Erectile Dysfunction, which is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in male patients today, is defined as erectile dysfunction or, colloquially, impotence, the absence of sufficient stiffness and erection for healthy sexual intercourse, or the termination of erection in the penis without obtaining satisfaction, even if there is. In general, up to 50% (+/-2) of men over the age of 40 encounters erectile dysfunction at least once in their life.

Erectile dysfunction can affect a man’s quality of life due to its problem in establishing a healthy sexual relationship. In addition, erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of other diseases. The chronic symptom of erectile dysfunction can also be seen as a cardiovascular disease that may not cause enough blood to reach the penis for an erection.

Erectile dysfunction, a common male sexual dysfunction, is closely related to erectile dysfunction treatment and, in particular, penile prosthesis. Erectile dysfunction, which one out of ten men faces in their lifetime, is also called erectile dysfunction. In men who have this problem, it is possible that the penis does not reach the level of hardness and erection that will allow intercourse before sexual intercourse or that this hardness cannot continue until satisfaction is reached in the relationship. This situation, which creates great negativities in terms of the patient’s psychology and quality of life, is a health problem that can be treated with different methods today.

From adolescence onwards, sexual function in men consists of a complex process governed by many different mechanisms such as the brain, hormonal system, blood vessels, muscle system, nerves, and emotional factors. Any emotional or physical problem in any of these mechanisms may pave the way for erectile dysfunction regardless of age. In addition to physiological conditions, many situations such as stress, intense work life, negativity caused by private life, anxiety can also cause erectile dysfunction, known as erectile dysfunction in men. In existing patients, the increase in these triggers may exacerbate erection problems and cause more severe negativities. In the emergence of the erection problem, which generally occurs due to physical causes and the effects of psychological issues, either or both of these two reasons may have an effect. 

In the treatment of erection problems, different methods can be used according to the underlying problems. It must first be determined whether the problem is of the physical origin or psychological origin. Most of the patients who experience sleep and morning erections do not have a physical problem. In this case, psychological treatments can be of great benefit. The treatment of erectile dysfunction due to physical causes can be treated with four main methods. These are as follows:

• Oral drug therapy (PDE5I derivatives)
• Vacuum therapy
• Injection therapy for the penis
• Penile prosthesis

Apart from the four main treatment methods above, ESWT therapy (shock wave therapy), which is a type of therapy rather than a treatment, is one of the applications used in treatment. Shock wave therapy, one of the last step treatment options that can be preferred before applying for penile prosthesis operation, is performed with ESWT devices. Although it is not yet accepted as a standard treatment option, it is a therapy that can be applied before the prosthesis if recommended by the physician. That provides positive results in some of the patients.

In treating severe erectile dysfunction, successful results may not be obtained from step treatments such as medication, injection, or vacuum devices. However, performing a procedure such as a drug use, injection, or vacuuming before each sexual intercourse may adversely affect the natural development of sexuality and put the patient in a psychologically difficult situation. For such reasons, patients decide to use a penile prosthesis because of the necessity or the necessity of a permanent solution. These prostheses are placed on the penis with the help of surgical operations and are permanent.