Non-Surgical Management of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

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Glossary Terms

arteries: Blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to various parts of the body.

bladder: The balloon-shaped pouch of thin, flexible muscle in which urine is temporarily stored before being discharged through the urethra.

cancer: An abnormal growth that can invade nearby structures and spread to other parts of the body and may be a threat to life.

cholesterol: A fat-like substance important to certain body functions but which, in excessive amounts, contributes to unhealthy fatty deposits in the arteries that may interfere with blood flow.

citrate: A salt of citric acid.

colon: Large intestine.

constriction: The process of becoming narrower.

diabetes: A medical disorder that can cause kidney failure.

diabetes mellitus: A condition characterized by high blood sugar resulting from the body's inability to use sugar (glucose) as it should. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin; in type 2 diabetes, the body is resistant to using available insulin.

ED: Also known as erectile dysfunction or impotence. The inability to get or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

erectile: Capable of filling with blood under pressure, swelling and becoming stiff.

erection: Enlargement and hardening of the penis caused by increased blood flow into the penis and decreased blood flow out of it as a result of sexual excitement.

flushing: Fitting two things so they are completely level and form an even surface.

gene: The basic unit capable of transmitting characteristics from one generation to the next.

high blood pressure: Medical term is hypertension.

hormone: A natural chemical produced in one part of the body and released into the blood to trigger or regulate particular functions of the body. Antidiuretic hormone tells the kidneys to slow down urine production.

infection: A condition resulting from the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms.

invasive: Having or showing a tendency to spread from the point of origin to adjacent tissue, as some cancers do. Involving cutting or puncturing the skin or inserting instruments into the body.

ions: Electrically charged atoms.

liver: A large, vital organ that secretes bile, stores and filters blood, and takes part in many metabolic functions, for example, the conversion of sugars into glycogen. The liver is reddish-brown, multilobed, and in humans is located in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity.

penis: The male organ used for urination and sex.

Peyronie's disease: A plaque (hardened area) that forms on the penis, preventing that area from stretching. During erection, the penis bends in the direction of the plaque, or the plaque may lead to indentation and shortening of the penis.

prostate: In men, a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. The prostate supplies fluid that goes into semen.

prosthesis: Artificial body part.

radiation: Also referred to as radiotherapy. X-rays or radioactive substances used in treatment of cancer.

radiation therapy: Also referred to as radiotherapy or radiation. X-rays or radioactive substances used in treatment of cancer.

rectum: The lower part of the large intestine, ending in the anal opening.

testosterone: Male hormone responsible for sexual desire and for regulating a number of body functions.

tissue: Group of cells in an organism that are similar in form and function.

transurethral: Through the urethra. Several transurethral procedures are used for treatment of BPH. (See TUIP, TUMT, TUNA or TURP.)

urethra: In males, this narrow tube carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and also serves as the channel through which semen is ejaculated. Extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis. In females, this short, narrow tube carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

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urethral: Relating to the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.

urge: Strong desire to urinate.

vacuum erection device: A device used for treatment of impotence that features a pump that draws air from a plastic cylinder placed over the penis and creates a vacuum that allows increased blood flow to the penis which causes and erection.

vas: Also referred to as vas deferens. The cordlike structure that carries sperm from the testicle to the urethra.

vascular: Having to do with blood vessels.

vascular disease: Disease that occurs in the blood vessels.

vein: Blood vessel that drains blood away from an organ or tissue.

Last updated: 10/05

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