Increasing Sexual Potency and EECP
Erection depends on blood flow to the penis. EECP is a non-surgical method that supports vessel health. In men with heart disease, improvement in erection and sexual satisfaction has been reported; no change was seen in desire or orgasm.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Improves sexual function and performance.
Erection problems and cardiovascular disease share the same risk factors; for this reason the two are evaluated together.
In 120 men with heart disease, erection and satisfaction scores improved; desire and orgasm scores did not change.
We have not read a study showing that it enhances sexual function in healthy men.
What Does Sexual Function Depend On?
Sexual life depends on vessels, nerves, hormones and mood working together. For an erection, blood flow to the penis must increase. This makes vessel health an important and measurable part of sexual health.
Penile vessels
During an erection, the arteries to the penis widen and fill with blood. These vessels are small and can be affected early by vascular disease; for this reason an erection problem is sometimes the first sign of vascular disease.
Heart
Heart disease and erection problems share the same risk factors: blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol and smoking. If one is present, the other should also be investigated.
Desire and mood
Sexual desire is related to the brain, hormones and mood. In the EECP study we read, the desire score did not change; for this reason low desire is evaluated separately.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Inner vessel lining
Nitric oxide released from the inner vessel lining allows the vessels to widen. The same mechanism plays a role in erection, which is why the health of the inner vessel lining is important.
Blood sugar
Diabetes can affect sexual function by damaging both vessels and nerves. Sugar control is therefore also important for sexual health.
The area where the cuffs are wrapped
The EECP cuffs are wrapped around the calves, thighs and buttocks. The buttock cuff is close to the pelvic area; the cuffs inflate and deflate in sync with the heartbeat.
Sexual Health: Before and With EECP
The comparison below simply shows the vessel support targeted with EECP. The effect varies from person to person; results are compared with scales before and after the course.
Strain from vessel causes
- Weakening of erection
- Reduced sexual satisfaction
- Limited options because of heart medications
Supported vessel function
- Increased flow in the penile artery is targeted
- Satisfaction scores are monitored with scales
- The urological treatment plan continues unchanged
This is a schematic illustration. EECP is not a method used to change sexual desire or hormone levels.
How Does EECP Help?
During treatment you lie down and rest. The device monitors your heart rhythm with an ECG and controls the cuffs accordingly.
Cuffs inflate
While the heart relaxes, the cuffs on the calves, thighs and buttocks inflate in sequence: first the calves, then the thighs and buttocks.
Blood flow increases
With cuff pressure, flow in the vessels speeds up. The increased flow stimulates the inner vessel lining and supports nitric oxide release.
The heart's workload decreases
The pressure is released just before the heart contracts, so the heart pumps more easily. This cycle repeats with every heartbeat.
An assessment is made
Before and after the course, a comparison can be made with the international index of sexual function. The results are shared with the urologist and our cardiologist.
What Has Been Reported in Studies?
The response varies from person to person. The following are the gains that are targeted and have been reported in studies.
Erectile function
In 120 men with heart disease in an international patient registry, the erection score increased significantly after 35 hours of EECP.
Satisfaction
In the same patients, satisfaction with intercourse and overall satisfaction scores also improved significantly.
Non-surgical and painless
It is applied from the outside with cuffs; you lie down and rest throughout the session.
Penile artery
In studies cited in the expert opinion, an increase in flow velocity in the penile artery is reported.
Nitrate users
Experts see EECP as an option for erection problems in heart patients who use nitrates.
Immediate return to daily life
You can return to your daily tasks right after the session.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, the cause of the erection problem is investigated; urological and, if needed, hormonal assessments are done. Your cardiovascular condition and medications are reviewed by our cardiologist. The decision on EECP is made individually on this basis.
✓May be suitable for
- Men with heart disease who have difficulty with sexual function
- Patients who cannot use some erection medications because they use nitrates
- Men followed by urology in whom a vascular cause of the erection problem has been found
- Men with diabetes and difficulty with sexual function whose sugar control is maintained
✕Not suitable for
- Severe aortic valve insufficiency
- Aortic aneurysm
- Active deep vein thrombosis or vein inflammation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe arrhythmia
- Marked bleeding tendency and pregnancy
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before every session. At the end of the course, the results are reviewed with our cardiologist. Conversations about sexual health are held in confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Function and EECP
Does EECP increase sexual function?
In men with heart disease, erection and satisfaction scores improved. We have not read a study showing that it enhances sexual function in healthy men.
Will it increase my sexual desire?
In the study we read, desire and orgasm scores did not change. In low desire, hormones, medications and mood should be evaluated separately.
Can I use an erection medication?
This decision belongs to your doctor. In patients who use nitrates, some erection medications can be dangerous; be sure to share your medication list with both your urologist and our cardiologist.
How does this page differ from the erectile dysfunction page?
The erectile dysfunction page covers a diagnosed erection problem and its treatment. This page covers sexual function in general, areas such as desire and satisfaction, and realistic expectations.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard course is 35 sessions: 5 days a week, 60 minutes per session. You return to daily life right after the session. In the study of men with heart disease, a 35-hour course was also applied.
Does it affect sexual function in women?
We have not read a study examining the effect of EECP on sexual function in women. For this reason, we do not promise any benefit in this area for women.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
Let's talk about your questions on sexual health in confidence. Our cardiologist will assess your cardiovascular condition and medications and tell you whether EECP is suitable for you. If needed, we will refer you to urology.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou