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Improve Blood Flow to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

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Blood cells flow in vein

The function of a man’s erection revolves around blood, so it stands to reason that improving blood flow can work wonders to enhance sexual performance and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction / ED. There are several other potential causes of erectile dysfunction, including medication and even psychological considerations, but those will be discussed separately. Most importantly, early detection and treatment are important. Many men, often out of embarrassment, wait months or even years as their sexual health declines before seeking treatment from a qualified urologist or men’s health specialist. Or they opt for supplements or generic medications without a complete picture of their sexual health. Ultimately, visiting a knowledgeable specialist and urologist like Dr. Kapadia is the best next step.

In the meantime, whether you are suffering from ED or not, here are some tips to improve blood flow and give yourself the best chance at a long and satisfying sex life.

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How Much Does a Penile Implant Cost?

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Medical form for health insurance submission for penile implant costs

Foremost in the minds of many men we treat is the cost of a penile implant. Indeed, price is one of the most significant barriers to correcting severe ED. This article will discuss how to navigate the financial aspects of getting a penile prosthesis. Of course, we encourage you to contact our office and speak to our patient navigators as you may find that a penile prosthesis is within reach.

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Dr. Kapadia Named Coloplast Center of Excellence in Penile Implantation

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Dr. Kapadia standing in operating room ready to help patients after being named a Coloplast Center of Excellence in Penile Implantation in Atlanta

All of us at Dr. Kapadia’s practice are excited to have been named a Coloplast Center of Excellence for penile implantation. This is a designation awarded to very few centers across the United States. Dr. Kapadia is one of the foremost implantation specialists in the southeast United States, now recognized with this new designation. Coloplast chooses its Centers of Excellence very carefully. Not only do COE men’s health specialists have to perform a significant number of penile implants, but they must also be leaders in the field, promoting the advancement of patient care, safety, and effectiveness in penile implantation. Further, Coloplast only offers its COE designation to physicians who are leaders in their respective urologic professional associations.

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ED as a Precursor to Cardiovascular Issues  

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Problems with blood flow is a common reason for ED, meaning ED could be an indication of cardiovascular issues to come

New research into the causes and correlations between disease states is always exciting, mainly because we can use correlated issues to diagnose or prevent co-occurring disorders. One fascinating correlation is between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular concerns. Interestingly, approximately 57% of atrial fibrillation patients, a common heart rhythm disorder, also experience ED. A potential reason for this includes poor blood flow that affects the penis. However, interestingly, new cases of ED were rare in patients with existing atrial fibrillation. This research shows that ED can be a precursor or indicator of future heart disease. Why? When the blood flow in the body is compromised, the penis is often affected earlier and more apparently than other bodily structures.

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Warning Signs That You May Be Suffering From BPH

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Row of urinals represents frustrating symptoms of BPH like urinary hesitancy and inability to fully empty the bladder

As a man ages, the risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) increases dramatically. By our advanced years, most men will experience BPH. For some, this can be a minor nuisance, while for others, BPH may represent an impediment to living a normal lifestyle. Treating BPH at its earlier stages allows for better outcomes and reduces the amount of time a patient lives with potentially severe symptoms.

Unfortunately, many men decide that they would sooner modify their lifestyle to minimize the disruption than visit a qualified urologist. They don’t realize that there are incredible advances in urology and BPH treatments that allow for in-office therapies that require only about 10 to 15 minutes of procedural time and may last for five or more years.

In this article, we look forward to giving our patients the top warning signs to look out for and offering some guidance on when to see their urologist for BPH treatment.

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Will I Maintain Length & Girth After a Penile Implant?

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Tape measure around a banana represents changes in girth and length a man might experiences after penile implant

The primary goal of a penile implant procedure is to restore sexual function in the form of a solid and lasting erection. For many patients, the ability to have a normal sex life is all they want and expect after surgery. However, some patients, rightly, worry about the size and girth of their penis after a penile prosthesis. While this does not change the outcome of the surgery, nor is it a medical consideration, Dr. Kapadia and our entire team are very aware of the psychological impact these changes can have. And as such, we go to great lengths to explain to our patients that they should expect penile length and girth to be very similar to what they had before the procedure.

To make our patients feel more comfortable, we often measure the length and girth of the penis both before and after surgery, so there is an objective measurement to put the mind at ease. You can also rest assured that we select the size of our implant based upon the patient’s anatomy both for this reason and to ensure comfort and compatibility with its natural size.

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Three of Our Patients’ Most Pressing Questions on Penile Implants

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Men's health urologist discusses the questions his patient has about a penile implant

The thought of surgery may be concerning and scary. And this fear can be heightened when you haven’t been armed with the right information. Thousands of men have understood and realized the benefits of a highly successful implantable penile device in treating severe erectile dysfunction, allowing patients to continue an enjoyable sexual life well into their later years. Penile implants offer some of the highest satisfaction rates of any procedure our practice provides. This article will discuss some of the most common questions patients and their partners ask us.

