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The stiffness can also induce a considerable pain even

for small lesions that produce protective erectile

dysfunction.

Pelvic congestion

The pelvic vein network drains blood from the

rectum-sigma, testicles, prostate, bladder, and reduces

the tension of the upper abdomen (liver and spleen in

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particular). Dysfunctional and inflammatory processes of

these organs, especially the recto-sigmoid colon and

prostate, cause the venous-lymphatic congestion of the

area thus determing circulatory and drainage

mechanisms squilibrio so that stimuli and protective

mechanisms of deficient sealing vein leading to erectile

dysfunction or its opposite acute (persistent erection

with thrombosis of the cavernous bodies, priapism)

which then rievolve in venous insufficiency are activated.

aimed at evaluating the secondary sexual characteristics

and seeking possible presence of fibrous plaques

(Peyronie's disease), concurrent signs of cardiovascular,

hormonal and neurological diseases. Careful clinical

assessment provides us with information about

possible causes, which have to be investigated with

specific diagnostic tests.

A correct diagnostic approach includes an accurate

clinical assessment (medical, sexual and psychosocial),

a careful physical examination, specific laboratory and

instrumental tests.

The history explores the presence of risk factors, the

type of symptoms and its evolution over time, as well

as the type of relationship with the partner.

Physical examination is both general and andrology,

Diagnosis

presence of fibrous or calcified plaques, fibrosis, etc.

The Doppler examination, on the other hand, allows to

assess the blood flow in the penis (arterial flow and

venous-occlusive) during flaccidity and

pharmacologically induced erection by intracavernous

injection of a vasodilator (prostaglandin E1).

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests essentially involve the assessment of the

hormones involved in the phase of libido and erection,

especially of Testosterone and Prolactin. If necessary,

other factors, such as thyroid hormones, the PSA,

cholesterol and triglycerides, blood sugar, etc. can be

considered. All tests mentioned serve to check the

possible causes of extragenital erectile dysfunction .

Tools

Penile dynamic color-doppler US allows a

morpho-functional penis study. The ultrasound

evaluation of the structure is performed, as well as the