NIH PANEL: IMPOTENCE IS OFTEN TREATABLE IN OLDER MEN
Title: NIH PANEL: IMPOTENCE IS OFTEN TREATABLE IN OLDER MEN , Geriatrics, 0016867X, Sep93, Vol. 48, Issue 9
Section: WHAT’S NEW
Latest news in geriatric medicine
Impotence is often a treatable condition in older men and should not be considered a natural consequence of aging, even though the risk for erectile dysfunction increases with age, a National Institutes of Health panel concludes.
In a recently released report, the panel outlines several diagnostic and treatment guidelines for erectile dysfunction. Among their recommendations:
- In men complaining of erectile dysfunction, conduct a detailed medical and sexual history, followed by physical examination and basic laboratory studies to identify potential psychological factors as well as unrecognized disease.
- Include in the physical exam the testicles, penis, prostate, anal sphincter tone, femoral and lower extremity pulses, and neurologic examination of perianal sensation and bulbocavernosus reflex.
- Conduct urinalysis and blood tests for complete blood count, creatinine, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, thyroid function, and morning testosterone.
- Consider intracavernous injection of a vasodilating agent to assess penile blood, but limit this procedure to patients who are seriously considering penile injections, implants, or vascular surgery.
- Consider IM testosterone enanthate or cypionate for patients with confirmed low serum testosterone. Oral bromocryptine is recommended for patients with confirmed hyperprolactinemia. If testicular function is normal, however, such treatments increase the risk for prostate cancer.
- Include the patient’s sexualpartner in the evaluation and treatment, if possible. Counseling is always recommended.
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Source: Geriatrics, Sep93, Vol. 48 Issue 9, p31, 1p
