RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT:

Intracavernosal injection therapy (ICI) is a common treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), involving injecting medication such as papaverine, phentolamine, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), or a combination of these drugs directly into the penis. It's up to 80% effective for men who are having issues with erections. However, errors during injection can lead to complications such as prolonged erections (priapism).

In this study, researchers aimed to identify common mistakes and risk factors associated with ICI use. Patients enrolled in an ICI program were trained extensively on technique and dosage adjustment.

Among 1368 men using ICI for at least 6 months, 42% experienced errors! Minor errors included no response to injections due to improper injection (8%) and penile bruising (34%), while major errors like dose self-titration and double injecting occurred in 9% of men. Factors such as younger age, higher education, and less experience with ICI were predictors of major errors.

The good news is major errors were quite low but most people (almost half) will make some minor errors when starting to learn how to use ICI - if you're in this camp, you're not alone. Make sure to discuss this treatment with your doctor if you're struggling with ED!

Q&A WITH DR. MALIK:

A Question from a subscriber: “I am a 70 year old male on TRT for a number of years. I understand testicular shrinkage. It seems my epidymsis has not shrunk but seems somewhat larger on both sides. Is this normal?”

Answer:

The epididymis is that tube at the back of your testicle where sperm is stored and carried. Unlike the testes, the epididymis isn't really known for changing in size with TRT. However, if your testes shrink, the epididymis might seem more noticeable or bigger just because of the size difference.

If you see significant changes in the size of your epididymis, it's a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. They can do a physical exam and maybe an ultrasound to make sure everything is okay. Sometimes changes in the epididymis can be a sign of something like epididymitis (which is inflammation) or other conditions that might need attention.

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?:

This last week was a special week for me. It happens to be both my son's birthday and our wedding anniversary. And we celebrated it by going to Universal Studios, California. I loved the new Super Mario World! It was so nostalgic for me as someone who spent way too much time playing Super Mario Brothers growing up. Hope you all had a great week too!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CHANNEL:

5 Scientifically-Proven Ways to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction Naturally

In this episode, Dr. Malik breaks down five natural and effective strategies to help you prevent erectile dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with this issue currently or looking to prevent it in the future, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Treat Underlying Health Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are major culprits. Learn why managing these conditions is crucial for sexual health.

The Power of Exercise: Discover how regular aerobic and resistance exercises can enhance blood vessel function and nitric oxide production, both essential for strong erections.

Importance of Quality Sleep: Find out how uninterrupted, deep sleep can significantly improve not just your testosterone levels but overall sexual performance.

Healthy Eating Habits: Explore the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and specific flavonoid-rich foods like apples, citrus fruits, and dark chocolate on erectile function.

Lifestyle Adjustments: From weight loss to quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake, learn the lifestyle changes that can make a substantial difference.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PODCAST:

Talk Your Way into Bed? Top Secrets to Being Irresistible in Conversations ft. Charles Duhigg

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg discuss the importance of communication and vulnerability in relationships. They share tips for preparing for important conversations, the impact of electronic communication on emotions, and the importance of maintaining intimacy in long-term partnerships.

Learn expert advice on improving communication, fostering intimacy, and navigating the complexities of modern relationships with empathy and respect.

Watch it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Also, check out Charles’ book, the Supercommunicators, and discover the secret language of connection!