1.     How Successful Is a Penile Implant?

The short answer is that a penile implant is very successful in qualified patients who have severe erectile dysfunction and have not received, or no longer receive, a benefit from erectile dysfunction pills or injections. The procedure is also very safe, especially in the hands of a very experienced urologic surgeon like Dr. Kapadia. In fact, Dr. Kapadia is one of the leading providers of penile implants in Atlanta and the southeast United States, considering this procedure one of the core specialties of his practice. Whether due to aging, penile conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, or post-prostatectomy impotence, penile implants are truly a life-changing procedure. Within just a few weeks after surgery, patients can return to normal sexual function and all of the psychological and emotional benefits that go along with it.

2.     Will I Be Able to Enjoy Sex?

The answer to this is a resounding – yes. Maintaining the ability to enjoy sex is one of the key benefits of these advanced penile implants. During the procedure, the nerves that control the pleasure senses in the penis are not affected whatsoever. Instead, we only replace the mechanism for achieving an erection with the prosthesis. Further, patients do not need to worry about timing their medication or whether the erectile process is obvious. The penile implant allows for discreet erection on demand.

3.     Will the Recovery Process Be Difficult?

To be sure, there is some sacrifice for such a transformative procedure, which comes in the form of some pain and soreness for a couple of weeks after surgery. However, the recovery is by no means brutal. First, the procedure is performed as minimally invasively as possible, meaning that pain, blood loss, and recovery time, in general, are minimized. Second, you will not be kept in discomfort and will be prescribed appropriate pain medication to stay comfortable after surgery. It is important to mention that your recovery can be sped up by following post-op instructions closely. You will be required to perform simple activities after surgery to ensure that healing and implant function continues appropriately.

We encourage any patients considering a penile implant to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kapadia to learn more about the pros and cons of surgery and if they are a candidate for the procedure. Dr. Kapadia offers similar procedures from two different medical device manufacturers, and during a consultation, we will discuss which is best for you. In the meantime, you can watch the webinar on each of these devices by clicking on the links below.

New Study Shows the Effects of a High Protein Diet on Fertility and Erectile Function

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Man eats a steak as part of a high protein diet that could impact his fertility and erectile function

Male fertility and erectile function are two essential parts of a man’s physical and psychological health. As we age, these functions begin to wane. While we can’t help but think about these issues, many modifiable lifestyle considerations can negatively affect a man’s fertility and even cause ED.

Recent UK research evaluated more than two dozen other studies that included a diet very high in lean proteins. The findings were striking in that these high-protein diets increased cortisol production and lowered testosterone, contributing to erectile dysfunction and even less fertility in men. The average man should consume about 17% of their calories as protein each day as a point of reference—the men who had the worst effects consumed over 35% of their calories as protein. As a result, the study authors suggest that men consume no more than 25 g of lean protein each day even.

Unfortunately, this study suggests that departing from a balanced nutritionally balanced diet can have significant detrimental effects, even on our sexual function.

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Do BPH Supplements Work for Treating Enlarged Prostate?

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Man takes a supplement in hopes it will help with his Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, but men's health specialists Dr. Akash Kapadia cautions that supplements are not FDA approved or regulated

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is a prevalent condition that affects about 50% of men over 50 and 80% of men over 80. As we get older, there is a tendency for the prostate to grow. This, in turn, puts pressure on the urethra and can cause Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms or LUTS. Many men spend years living with the consequences of BPH, which can include frequent trips to the bathroom, urgency, and even embarrassing leaks. However, this does not have to be the norm. Today, we have more BPH treatments than ever before, including minimally invasive in-office BPH procedures and effective BPH surgeries.

While we look to treat BPH in a stepwise manner, patients will often have tried several potential therapies before visiting their urologist. One such therapy is supplementation; you may have seen Saw Palmetto, for example, marketed as an effective BPH treatment option.

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What if I Made a Mistake

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Man stands guarding his groin as he contemplates if a vasectomy is the right decision before he moves forward with treatment

Many men choose to undergo a vasectomy for several reasons, not least of which is that tubal ligation in women is more complex and permanent; however, surgery on such a delicate part of the body can be fear-provoking and make even the strongest of men second guess their decision. It’s also crucial that men understand they may have very strong emotions, both before and after the procedure, including mild depression or anxiety. These are perfectly normal and should not be hidden or suppressed. Speaking to your men’s health specialist or even a counselor can be very beneficial in working through these feelings.

However, to put your mind at ease, know that vasectomies have become routine, and men who believe it is their best option for the future should not be overly concerned.

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