penis size is associated with erectile dysfunction.[20]

Diagnosis

Medical diagnosis

There are no formal tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction. Some blood tests are generally done to exclude underlying disease, such as diabetes, hypogonadism and prolactinoma. Impotence is also related to generally poor physical health, poor dietary habits, obesity, and most specifically cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

A useful and simple way to distinguish between physiological and psychological impotence is to determine whether the patient ever has an erection. If never, the problem is likely to be physiological; if sometimes (however rarely), it could be physiological or psychological. The current diagnostic and statistical manual of mental diseases (DSM-IV) has included a listing for impotence.

Clinical Tests Used to Diagnose ED

Duplex ultrasound
Duplex ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow, venous leak, signs of atherosclerosis, and scarring or calcification of erectile tissue. Injecting prostaglandin, a hormone-like stimulator produced in the body, induces erection. Ultrasound is then used to see vascular dilation and measure penile blood pressure. Measurements are compared to those taken when the penis is flaccid.
Penile nerves function
Tests such as the bulbocavernosus reflex test are used to determine if there is sufficient nerve sensation in the penis. The physician squeezes the glans (head) of the penis, which immediately causes the anus to contract if nerve function is normal. A physician measures the latency between squeeze and contraction by observing the anal sphincter or by feeling it with a gloved finger inserted past the anus. Specific nerve tests are used in patients with suspected nerve damage as a result of diabetes or nerve disease.
Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)
It is normal for a man to have five to six erections during sleep, especially during rapid eye movement (REM). Their absence may indicate a problem with nerve function or blood supply in the penis. There are two methods for measuring changes in penile rigidity and circumference during nocturnal erection: snap gauge and strain gauge. (It should be noted that a significant proportion of men who have no sexual dysfunction nonetheless do not have regular nocturnal erections. Thus presence of NPT tends to signify physically functional systems, but absence of NPT may be ambiguous and not rule out either cause.)
Penile biothesiometry
This test uses electromagnetic vibration to evaluate sensitivity and nerve function in the glans and shaft of the penis. A decreased perception of vibration may indicate nerve damage in the pelvic area, which can lead to impotence.
Penile Angiogram
Invasive test - allows visualization of the circulation in the penis and is used during the repair of a priapism.
Dynamic Infusion Cavernosometry
(Abbreviated DICC) technique in which fluid is pumped into the penis at a known rate and pressure. It gives a measurement of the vascular pressure in the corpus cavernosum during an erection. To do this test, a vasodilator like prostaglandin E-1 is injected to measure the rate of infusion required to get a rigid erection and to help find how severe the venous leak is.
Corpus Cavernosometry
Cavernosography measurement of the vascular pressure in the corpus cavernosum. Saline is infused under pressure into the corpus cavernosum with a butterfly needle, and the flow rate needed to maintain an erection indicates the degree of venous leakage. The leaking veins responsible may be visualised by infusing a mixture of saline and x ray contrast medium and performing a cavernosogram. [21]
Digital Subtraction Angiography
In DSA, the images are acquired digitally. The computer creates a mask from lower-contrast x-rays of the same area and digitally isolates the blood vessels (this is done manually through darkroom masking with traditional angiography).
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
This is similar to magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance angiography uses magnetic fields and radio waves to provide detailed images of the blood vessels. Doctors may inject a "contrast agent" into the patient's bloodstream that causes vascular tissues to stand out against other tissues. The contrast agent provides for enhanced information regarding blood supply and vascular anomalies. Aside from the IV used to introduce the contrast material into the bloodstream, magnetic resonance angiography is noninvasive and painless.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Testosterone supplements may be used for cases due to hormonal deficiency. However, the cause is more usually lack of adequate penile blood supply as a result of damage to inner walls of blood vessels. This damage is more frequent in older men, and often associated with disease, in particular diabetes.

Treatments (with the exception of testosterone supplementation, where effective) work on a temporary basis: they enable an erection to be attained and maintained long enough for intercourse, but do not permanently improve the underlying condition.

ED can in many cases be treated by drugs taken orally, injected, or as penile suppositories. These drugs increase the efficacy of NO, which dilates the blood vessels of corpora cavernosa. When oral drugs or suppositories fail, injections into the erectile tissue of the penile shaft are extremely effective but occasionally cause priapism.

Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise is an effective cheap treatment for erectile dysfunction. [22]

When pharmacological methods fail, a purpose-designed external vacuum pump can be used to attain erection, with a separate compression ring fitted to the penis to maintain it. These pumps should be distinguished from other penis pumps (supplied without compression rings) which, rather than being used for temporary treatment of impotence, are claimed to increase penis length if used frequently, or vibrate as an aid to masturbation. More drastically, inflatable or rigid penile implants may be fitted surgically. Implants are irreversible and costly.

