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Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction (cont.)

Multimedia

Media file 1: Anatomy of the penis.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 2: A number of devices have been developed to determine if an erection occurs during sleep. This snap gauge is fastened around the penis but opens when an erection occurs.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 3: This penile tumescence monitor is placed at the base and near the corona of the penis. It is connected to a monitor that records a continuous graph depicting the force and duration of erections that occur during sleep. The monitor is strapped to the leg. The nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test is conducted on several nights to obtain an accurate indication of erections that normally occur during the alpha phase of sleep.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 4: The presence of normal skin sensation adequate to produce an erection is measured with this device.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 5: A vacuum device can be used to produce an erection. Elements of the device include the cylinder, a pump to create a vacuum, and a constriction ring to be placed at the base of the penis after an erection has been obtained in order to maintain the erection.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 6: This image demonstrates the vacuum device in place. Note the presence of the constricting ring at the base of the penis.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 7: This is one of many types of constricting devices placed at the base of the penis to diminish blood outflow and improve the quality and duration of the erection. These may be used in conjunction with oral drugs, injection therapy, and with vacuum devices.

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Media file 8: A vasodilator such as prostaglandin E1 can be injected. If the blood vessels are capable of dilating, a strong erection should develop within 5 minutes.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 9: The Medicated Urethral System for Erections (MUSE) is a small suppository that is placed into the urethra with this device. The suppository is very small, and users often question whether anything is in the device.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 10: Two rigid cylinders have been placed into the penis. This type of implant has no inflation mechanism but provides adequate rigidity to the penis to allow penetration.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 11: This inflatable penile device has 3 major components. The 2 cylinders are placed within the penis, a reservoir is placed beneath the rectus muscle, and the pump is placed in the scrotum. When the pump is squeezed, fluid from the reservoir is transferred into the 2 cylinders, producing a firm erection. Squeezing the top of the pump causes a reversal of flow of the fluid from the cylinders back into the reservoir.

Media type: Illustration

Media file 12: This inflatable penile prosthesis has fluid located at the base of the device. When the tip of the device is squeezed, the fluid is transferred into the cylinder.