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Combining Therapies for Severe Erectile Dysfunction

Find out which group of sexually active men showed greater improvements after the study.

This week’s Yourology with Dr. Malik:

Combining Therapies for Severe Erectile Dysfunction

Find out which group of sexually active men showed greater improvements after the study.

Hey Fam!

Welcome to Yourology with Dr. Malik – your weekly prescription for the latest medical updates, valuable insights, and freshest highlights straight from the frontlines of medicine!

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT:

In this study, researchers explored the effectiveness of combining low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST) with daily tadalafil (5 mg) for men with severe erectile dysfunction (ED).

48 sexually active men with severe ED were divided into two groups. The treatment group, consisting of 34 men, received 12 sessions of LiST (3 times weekly) along with daily tadalafil. The control group, with 17 men, received sham (fake) therapy and daily tadalafil. The treatment lasted for 4 weeks, and assessments were conducted at 1 and 3 months after completion.

Results indicated that the men who received the real shockwave therapy and tadalafil had better improvements in their erections than those who received the fake therapy and tadalafil. At 1 month, the treatment group had better scores, and this improvement continued at 3 months. No side effects were reported.

Therefore, combining LiST with daily tadalafil can significantly help men with severe ED improve their erections better than taking tadalafil alone, and this combination could be a new and effective way to treat severe ED.

Book your Shockwave Therapy Appointment with Dr. Malik now and take the next step in your wellness journey!

Q&A WITH DR. MALIK:

A Question from a subscriber: “Hi. I've struggled with overactive bladder for a while. I have (treated) OCD and anxiety. I time myself to go to the bathroom less often during the day, but it's hard to do at night as I can't fall asleep fast. This makes me go to the bathroom often before I fall asleep, and I wake up twice or three times during the night. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Answer:

Nocturia, or waking up at night to urinate, is a common and challenging issue to address. It can be caused by several factors, including an overactive bladder, an enlarged prostate, drinking too much fluid before bed, swelling in your lower extremities, or obstructive sleep apnea.

To manage nocturia, it's important to first get evaluated to rule out any correctable causes. Here are some tips to help reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom:

  • Limit fluids: Try to reduce your fluid intake at least two hours before bedtime.

  • Medication: If you need to take medication, use only a small sip of water.

  • Avoid irritants: Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol, which are major culprits. Additionally, be cautious with other potential irritants like citrus fruits, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and tomato-based products.

Try limiting these items one at a time to see if it helps alleviate your symptoms.

You can also watch my video about "Why do you keep waking up at night to pee?! | Nocturia" for more insights!

Every week, Dr. Malik will answer a question from one of our subscribers. If you have a question you'd like Dr. Malik to answer, submit it here for a chance to be featured!

WHAT’S NEW WITH DR. MALIK?:

We’re excited to let you know that our latest episode with Shawn on The Model Health Show just cracked the top 40 in the health and fitness category on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, we talk about how your sexual health can be a window into your overall well-being, share tips for boosting pleasure, and offer ideas for making intimacy a priority.

Don’t miss out—watch it now here!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CHANNEL:

Can Tribulus Terrestris Boost Your Testosterone Levels? Urologist Explains!

Learn about this plant found in warm, temperate, and tropical regions like Southeastern Asia and Africa and discover why it's often compared to fenugreek for its high levels of steroidal saponins.

Dr. Malik breaks down a meta-analysis of four major studies involving 300 men aged 18 to 65, exploring the effects of Tribulus on testosterone levels.

Erectile Function Studies: Dr. Malik discusses a 2017 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial focusing on Tribulus Terrestris and its impact on mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.

Potential Benefits and Risks: Understand the potential benefits and risks, from improved sexual function to possible side effects like stomach cramps and liver or kidney issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • While Tribulus Terrestris shows some promise in improving sexual function, the evidence supporting its ability to boost testosterone is limited.

  • It's essential to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

  • Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PODCAST:

We’re excited to bring you the latest insights from our newest podcast episode, "Can Pornography Be Good For You? The Answer May Shock You! Ft. Dr. John Mulhall," and explore the essential topics on men's sexual health. From post-prostatectomy care to the latest in erectile dysfunction treatments, our experts leave no stone unturned. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

PDE-5 Inhibitors & Cancer Recurrence:

  • Explore the latest evidence showing that regular use of PDE-5 inhibitors, like Viagra and Cialis, does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence after prostate surgery. These medications are not only safe but effective in enhancing and preserving long-term erectile function in young and healthy men.

Psychological Impact:

  • Understand the delicate balance between utilizing PDE-5 inhibitors for confidence boosts and avoiding psychological dependency, especially in younger individuals. Learn strategies to foster mental well-being in conjunction with physical treatments.

Intracavernosal Injections:

  • Get to know the highly successful yet complex world of injection therapy for post-prostatectomy patients.

Understanding Semen & Ejaculation:

  • Find out what the color of semen indicates about your health and when to seek further imaging tests.

Premature & Delayed Ejaculation:

  • Dr. Malik and Dr. Mulhall examine treatments for premature ejaculation, including SSRIs like fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine. They also explored delayed ejaculation, addressing its multiple causes and offering strategies for improvement.

Orgasm and Post-Prostatectomy:

  • Learn the differing experiences with orgasmic intensity after prostatectomy and strategies to navigate changes in ejaculatory and orgasmic function. This includes dealing with climacteria and arousal incontinence.

Holistic and Emerging Treatments:

  • Learn about the benefits of exercise for holistic health and new, minimally invasive treatments like HIFU for preserving sexual function. Also, explore future possibilities in penile rehabilitation and erectile dysfunction treatments.

Prehabilitation and Management Plans:

  • Understand the prehabilitation process before prostate surgery and management plans for PDE-5 inhibitor non-responders. This includes a pathway to transition from injections back to pills and recommendations for radiation therapy patients.

Watch it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

New AI-Powered Platform: Ask Rena Malik

Our new AI-powered platform, Ask Rena Malik, lets you search our entire podcast catalog. You’ll get answers paired with summaries and clips from the right episodes.

Ask Rena Malik is completely free. We’re really excited for you to give it a try!

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Malik

Dr. Malik, urologist and pelvic surgeon spends plenty of time getting to know her patients' needs. Based in Beverly Hills & Irvine, California, she helps people with different pelvic and sexual issues and offers treatments that fit their goals. Dr. Malik cares a lot about making her patients happy and ensuring they get the best results. Schedule your appointment now!

As always, remember to take care of yourself because you're worth it!

Yours Truly,

Rena Malik, M.D