All these mechanical methods are based on simple principles of hydraulics and mechanics and are quite reliable, but have their disadvantages. In a few cases there is a vascular problem which can be treated surgically.

Oral treatment

The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases constitute a group of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of the cyclic nucleotides cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. They exist in different molecular forms and are unevenly distributed throughout the body.

One of the forms of phophodiesterase is termed PDE5. The prescription PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are prescription drugs which are taken orally. They work by blocking the action of PDE5, which causes cGMP to degrade. CGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 causes the smooth muscle of the arteries in the penis to relax, allowing the corpus cavernosum to fill with blood.

These medications work when there is sexual stimulation. Depending on the treatment, it will need to be taken 20 minutes to 1 hour before sex and the period of time over which it works can vary between 3 hours and up to 36 hours.

Alprostadil

Alprostadil can be injected into the penis or inserted using a special applicator - usually just before sexual intercourse.

Alprostadil has also become available in some countries as a topical cream (under the brand name Befar),[23] and preliminary studies have shown a clinical efficacy of up to 83%.[24] It has an onset of action of 10–15 minutes and its effects can last over 4 hours.[citation needed]

Vacuum Therapy

These work by placing the penis in a vacuum cylinder device. [25] The device helps draw blood into the penis by applying negative pressure. A tension ring is applied at the base of the penis to help maintain the erection.[25] This type of device is sometimes referred to as penis pump and may be used just prior to sexual intercourse. Several types of FDA approved vacuum therapy devices are available with a doctor's prescription.

Surgery

Often, as a last resort if other treatments have failed, the most common procedure is prosthetic implants which involves the insertion of artificial rods into the penis.[26]

Counselling

Counselling is often a consideration, both where a psychological cause is suspected or must be ruled out, or to assist in management of any distress.

Controversial and unapproved treatments

ED treatment drugs have a high placebo response: if a good result is expected, any highly praised, and often expensive, treatment can be effective. Reputable drugs can also benefit from the same effect.

Naltrexone

Drug used for treating drug addicts can have some success in patients with inhibited sexual desire.

Bremelanotide

The experimental drug bremelanotide (formerly PT-141) does not act on the vascular system like the former compounds but allegedly increases sexual desire and drive in males as well as females. It is applied as a nasal spray. Bremelanotide allegedly works by activating melanocortin receptors in the brain. It is currently in Phase IIb trials.

Melanotan II

Like bremelanotide the experimental drug Melanotan II does not act on the vascular system either but increases libido. Melanotan II works by activating melanocortin receptors in the brain.

hMaxi-K

hMaxi-K is a form of gene therapy using a plasmid vector that expresses the hSlo gene, that encodes the alpha-subunit of the Maxi-K channel. It has undergone phase I safety trials.[27]

Ginseng

A double-blind study appears to show evidence that ginseng is better than placebo.[28]

Enzyte

Enzyte is a product that has been advertised by saturation coverage on television channels such as CourtTV. However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about Enzyte for deceptive advertising. It is manufactured by Berkeley Nutritionals, which is alleged to be the subject of an investigation by the Attorney General of Ohio and the defendant in class-action lawsuits for false advertising.

Enzyte is a supplement that claims to increase the male libido or frequency of erections of the penis.

The effectiveness of Enzyte is in dispute. Some medical professionals in fact advise against taking Enzyte, saying that it can lead to damage. The Center for Science in the Public Interest have urged the Federal Trade Commission to disallow further television advertising for Enzyte due to a lack of proper studies supporting claims.

Enzyte is said to contain: Tribulus terrestris; Yohimbe Extract; Niacin; Epimedium; Avena sativa; zinc oxide; maca; Muira Pauma; Ginkgo biloba; L-Arginine; Saw Palmetto. Other ingredients: gelatin, rice bran, oat fiber, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide.

Prelox

Prelox is a Proprietary mix/combination of naturally occurring ingredients, L-arginine aspartate and Pycnogenol. In double blind tests carried out by Dr. Steven Lamm at New York University School of Medicine, 81.1% of men overall judged Prelox to be effective in improving their ability to engage in sexual activity. [29] Whilst the supplements should be taken daily, the manufacturers claim that it brings the spontaneity back into ones' love life; unlike other products which must be remembered to be taken a fixed time before sexual activity.

