Glossary of Terms
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A non-malignant growth of the prostate which is more common in older men, characterized by difficulty with urinating or, slow to start, a weak stream, dribbling after urinating and nocturia (night-time urination).
Caverject: A medication used for injection into the penis to increase blood flow to the penis resulting in an erection.
Ejaculation: Process by which the ejaculate (made up of mature sperm, prostate fluid and seminal fluid), is directed out of the body via the urethra.
Erectile Dysfunction: The inability to obtain and/or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Erectile tissue: Two (2) rod shaped cylinders located in the shaft of the penis which fill with blood when stimulated and an erection results.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormones, e.g. testosterone in males, estrogen in females, may be prescribed when a deficiency is found.
Intracorporal Injections (ICI): One method of therapy for erectile dysfunction in which a medication is injected into the base of the penis causing increased blood flow to the penis.
Libido: Sexual desire.
MUSE®: A medicated pellet is deposited into the urethra (urine tube) and the penis is "rolled" between two hands. Erection occurs when pellet is absorbed.
Orgasm (or climax): The result of sexual stimulation, characterized by involuntary contraction of the muscles in genitalia causing the ejaculation of semen in males.
Penile Implants: When all treatment has failed for erectile dysfunction, the patient may opt for surgical implantation of soft or inflatable rods to replace the erectile tissue.
Peyronie's Disease: A deposit of scar tissue or plaque in the erectile tissue in the penis, sometimes causing painful and curved erections.
Prostate: A donut-shaped gland which is located just below the bladder and surrounds the bladder neck and urethra.
Prostate Cancer: This is a slow-growing malignant growth that starts within the prostate.
Psychotherapy: Therapy dealing with emotional or psychological aspects of a problem.
Tension Ring: Rubber rings which are applied to the base of the penis (after obtaining an erection), in order to sustain the erection.
Vacuum Erectile Device (VED) or Vacuum Tumescence Device (VTD): A tube providing negative pressure, causes the blood to be pulled into the penis. To maintain the erection, a tension ring must be used.
Viagra™: A new oral medication by Pfizer Inc., for erectile dysfunction. This medication increases the blood flow to the penis by blocking a specific enzyme and relaxes the smooth muscles in the penis.