Why Erectile Dysfunction Occurs and How It Can Be Treated
Healthy erections rely on blood flow, nerves, hormones, and mental well-being. Issues can arise at any age. The good news: most causes are diagnosable and treatable.
When pills aren’t enough
ED pills help many men, not all. Venous leakage or other causes may still prevent lasting erections.
ED can start in youth
Some young men have medical reasons for ED. Assessment clarifies cause and guides care choices well.
ED and your heart health
ED can signal hidden heart risk. Finding and treating causes can lower future heart and stroke risk.
Erections change after 60
With age, vessels and nerves change. Diagnosis pinpoints cause, and targeted care restores function.
Habits that protect erections
Exercise, sleep no smoking, and stress control support blood flow to help maintain steady erections.
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Meet Dr Eric Allaire
Dr Eric Allaire is a vascular and endovascular surgeon and researcher dedicated to erectile dysfunction care, especially venous leakage. He and Marie Tomei, psychologist, work with highly selected healthcare professionals to provide patients with a global Men's Health environment.
Vascular Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Venous Leak and Erectile Instability
In this condition, arterial blood inflow into the penis is usually normal, allowing the erection to be initially achieved.
However, venous outflow is insufficiently restricted, causing blood to escape too rapidly through the veins.
As a result, erections lack stability and cannot be maintained leading to erectile instability rather than a true failure to achieve erection.
This mechanism is frequently observed in younger men, particularly in the absence of arterial disease or cardiovascular risk factors.
Accurate identification of venous leak requires a dedicated vascular evaluation, as its management differs fundamentally from arterial erectile dysfunction and from standard symptomatic treatments.
Venous leak vs Arterial Erectile Dysfunction
These are two fundamentally different vascular conditions that affect erectile function through distinct mechanisms.
Arterial erectile dysfunction primarily impairs the ability to achieve an erection, due to insufficient arterial blood inflow into the penis.
It is commonly associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or atherosclerotic disease.
Venous leak erectile dysfunction is characterized by a failure to maintain an erection.
Although arterial inflow is usually adequate venous outflow is not properly restricted, leading to rapid blood escape and erectile instability.
Distinguishing between venous leak and arterial erectile dysfunction is essential for accurate diagnosis, as their management strategies differ fundamentally.
Erectile instability may indicate venous leak and requires a diagnostic approach beyond standard treatments.
The patient journey and our philosophy
Care starts with listening and a clear diagnosis. We use focused tests to find the cause and choose safe, effective treatment.
Medical history and conversation
We talk through your erection concerns, overall health, and goals in a private setting. From this, we decide which focused tests are useful, if any.
Diagnosis overview
Doppler ultrasound and targeted blood or nerve tests identify the cause, such as venous leakage or artery disease. Clear results guide the next steps.
Tailored treatment
We review options, likely benefits, and risks together. You choose a plan that fits your life, from medication to advanced procedures when needed.
Personalized care
After treatment, we track progress with follow ups and support. We help with stress, heart health, sleep, and exercise, always discreet and responsive.
What patients say about their journey
“It took three years to find the right place. Dr. Allaire’s team quickly diagnosed clogged arteries. I quit smoking, and Dr. Allaire placed a stent. Before, it took hours to get an erection. Now it happens right away.”
“We wanted to have children. No way, because no erection. My wife was so helpful trusting me. We went to see you, Pr. Allaire… You operated on me for venous leakage in 2023. A year later, our baby girl was born. Thank you.”
“I wish to participate, contribute to progress, and help raise awareness about venous leakage surgery. I was operated on by Prof. Allaire in 2021. Today, thanks to this surgery, I have been able to regain an almost normal sex life. It is very important to talk about it.”
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