Alternative treatment methods

Numerous alternative therapies are used to improve sexual function. Some include: niacin, zinc, copper, Korean red ginseng root, ginkgo, pine bark, Tribulus terrestris, arginine, Avena sativa, horny goat weed, maca root, muira puama, saw palmetto, and Swedish flower pollen. None of these however have been recognized as effective by the FDA.[30] While zinc deficiency may be a cause of lower testosterone levels in hemodialysis patients, which may benefit from zinc supplementation,[31] such supplements have no effect on the testosterone levels of healthy males who consume a zinc-sufficient diet.[32]

The Kegel Male Exercise Trainer
File:KegelMale Thumbnail.jpg
The Kegel Male Exercise Trainer

The Kegel Male Exercise Trainer has also been used as a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction. The Trainer functions as a resistance exercise regimen, targeting the three major muscles contained in the penis. These three muscles are believed to begin their natural atrophy after the age of 18[1]. Using lightly weighted ball bearings of appropriate numbers (1 to 4 balls; provide a total weight of 2.5 ounces to a maximum of 10 ounces), the training apparatus focuses on the male Pubococcygeus (PC muscle), Bulbocavernosus and Ishiocavernosus muscles. The Trainer also strengthens the tunica albuginea, anal sphincter and urogenetial diaphragm. Strengthening these tissues has been reported to produce penis enlargement and increased testosterone levels.

History

The earliest attempts at treating erectile dysfunction date back to Muslim physicians and pharmacists in the medieval Islamic world. They were the first to prescribe medication for the treatment of this problem, and they developed several methods of therapy for this issue, including a single-drug therapy method where a drug was prescribed and a "combination method of either a drug or food." Most of these drugs were oral medication, though a few patients were also treated through topical and transurethral means. Erectile dysfunctions were being treated with tested drugs in the Islamic world since the 9th century until the 16th century by a number of Muslim physicians and pharmacists, including Muhammad ibn Zakarīya Rāzi, Thabit bin Qurra, Ibn Al-Jazzar, Avicenna (The Canon of Medicine), Averroes, Ibn al-Baitar, and Ibn al-Nafis (The Comprehensive Book on Medicine).[33]

Dr. John R. Brinkley initiated a boom in male impotence cures in the US in the 1920s and 1930s. His radio programs recommended expensive goat gland implants and "mercurochrome" injections as the path to restored male virility, including operations by surgeon Serge Voronoff. After the Kansas State Medical Board revoked his medical license and the Federal Radio Commission refused to renew his radio license (both in 1930), Brinkley moved his operations just over the Texas border to Mexico where he opened a medical clinic and broadcast advertisements into the US from a border blaster radio station.

Surgeons began providing patients with inflatable penile implants in the 1970s.

Modern drug therapy for ED made a significant advance in 1983 when British physiologist Giles Brindley, Ph.D. dropped his trousers and demonstrated to a shocked American Urological Association audience his phentolamine-induced erection. The drug Brindley injected into his penis was a non-specific vasodilator, an alpha-blocking agent, and the mechanism of action was clearly corporal smooth muscle relaxation. The effect that Brindley discovered established the fundamentals for the later development of specific, safe, orally-effective drug therapies.[34]

Continuing research

The peptide Tx2-6 from the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider has recently received media attention as a potential prototype for new drugs targeting nitric oxide signaling.[35][36]

