The Complete Guide to Vasculogenic ED
Blood must flow in the Corpora Cavernosa tissue (innermost part of the penis) for an erection to occur and sustain.
Vasculogenic ED is a special type of Erectile Dysfunction in men caused when the arteries and veins that carry blood to the Corpora Cavernosa for erection are not functioning properly.
The blood vessels in the penis can malfunction because of blockages, narrowing, lower pressures, or other physiological causes.
The causes of Vascular ED are complicated and include an intrinsic connection between apparently unrelated medical conditions.
Read on to learn more about Vasculogenic ED, its causes, symptoms,, and treatment options available.
Vasculogenic ED causes
The link between vascular problems and Erectile Dysfunction has long been established.
Almost 50% of men with cardiovascular diseases also suffer from a significant degree of ED.
Endothelial Cell Dysfunction, similar to the development of cardiovascular issues in the body, causes vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction.
Smoking, obesity, diabetes, lack of exercise, Hypertension, and Hyperlipidemia (excess of lipids in blood) are some of the causes of Endothelial Cell Dysfunction.
Since the arteries in the penis are smaller in diameter than the cardiovascular arteries, they tend to develop fat deposits (Atherosclerosis) long before any cardiovascular issues are detected.
In most cases, Vascular Erectile Dysfunction occurs long before cardiovascular problems and is used as an indicator of future heart problems.
In a study, Vascular ED has also been linked to Chronic Periodontitis (CP) in young men, but the study’s results were limited.
Cavernosal Fibrosis (excessive tissue growth in penile tissue), Veno-Occlusive disease, and blunt trauma are some uncommon causes of Vascular Erectile Dysfunction, which are more difficult to treat.
Oxidative stress, internal inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction are the three common factors that link this disease to Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction.
Vasculogenic ED symptoms
Some of the symptoms of Vasculogenic ED include:
- Incapacity to maintain an erection
- Difficulty in maintaining the same erection for extended periods
- Diminished sexual desire
- Presence of cardiovascular issues
- The presence of other vascular diseases like peripheral artery diseases
Seek immediate clinical help if you notice the symptoms of Vasculogenic ED.
Vasculogenic ED treatment
Furthermore, Vascular Erectile Dysfunction can be treated by more conventional treatments of Erectile Dysfunction like:
- Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil, which are medications
- Testosterone therapy
- Devices like pumps and injections of Alprostadil
However, it must be remembered that these are generalized treatments and are common to all EDs.
There is a more specialized option to treat Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction, which is more complicated and expensive.
Such methods include stent implants, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Percutaneous stent revascularization is a procedure where stents are inserted under the penile tissues, increasing the blood flow and improving erection.
Botox injections (50 U and 100 U) can be used on the muscles of the penile arteries, which relaxes them, thus causing an increased blood flow and better erection.
Specialized medicines like Fasudil, which inhibits certain metabolic pathways that lead to Vascular ED and Pelvic Atherosclerosis, are also effective in treatment.
Not only chemical medications and implants but sometimes physical treatments are also quite effective, safer, and less invasive.
Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy with ultrasound has improved penile hemodynamics (blood flow) in patients suffering from Vascular ED.
Penile Revascularization Surgery and Crural Ligation Surgery are the two specialized surgical procedures for treating Vascular Erectile Dysfunction.
Drugs like Aspirin have also been found to treat Vascular Erectile Dysfunction.
These treatments utilize specialized drugs and techniques and should always be accompanied by expert advice and regular appointments.
Takeaway
Endothelial cell problems are the main cause of Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction in men.
The decrease in the blood vessels’ diameter makes it harder for blood to reach adequate amounts for proper and sustained erection.
Since Vasculogenic ED precedes many cardiovascular conditions, it indicates future coronary problems.
Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation caused by Chronic Periodontitis is also a reason behind Vascular Erectile Dysfunction.
Most treatments for Vascular Erectile Dysfunction involve Percutaneous stent revascularization, Botox injections, Fasudil and Aspirin medications, and surgical interventions.
Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy is an excellent non-invasive physical treatment for Vascular ED.
Since most of these treatments involve specialized chemicals and procedures, they require the consultation of specialists and experts for complete treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes vasculogenic ED?
The main cause of Vasculogenic ED is Endothelial Cell Dysfunction in the arteries and veins. Since the blood vessels of the penis are much narrower, they are at risk of atherosclerotic plaques, which can constrict them further, thus sending insufficient blood to the penis needed for erection.
Can Vascular Erectile Dysfunction be cured?
Vascular Erectile Dysfunction can be treated, but it requires specialized treatment options compared to other EDs. Percutaneous stent revascularization, Botox injections, Fasudil, and Aspirin are recommended medications and procedures. Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy is an alternative non-invasive treatment that is effective.
How do you know if you have vascular ED?
Incapacity and difficulty in maintaining an erection for extended periods, less sexual desire, cardiovascular issues, and other vascular diseases like peripheral artery diseases are indicators that you can use to know if you have vascular ED.
What cardiovascular disease causes ED?
Cardiovascular diseases like Hypertension, peripheral artery diseases, and Atherosclerosis are associated with ED. These diseases occur because of the decreasing diameters of arteries, which are less efficient in transporting sufficient blood to the different body parts.
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