Impotence Glossary

	This information has been reprinted courtesy of the Erectile Dysfunction Information Center (www.erectile-dysfunction-treatment.org) for personal use only.

alprostadil

A drug identical to a substance that naturally occurs in the penis and aids in achieving an erection.

angulation

Curvature of the penis, usually during erection, caused by Peyronie's disease.

bi-mix

A combination of two of the three drugs Papavarine, Phentolamine and alprostadil. Used in penile injection therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

cancer

A disease in which malignant cells grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body.

cholesterol

A substance found in animal tissues and various foods. Its level in the bloodstream can influence the development of coronary artery disease.

corpora cavernosa

Two cavities, filled with sponge-like tissue, that run the length of the penis

cryotherapy

The use of very low temperatures to destroy cancerous tissue.

diabetes

A disease involving high levels of blood glucose and increased urine production.

diabetes mellitus

Either of two chronic forms of diabetes in which insulin does not effectively transport glucose from the bloodstream. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can damage nerves and veins.

endocrine system

Glands in the body that produce hormones.

erectile dysfunction (ED)

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to begin or complete sexual intercourse. Also called "impotence."

erection

The state in which the penis fills with blood and becomes rigid.

impotence

The inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough to begin or complete sexual intercourse. More accurately called "erectile dysfunction," or ED.

injection

Pushing a medication into the body with a syringe and needle.

Insulin

A hormone made by the body. Insulin lets cells in the body accept sugar in foods.

internal penile pump

A two- or three-piece inflatable penile implant.

malignant tumor

A tumor made up of cancer cells that can spread to other parts of the body.

malleable implant

Also called a "positionable implant." A malleable implant consists of two bendable rods surgically implanted in the penis.

MUSE®

Medicated Urethral System for Erection.

nitrates

Drugs used to treat heart disease.

oral apomorphine

A sublingual (under the tongue) medication that affects brain signals to the penis.

oral testosterone

A hormone that can treat impotence in some men with low levels of natural testosterone.

Papaverine

A drug used in penile injection therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

PDE5 inhibitor

A drug that inhibits the body's absorption of the PDE5 enzyme. Most of the enzyme occurs in the penis, where it helps in achieving an erection.

phosphodiesterase inhibitor

Another name for a PDE5 inhibitor.

penile implant

A treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). A penile implant is a prosthesis consisting of one to three pieces. Of available ED therapies, a penile implant is the easiest for achieving an erection on demand and the best for preserving sexual spontaneity.

penile injection therapy

A treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in which a man directly injects one drug or a combination of two or three drugs into the side of his penis. The drugs relax muscles and increase blood flow to create an erection.

peripheral vascular system

The body's circulatory system lying outside the cardiac or heart region.

peripheral vascular disease

Disease of the peripheral vascular system. Such disease can impair blood circulation.

peyronie's disease

Curvature of the penis, usually during erection, caused by plaque (hardened or calcified tissues).

Phentolamine

A drug used in penile injection therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

psychological impotence

Erectile dysfunction with a psychological cause.

physical impotence

Erectile dysfunction with an organic cause, such as diabetes, heart disease or spinal injury.

Priapism

Continuous, often painful erection of the penis. Priapism usually is due to disease such as Peyronie's disease. It may also be a side effect of treatment for impotence involving urethral suppositories or direct injection of the penis.

prostate gland

A male gland surrounding the urethra at the base of the bladder. The prostate secretes a fluid that makes up part of the semen.

prostatectomy

Surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland.

PSA (prostate-specific antigen)

A marker used to determine prostate disease. The disease may be benign or malignant.

radiation therapy

X-ray treatment that damages or kills cancer cells.

radical prostatectomy

Surgical removal of all of the prostate gland.

saline

Common salt in solution form.

side effects

Secondary effects of drugs that treat disease.

sildenafil

A drug known by the brand name ViagraŽ. Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor. It allows PDE5 enzyme produced in the penis during sex to last longer. The longer the enzyme lasts, the better the chance for increased blood flow and an erection.

tension rings

Rings placed on the base of the penis after creating an erection with a vacuum erection device. The rings help maintain the erection by reducing blood flow out of the penis.

tri-mix

A combination of Papavarine, Phentolamine and alprostadil. Used in penile injection therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

tumor

An abnormal growth of cells. Tumors can be either benign or malignant.

type 1 diabetes

The rapidly developing form of diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin and insulin must be injected.

type 2 diabetes

The slowly developing form of diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, the body's tissues become unable to use insulin effectively.

urethra

The tube leading from the bladder through the penis.

urethral suppository

A suppository directly inserted into the opening of the urethra at the end of the penis. Tissues absorb a drug in the suppository, allowing muscles in the penis to relax. Blood flow increases, creating an erection.

urologist

A doctor who specializes in the urinary and genitourinary tract.

vascular system

The body's circulatory system.

vacuum pump

A treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Also known as a vacuum erection device.

ViagraŽ

The most-prescribed treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra is the brand name for the drug sildenafil. The drug allows increased blood flow to the penis that enables a firm erection.

yohimbine tablets

An organic alternative sometimes prescribed by doctors for intermittent erectile dysfunction.

This page revised March 2005

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