A Historical Look at Living with Erectile Dysfunction
May 17, 2021
Erectile dysfunction has been documented since the beginning of written history and was often associated with humiliating treatment protocols and public ridicule. Unfortunately, identifying the exact cause of erectile dysfunction has not been a simple task as a number of underlying physical and psychological conditions appear to trigger ED. In addition, factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety can make matters in the bedroom even worse. Although an occasional problem with keeping an erection that is firm enough for sex is not a cause for concern, if ED becomes an ongoing issue, it can have a negative affect on your self-confidence and may lead to relationship problems that leave you feeling more depressed or anxious. More importantly, any long-term problem with ED could be indicative of a serious medical condition and should be discussed with a men’s health specialist.
Ancients Wore Talismans of Animal Genitalia
Dating back to Ancient Egypt and Greece, men across all races and social classes were reported to have problems with ED. As early as the eighth century, Greek and Roman men often wore talismans of animal genitalia that were believed to be an aphrodisiac that would boost sexual function. By the 13th century, it was popular to ingest the genitalia of animals with high libidos like rabbits or wolves. Moreover, ED effected men of all ages; King Louis XVI of France was rumored to have ED at the early age of 15. Up until the end of the 18th century, doctors believed impotence was a consequence of the voluntary loss of semen by masturbation and treatments often involved ridiculous measures to ensure a “hands-off” approach. In the 19th century, a French neurologist began to study and document testosterone’s role in erectile function. By 1935, German biochemist Adolf Butenandt put the scientific world on the right track and was awarded the Nobel Prize for developing a synthetic version of the sex hormone testosterone.
Early Penile Implants Often Failed
Pre-World War II researchers understood that male sexual satisfaction was closely linked to the likelihood of orgasm, which in turn affected his emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction. The first penile implant appeared in 1936 but the rib cartilage used for implantation was reabsorbed by the body within months. To avoid premature erosion, rods made from rubber were implanted but these early prostheses had a high rate of infection and failure. The first malleable implant device was the Jonas prosthesis, which paired a silicone rod with embedded silver wire. The unique design allowed men to voluntarily bend the penis for urination and straighten it for sex. Still not satisfied with the level of concealment or appearance of a flaccid state, urologists at Baylor College of Medicine pioneered an inflatable implant controlled by a scrotal pump. Even though decades of research and development have led to improvements, implants require an invasive surgical procedure and complications are still being reported.
ESWT: An Option for Revascularization
The urologic clinic at the University of Munich began using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in the 1980s for treating kidney stones. This led to studies that examined ESWT for treatment of soft tissue injuries and revascularization to restore blood flow by stimulating angiogenesis. Nonetheless, due to social stigma and a general misunderstanding about the physiology of male sexual response, erectile dysfunction remained an underreported and undertreated condition. Before the end of the 20th century, pharmacologists were busy researching the potential use of medications like Viagra or Cialis to increase blood flow to penis for several hours after a man takes the drug orally. While medications have been successful in helping many men, ED research suggests there are other common sexual health issues that remain unaddressed. Moreover, the little blue pill doesn’t allow for spontaneity and, in some cases, just doesn’t work.
Fifty Years of Experience Treating Male Sexual Health Issues
Approximately 30 million American men, which is roughly half of the population between the age of 40 and 70, have some degree of trouble in achieving or sustaining an erection for sexual penetration. Although the subject of erectile dysfunction may be difficult to approach for some patients, it is not a problem that any man should have to quietly endure. After all, according to Mayo Clinic News Network, ED is common and any problem getting or keeping an erection could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention, such as vascular disease that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Endothelial dysfunction due to problems with the inner lining of blood vessels can cause inadequate blood supply to the heart and impaired blood flow to the penis. Current research suggests the earlier in life a man experiences ED (not due to psychological factors); the more likely he is to have a hidden medical condition that is a contributory cause.
After centuries of searching for solutions, scientists are still studying this complex pathophysiology, which should not be accepted as an inevitable outcome of aging. Fortunately, men today who suffer with erectile dysfunction have effective treatment options with evidence-based results, such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Dr. Earl Eye at Cenegenics Jacksonville has over fifty years of experience with specialties in infectious disease, internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and metabolism. His patients have given him an overall rating of 4.9 Stars (out of 5) and Vitals.com has awarded him with multiple Patient’s Choice and Compassionate Doctor awards. As an internist, his focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions that affect adult men at any stage of the aging process. To make an appointment with a dedicated physician who understands and cares about your sexual health and well-being, call 904-674-0404 today.
