Charles Dickens stated in A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times”. How true is this statement today! Instead of two cities, we have the bedroom representing two places: a place to sleep and a place to make love. With the introduction of Viagra, we had hoped that the bedroom would become the best of times. However, when medications are not effective, the bedroom can represent the worst of times.
It is estimated that more than 20 million men in the United States are affected by erectile
dysfunction (ED). In the majority of these cases, the actual cause is related to poor circulation and blood flow in the penis. Just think of it. The coronary arteries surrounding the heart are four times the size of the arteries feeding the penis. If there should be any degree of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, or diabetes, blood flow problems affecting the heart lag way behind any adverse effects these diseases have on the flow of blood into the penis. Patients who have been treated for prostate cancer by surgery or by various forms of radiation have compromises of their blood flow into the penis. Viagra and its newer “me too” concoctions can resurrect successful erections in about 70% of men. Therefore a large number of sufferers of ED will require a more advanced treatment option. Currently the best option for men who do not respond to Viagra is the internal penile pump. The internal penile pump makes my patients feel as normal as possible and allows men to regain their confidence and security in the bedroom. Many of my patients who have used the pump for over 15 years are constantly thanking me for recharging their sex life and enabling them to enjoy spontaneous lovemaking again. The internal penile pump is an inflatable, saline-filled device. During the course of a 45-minute outpatient procedure, the pump in inserted through a one-inch opening in the scrotum. Squeezing the pump, which is completely in the scrotal sac, for less than one minute, brings fluid into the penis that causes a lasting erection. The erection is maintained until the man squeezes the pump again so that the fluid retreats and the penis can return to its original state. The patient controls the duration of the erection. If a patient has an orgasm too quickly, the erection is not lost, and the patient is able to maintain it until this partner is satisfied. Men between the ages of 45 and 90 years old, sexually motivated and active, men who have had prostate, bladder, or colon cancer treatment, and men who have penile deformity and/or atrophy are all excellent candidates for the internal pump. Men are excited and relieved for the opportunity for spontaneous sexual activity. The pump is under the skin, totally concealed and eliminates self-consciousness. The penis feels and performs naturally, and men are thrilled to have a young, plump penis once again, like they had when they were 25. Once in place, there is no maintenance required for the pump, which can remain inserted and useful for a lifetime. The highlight of this treatment is that it restores the patient’s control over his own body, so that he is able to obtain and maintain an erection at his disposal. Normal sensation, including orgasm and ejaculation, is not affected. Compared to Viagra, the internal penile pump is the best long term option for patients with advanced erectile dysfunction. The internal penile pump enables men who suffer from advanced erectile dysfunction to resume a normal, spontaneous sex life. For these men, it represents a cure. The procedure is covered by most insurance policies, including Medicare. For more information call David Schwartzwald, M.D. at (561) 483-5995, or visit www.urologyphysician.com.
Important Information for Your Upcoming Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Enrollment As you may have heard, there is new legislation going into effect on January 1, 2011 which impacts healthcare FSAs. Here’s what’s happening. Certain over-the-counter items will require a prescription* to be considered an eligible FSA expense. The information below is important for you to know as yo