More commonly known as “impotence”, this is the inability to achieve or maintain a sufficient erection for satisfactory sexual relations.
The onset can occur at any age, from the end of puberty to old age, and while it is true that it may pose an occasional problem for some men, it is also true that it can be a frequent problem for many others. However, it does not entail inability to orgasm or ejaculate, nor does it imply sterility.

It may occur due to the failure of one or more elements involved in the haemodynamic process of the erection, such as:

• control by the nervous system;
• relaxation of the erectile structures of the penis;
• arterial blood inflow;
• occlusion of the venous outflow.

Erectile dysfunction is a very widespread disorder: it has been calculated that in Italy around 15% of the male population aged 20 to 50 suffers from it. The commonest risk factors associated with impotence are:

• vascular diseases;
• diabetes mellitus;
• obesity;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• smoking;
• chronic alcohol and drug abuse;
• certain classes of drugs commonly used to treat psychiatric or internal disorders;
• neurological disorders;
• surgery and radiotherapy involving the pelvis;
• kidney failure and kidney disease.

A number of psychogenic factors also contribute to the onset of the disorder, including anxiety, depression, major stress and relationship problems.
Moreover, there is a particular condition linked to so-called “performance anxiety”, which can lead to erection inhibition.
The best treatment for erectile dysfunction derives from a global diagnostic overview of the disorder drawn up by a specialist andrologist, and a therapeutic strategy prepared on the basis of the clinical, laboratory and instrumental data.
There is already a concrete possibility of treating sexual dysfunction effectively: direct injection into the “cavernous bodies” of the penis, either on an occasional basis for sexual relations, or repeatedly as a course of rehabilitative therapy for erectile dysfunction. However, this treatment causes further concern for the patient, due to the method of implementation involved, which means that the patient is not autonomous. This problem has been resolved by the so-called “self-injectors”, devices resembling a pen, of various dimensions, weight and complexity, although they do not always succeed in combining safety and efficacy with ease of use.

Thanks to its technological experience and ability to come up with innovative ideas, Androline offers patients instruments able to boost the efficacy of the treatments they are receiving and able to support, by means of practical instruments, a treatment (pharmacotherapy) that is not always suitable for outpatient administration due to the moments and circumstances involved:

• Ergon
• Vacuum
• Rigid Test