Neil H. Baum, MD, presented “Treating Erectile Dysfunction – A Novel Option” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in October 2022.
How to cite: Baum, Neil H. “Treating Erectile Dysfunction – A Novel Option.” February 2022. Accessed Apr 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/treating-erectile-dysfunction-a-novel-option/
Treating Erectile Dysfunction: A Novel Option – Summary
Grand Rounds in Urology Contributing Editor Neil H. Baum, MD, Professor of Urology at Tulane Medical School, discusses a novel option for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Dr. Baum explains that many men with ED also suffer from hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels and while phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors remain the first line of treatment, there is an option that can supplement oral medications. Dr. Baum states that PDE-5 inhibitors are a band-aid solution but concedes they should be made available and can offer patients a quick solution. He recommends that urologists lead men to better lifestyle habits including diet and exercise. Dr. Baum then describes a case scenario whereby he is advising a patient who suffers from ED and also comorbidities and is being prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors (as well as medications for the comorbidities). In the scenario, he asks the patient if he would like “a pill that decreases your risk of cancer, decreases your cholesterol level, improves your type two diabetes so that you don’t need to take diabetic medication, will lower your blood pressure and you will not need to take anti-hypertensive medication, decrease your joint pain in your knees, prevent constipation, solve your insomnia, lower your risk of dementia, improve your sex drive, increase your testosterone level…?” The patient responds in the affirmative and Dr. Baum explains that, indeed, there is no pill; it is exercise that can do all these things. Dr. Baum concedes that only a small percentage of the men with whom he has this discussion will leave the office to begin an exercise program, but he explains that this discussion offers men an alternative. He explains that, anecdotally, men who have taken this advice have “put their anti-hypertensive, cholesterol, and diabetes medications in the medicine cabinet” and he emphasizes that this makes men aware that the control of their health is their personal responsibility and is within their control. Dr. Baum concludes by reiterating that having this discussion with patients does not take long and may help lead them to an inexpensive and effective solution.
For more commentary on practice management from Dr. Baum, visit his Improving Your Urology Practice page.
