Erectile Dysfunction & Crohn’s Disease

Men suffering from Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) usually find that their condition affects them in a number of ways; one of these is Erectile Dysfunction. Whilst in the past many men accepted this, today, there have been amazing technological developments that can treat and, in many cases, restore male sexual function.

Men suffering from Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) usually find that their condition affects them in a number of ways; one of these although men don’t always like to talk about it, is the impact of Crohn’s disease on sexual relationships.

While Crohn’s disease can occur at any age it is most often diagnosed in adolescents and adults aged between 20 and 30 – a peak time for sexual relationships for many men. In fact, recent research showed that over 20 per cent of men reported hesitancy in starting a new relationship due to IBD while 14 per cent said that IBD contributed to a break-up of a relationship.

The symptoms of IBD, persistent diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, and the side effects of medications, which may cause depression and concerns about body image due to weight gain make many men with Crohn’s avoid sexual intercourse. And on top of this another survey showed that 94% of men with IBD reported problems with maintaining an erection and/or ejaculation. While this may be due to anxiety overcoming erection problems is something we deal with regularly.

Causes of Crohn’s Disease

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is still relatively not well known. However, it’s suspected that Crohn’s disease is a genetic issue. That means, if any of your close relatives has Crohn’s disease, then you and your family members may have an increased risk of suffering from this disease as well. Other possible causes of Crohn’s disease include an abnormal balance of gut bacteria and a problem with the immune system, which causes it to attack the body’s digestive system.

How to Cope with Crohn’s Disease

To cope with Crohn’s disease, you need to follow the instructions of a healthcare professional. Seek proper treatment for this disease and follow a healthier and simple diet. A diet which consists of high calorie, low fibre, low salt, and low fat can be helpful for some. Furthermore, stopping smoking, abstaining from drinking and relaxation are important to better cope with COPD. To improve the sex life, men with Crohn’s disease should be consulta a specialist clinic like MansMatters and also have honest and open communication with their partners. Exploring other ways of intimacy can also be extremely helpful for them.

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Research has shown that men with Crohn’s disease or other type of IBD, tend to take ED medication more compared to men without IBD. ED medications such as, “Little Blue Pills” can be useful in the short-term, but they are not ideal long-term solutions. Primarily because in the long run, the effects of these pills wear out and tend to be less effective in facilitating strong erections. Plus, such pills require patients to plan their sexual activity beforehand, which takes away much of the excitement out of the sexual activity.

Our new, ground-breaking treatment Extra Corporeal Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST), supported by Extracorporeal Electromagnetic Transduction (EMMT) therapy is revolutionising the way men treat erectile dysfunction, enabling many men to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sex life again.

Using FMS and NanoVi to Treat ED

Our other ED treatments such as FMS and NanoVi are also extremely effective in improving the erectile function of men. These two modern technologies are fully compatible with FST and EMTT therapy. The effectiveness of these therapies is further increased when used in conjunction with shockwave therapy and EMTT therapy. FMS utilises electro-magnetic energy to stimulate the targeted deep muscle structures. This stimulation triggers the motor nerve system of the body and muscles to get bigger, stronger, and tighter. NanoVi on the other hand, repairs cell damage and the DNA of those cells by strengthening the body’s immune system and ultimately promotes the overall health of the penis.

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FAQ's

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (Li-SWT) is a treatment modality that utilizes acoustic (sound) waves to target damaged or impaired tissue to encourage the body to create healthier tissue. It also helps stimulate blood vessel growth. Shockwave therapy has been safely used for decades. Today it is being successfully used to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED), Peyronie’s Disease, and sometimes male or female pelvic pain.

How Does Shockwave for ED Work?

Shockwave therapy is an alternative to traditional treatments, such as oral medications (Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis), vacuum erection devices, injectable medications, and intra-urethral suppositories.

When treating ED with shockwave therapy, low-intensity shock waves are applied to different treatment zones on the penis and on the perineum. Using targeted high-energy sound waves, Li-ESWT can speed up tissue repair and improve blood flow, nerve regeneration, and cell growth. This helps improve the strength and quality of erections.

Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

While “shockwave” on the surface may sound unpleasant, patients typically tolerate it well. It applies short, frequent, and high-intensity bursts of energy (in the form of ultrasonic sound waves) into soft tissue. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during or after their procedure.

What Should I Expect for My Appointment?

Prior to your appointment, you may be instructed to shave the affected area. For example, you may be asked to shave the testes and penis prior to treatment for ED. There are no other preparations needed for your procedure.

Appointments take approximately 30 minutes, and the procedure itself usually takes about 15-20 minutes. However, sessions may be longer depending on the customised treatment for each individual. Patients usually require six (6) treatments, with the effects expected to last for two to three years. The treatment may be repeated, if needed, after that timeframe.

Treatments are not uncomfortable, and people do not require pain relief or aesthetic; however, patients may have soreness, redness, or some bruising in the treatment area. There are no restrictions following the therapy, but you should take it easy for the rest of the day.

How Much Does Shockwave Therapy Cost?

Medical aid do not cover Shockwave Therapy, and patients should expect to pay out-of-pocket. At Shockwave Clinic, the cost pr treatment is Rand 2400.00 and 6-8 weekly treatments are normally required as the minimal about of treatments to get the full benefit.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right For You?

Your urologist will discuss your individual situation and help you determine if shockwave therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common sexual disorder affecting more than 1 in 5 men. ED is the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. While most often associated with older men, ED affects a significant proportion of younger men. When treating ED with shockwave therapy, low-intensity shockwaves are applied to different treatment zones on the penis and on the perineum

“Erectile dysfunction is a common disorder of men that increases with age and may profoundly affect their quality of life. Low-intensity shock wave therapy has been proven to be effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. We use the DUOLITH® SD1 to treat patients with vascular erectile dysfunction with good success”
Milad Hanna, M.B., B.Ch. FRCS – NHS Trust, London.

Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes bending of the penis. The problem is caused by scar tissue, called plaques, that forms inside the penis. The disease is generally progressive, most men first notice the presence of the disease when they feel thickened areas (plaques) under the skin of the penis. As the disease progresses further, pain may occur with or without an erection as the penis becomes more curved. The condition can make sexual intercouse difficult or impossible. Shockwave therapy directly targets the pain points and breaks down the plaques within the penis.

“We use the DUOLITH® SD1 to treat several andrological conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED), chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) and Peyronie’s. The DUOLITH® SD1 is very easy to operate and provides excellent results. Patients experience safel and gentle treatments”
Professor Lars Lund, MD, DMSci, Head of Research Department of Urology Odense University Hospital and University Denmark.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome / Prostatitis

Also known aschronic prostatitis, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)is characterized by pain in the region of the pelvic floor and / or urination problems without evidence of urinary tract infection. Some patients experience erectile dysfunction. CPPS is found in men of any age, with the peak incidence in men aged 35 – 45 years. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is performed using a perineal approach, treating both the prostate and the pelvic floor.

Hard-Flaccid Syndrome

Hard flaccid syndrome is a condition which causes men’s penises to be permanently semi-erect, even if they are not aroused. Erections are typically difficult to achieve, may not be as rigid and men with the condition may find they require more stimulation or arousal than they did before. The condition can be quite painful for those who have it, particularly during ejaculation, urination and erection.

Shockwave therapy for hard flaccid is a treatment that can help treat erection problems associated with the condition and can also relieve pain and repair some of the damage done to the penis.