Impotence Experts at Center for Men's Health Say Viagra News Spreads Word: Impotence Can be Cured
ST. PAUL, Minn., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Douglas Schow, impotence expert at the Center for Men's Health and Infertility, says today's FDA approval of Pfizer's new drug, Viagra, has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of impotence. The new drug (generic name sildenafil) is the first oral medication to treat impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED) and is expected to help millions of men.
''Erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual disorder for men,'' said Dr. Schow, associate urologist with the Center for Men's Health and assistant clinical professor at the U of MN's Department of Urology. ''It affects 30 million men in the United States alone. Most men aren't comfortable discussing it, so only one of six who experience impotence goes to a doctor and asks for treatment.''
Many men, and even doctors, don't realize ED can almost always be cured. Ed Hansen is one man who did seek treatment. Now a patient of Dr. Schow's colleague Dr. Jon Pryor, Hansen says when he started experiencing ED, he didn't know where to begin asking for help. His family doctor wasn't even sure what to suggest. Then he heard about a man who used an injection that worked, so Hansen knew something existed, and this knowledge kept him going. ''It's an awkward process. It's embarrassing to talk about. But you have to do it if you want to cure your problem,'' said Hansen. ''I know how important it is for guys to figure this out, because I've been there.''
Dr. Pryor and Dr. Schow believe the news about Viagra will help spread word to the public and to other physicians that impotence is curable and that a number of treatment options are available. ''I think all the excitement about this easy-to-use medication will bring millions of men into the doctor's office,'' said Dr. Pryor. ''Because of this pill, many will walk out equipped for sex again.''
''Viagra will probably become the first line of treatment,'' said Dr. Schow. ''Studies indicate this pill will help 70% of men with ED. The remaining 30% can then go on to try the other treatments.''
Dr. Schow says the first steps for any man experiencing ED include learning about the options available and seeing a primary care physician. The physician may then refer him to a urologist who specializes in impotence treatment.
The Center for Men's Health and Infertility is a branch of Reproductive Health Associates, P.A., an infertility clinic in St. Paul (web site www.ramseymed.org/rha). Created in 1997, the center focuses on the treatment and research of erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and other male health problems. Individuals with questions about impotence, its treatments, or Viagra can phone (800) 978-3451 or (612) 221-4602. Call the same numbers for information on the center's upcoming question-and-answer seminars on impotence and treatment options, offered free to the public.
SOURCE: Reproductive Health Associates, P.A.
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