See also

References

  1. ^ "NIH Consensus Conference. Impotence. NIH Consensus Development Panel on Impotence". JAMA. 270 (1): 83–90. 1993. PMID 8510302. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b "1 in 10 men" estimate, see for example: NHS Direct - Health encyclopaedia -Erectile dysfunction
  3. ^ Montague DK, Jarow JP, Broderick GA; et al. (2005). "Chapter 1: The management of erectile dysfunction: an AUA update". J. Urol. 174 (1): 230–9. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000164463.19239.19. PMID 15947645. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "Erectile Dysfunction causes". Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction). Healthwise. 2006. Retrieved 2007-10-07.
  5. ^ "Male Sexual Dysfunction Epidemiology". Erectile dysfunction. Armenian Health Network, Health.am. 2006. Retrieved 2007-10-07.
  6. ^ "Causes of Erectile Dysfunction". Erectile dysfunction. Armenian Health Network, Health.am. 2006. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Tom F. Lue, MD" ignored (help)
  7. ^ "Erectile dysfunction". Erectile dysfunction. Mayo Clinic. 2006. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite web}}: Text "Mayo Clinic Staff" ignored (help)
  8. ^ "Erectile Dysfunction Causes". Erectile Dysfunction. Healthcommunities.com. 1998. Retrieved 2007-10-07.
  9. ^ "The Tobacco Reference Guide". Retrieved 2006-07-15.
  10. ^ Peate I (2005). "The effects of smoking on the reproductive health of men". Br J Nurs. 14 (7): 362–6. PMID 15924009.
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  12. ^ Kendirci M, Nowfar S, Hellstrom WJ. (2005). "The impact of vascular risk factors on erectile function". Drugs Today (Barc). 41 (1): 65–74. doi:10.1358/dot.2005.41.1.875779. PMID 15753970.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Palmer J, Link D (1979). "Impotence following anesthesia for elective circumcision". JAMA. 241 (24): 2635–6. doi:10.1001/jama.241.24.2635. PMID 439362. - Reproduced at www.cirp.org Circumcision Information and Resource Pages
  14. ^ Shen Z, Chen S, Zhu C, Wan Q, Chen Z (2004). "[Erectile function evaluation after adult circumcision]". Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 10 (1): 18–9. PMID 14979200.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Senkul T, IşerI C, şen B, KarademIr K, Saraçoğlu F, Erden D (2004). "Circumcision in adults: effect on sexual function". Urology. 63 (1): 155–8. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2003.08.035. PMID 14751371.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Reproduced at www.cirp.org Circumcision Information and Resource Pages
  16. ^ Collins S, Upshaw J, Rutchik S, Ohannessian C, Ortenberg J, Albertsen P (2002). "Effects of circumcision on male sexual function: debunking a myth?". J Urol. 167 (5): 2111–2. doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(05)65097-5. PMID 11956452.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Reproduced at www.cirp.org Circumcision Information and Resource Pages
  17. ^ Masood S, Patel H, Himpson R, Palmer J, Mufti G, Sheriff M (2005). "Penile sensitivity and sexual satisfaction after circumcision: are we informing men correctly?". Urol Int. 75 (1): 62–6. doi:10.1159/000085930. PMID 16037710.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Laumann E, Masi C, Zuckerman E (1997). "Circumcision in the United States. Prevalence, prophylactic effects, and sexual practice". JAMA. 277 (13): 1052–7. doi:10.1001/jama.277.13.1052. PMID 9091693.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Reproduced at www.cirp.org Circumcision Information and Resource Pages
  19. ^ Schrader S, Breitenstein M, Clark J, Lowe B, Turner T (2002). "Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing in bicycling patrol officers". J Androl. 23 (6): 927–34. PMID 12399541. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ Awwad, Z (2005). "Penile measurements in normal adult Jordanians and in patients with erectile dysfunction". International Journal of Impotence Research. 17 (2): 191–195. PMID 15510185. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ Dawson C, Whitfield H (1996). "ABC of urology. Subfertility and male sexual dysfunction". BMJ. 312 (7035): 902–5. PMC 2350600. PMID 8611887. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  22. ^ Sexual Function in Men Older Than 50 Years of Age, annals.org, August 5, 2003
  23. ^ Beyond Viagra, worldhealth.net, August 12, 2003
  24. ^ Goldstein I, Payton TR, Schechter PJ (2001). "A double-blind, placebo-controlled, efficacy and safety study of topical gel formulation of 1% alprostadil (Topiglan) for the in-office treatment of erectile dysfunction". Urology. 57 (2): 301–5. PMID 11182341.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ a b "You don't have to live with Erectile Dysfunction (ED)". The Canadian Male Sexual Health Council (CMSHC). Educational Flyer. note: This information may also be available online at http://www.cmshc.org.
  26. ^ Penile prostheses (implants) Chris Steidle, MD, SeekWellness.com
  27. ^ Melman A, Bar-Chama N, McCullough A, Davies K, Christ G (2005). "The first human trial for gene transfer therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: preliminary results". Eur Urol. 48 (2): 314–8. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2005.05.005. PMID 15964135.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, Nam KY, Ahn TY (2002). "A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report". J. Urol. 168 (5): 2070–3. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000034387.21441.87. PMID 12394711.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Prelox for improvement of erectile function: A review European Bulletin of Drug Research, Volume 11, No. 3, 2003. Steven Lamm, Frank Schoenlau, Peter Rohdewald
  30. ^ "Dangers of Sexual Enhancement Supplements".
  31. ^ Mahajan SK, Abbasi AA, Prasad AS, Rabbani P, Briggs WA, McDonald FD (1982). "Effect of oral zinc therapy on gonadal function in hemodialysis patients. A double-blind study". Ann. Intern. Med. 97 (3): 357–61. PMID 7051913. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ Koehler K, Parr MK, Geyer H, Mester J, Schänzer W (2009). "Serum testosterone and urinary excretion of steroid hormone metabolites after administration of a high-dose zinc supplement". Eur J Clin Nutr. 63 (1): 65–70. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602899. PMID 17882141. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ A. Al Dayela and N. al-Zuhair (2006), "Single drug therapy in the treatment of male sexual/erectile dysfunction in Islamic medicine", Urology 68 (1), p. 253-254.
  34. ^ Brindley G (1983). "Cavernosal alpha-blockade: a new technique for investigating and treating erectile impotence" (Abstract). Br J Psychiatry. 143: 332–7. doi:10.1192/bjp.143.4.332. PMID 6626852. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  35. ^ BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Spider venom could boost sex life
  36. ^ PMID 1397265