With sexual arousal, the brain and the spinal cord send nervous impulses to cavernous bodies and vessels supplying blood to the penis. The stimulation, being a result of relatively complex processes, dilates the smooth muscles of the vessels and cavernous bodies, which leads to an increased inflow of blood and increase in penile volume, i.e. erection. A detailed description of the mechanism of erection can be found at: <link> .

Yes, the problem of erectile dysfunction may appear at every age.  It is more frequent in older men but it concerns actually every age group, and the differences follow mainly from the predominant cause.

The most common reasons of erectile dysfunction in young individuals include problems of psychological nature, i.e. stress, nervousness (due to the lack of experience or fear of unwanted pregnancy), as well as problems with communication with the partner or problems resulting from the early stages of depression. Young men reveal also dysfunction of other causes (i.e. hormonal, traumatic or iatrogenic) but its incidence is low in this group, and the problems are usually connected with the psyche.

If you noticed signs and symptoms suggestive of erectile dysfunction in you, you should contact the sexologist or urologist. Sexologist is a physician dealing with sexual dysfunction and diseases which cause them, while the urologist treats most of the diseases of the genitourinary system and is concerned with physiology of that system. He should be visited by men and women as well.  After the age of 50, male patients should undergo urological investigation at least once a year.

Comprehensive diagnostics of erectile dysfunction includes first of all visits to the sexologist and urologist, performance of the ordered tests, and consultations with specialists treating the main diseases (e.g. cardiologist dealing with atherosclerosis). The physician is expected to help the patient regain a full function and satisfaction from sex. Every visit within the treatment course should be professional, supportive, and should guarantee privacy.
To learn more about the diagnostics of erectile dysfunction, go to: <link>.

Yes, this is possible. A blunt injury of the perineum (usually connected with falls, sports accidents, and riding a bike), pelvis fractures, and traumas of organs of the lesser pelvis (mostly connected with road accidents) constitute one of the essential causes of erectile dysfunction. This state follows from an injury of nerves supplying the penis, as well as from the disruption of integrity, compression or obstruction of arteries supplying reproductive organs. These are usually relatively difficult cases, as the injury involves many structures and a successful reconstruction is not always possible. However, advancements in the field of urology and vascular surgery allow for a recovery of sexual function, even after a severe injury. More information on possible causes of erectile dysfunction can be found at: <link> .

There are many prophylactic measures for  prevention of erectile dysfunction. The most important thing is to lead a healthy lifestyle and to reduce the amount of stress factors with sleep and rest. What is more, sexual activity itself constitutes a preventive measure, i.a. due to its positive effect on vessels and muscles engaged in the mechanism of erection.
More information on:  <link> .

VEDI procedure represents a modern and effective approach to the problem of erectile dysfunction. As compared to reconstructive surgeries and penis prostheses, this is a low-invasive procedure, not connected with severe complications, and, first of all, allowing the man to regain his full natural erection. VEDI gives a chance for a successful treatment of patients in case of whom other methods failed. The rate of successful procedures is relatively high. The method may be limited by the necessity of thorough diagnostics and selection of patients, as well as the possibility of vascular restenosis within a few months following the procedure.

No, it is not painful. The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic. The physician anaesthetises the area before introducing the catheter. During catheterisation, it is only possible to feel a compression at the point of puncture. After the procedure, the area of catheterisation may be irritated, causing some discomfort. However, this sensation should pass within a few hours.

There are no defined time limits as concerns the introduction of sex after the VEDI procedure. However, it is recommended to abstain from sex for about 1-2 weeks after the procedure.

Yes, this problem appears in women as well and, unfortunately, concerns a large group of women (according to the statistical data, this can be even 30-40% of population). The nature of sexual dysfunction in women is slightly different than in men but the aetiological factors and clinical pictures are equally varied.