Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to obtain and keep a satisfactory erection during sexual intercourse and it is a rather common ailment, especially among advanced-age men.
The majority of ED cases are caused by blood vessels or penis nerves anomalies. Among the possible causes there are hormonal ailments, structural conditions of the penis or pelvic floor dysfunctions, the use of certain pharmaceuticals or psychological issues.
Up until a few years ago, experts held that about 90% of erectile problems were strictly psychological, however recent studies in the neurophysiological, hemodynamic and pharmacological fields have shown that erectile dysfunction is, in at least 50% of the cases, tied to an organic cause (i.e., one of the aforementioned physical causes).
Even if ED may compromise a man’s quality of life, it is not a threatening condition per se but it could represent the symptom of a serious disease, this is why it is important to speak to one’s own physician, overcoming the possible embarrassment because the information shared is important in order to establish the cause of ED.
Generally, first-line pharmaceuticals for erectile dysfunction do not aim at inducing erection, but rather to strengthen an already active mechanism, thereby inducing a natural erection as opposed to a non-natural one.
The use of mechanical devices is also frequent among patients affected by vascular erectile dysfunction. In younger males, along with pharmacological and physical therapies, psycho-sexual support therapies are offered, since erectile dysfunction among young men is generally of psychological origin.
TREATMENT
Urinary Incontinece
Urinary incontinence may provoke extreme distress, causing true psychological repercussions in extreme cases. This ailment may show through occasional urinary incontinence (e.g., after coughing or sneezing) or due to a pressing urge to urinate. Both conditions are caused by a dysfunction of the pelvic floor, the muscular area at the base of the pelvis which supports the pelvic organs, such as the bladder and the rectum.
In certain cases it is possible to intervene on the pelvic floor by means of strengthening or decontracting therapies to re-educate this area and all related impacted organs.
TREATMENT
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
The most common symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) are: Pelvic pain, ejaculatory pain and difficulty when urinating. CPPS affects a very broad age range, from 18 and above, with an incidence of about 14%.
The painful syndrome is often characterized by the presence of a spasm of the pelvic floor musculature, with consequent inflammation of the nerves.
Managing CP/CPPS remains an enormous challenge. There are currently many approaches which utilize both pharmacological therapies, like anti-inflammatories and myorelaxants, and non-pharmacological methods like acupuncture and shock waves. In order to reduce the symptoms it is also useful to directly intervene on the pelvic floor with rehabilitation.
TREATMENT
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is a condition characterized by the involuntary loss of feces and gas. Those who suffer from it may feel embarrassed and, often don’t discuss this matter with their physician either.
It may depend on several causes like, for example, anatomic changes which relate to a weakening of the pelvic floor or the sphincter muscles, or also damage to the controlling nerves or a reduced storage capacity of the rectum.
The most affected age ranges are 50 and above, both for men and women.
The adequate treatment depends on the triggering cause of the incontinence, for example the patient may be referred to a purely rehabilitative treatment in case of hypotonia of the pelvic floor or towards surgical therapy in case of prolapses and/or muscular lesions.
