Impotence and Erectile Dysfunction Research
Advances in suppositories, injectable medications, implants, and vacuum devices have expanded the options for men seeking treatment for ED. These advances have also helped increase the number of men seeking treatment. Gene therapy for ED is now being tested in several centers and may offer a long-lasting therapeutic approach for ED.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) sponsors programs aimed at understanding the causes of erectile dysfunction and finding treatments to reverse its effects. NIDDK's Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases supported the researchers who developed Viagra and continue to support basic research into the mechanisms of erection and the diseases that impair normal function at the cellular and molecular levels, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Points to Remember
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
- Erectile dysfunction affects 15 to 30 million American men.
- Erectile dysfunction usually has a physical cause.
- Erectile dysfunction is treatable at all ages.
- Treatments include psychotherapy, drug therapy, vacuum devices, and surgery.
Sexual Function Health Council
American Foundation for Urologic Disease
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Suite 410
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: (410) 689-3990
Email: impotence@afud.org
Internet: www.impotence.org
Finding a Health Care Provider or Counselor
American Urological Association
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 1-866-RING-AUA (746-4282) or (410) 689-3700
Email: aua@auanet.org
Internet: www.auanet.org
AUA can refer you to a urologist in your area.
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
National Office
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383)
Internet: www.diabetes.org
ADA can help you find a doctor who specializes in diabetes care in your area.
American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
P.O. Box 5488
Richmond, VA 23220-0488
Internet: www.aasect.org
Check the AASECT website to find a certified sexuality educator, counselor, or therapist in your area.
________________________
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
Email: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).