New Website Provides Comprehensive Resource to Anyone With Erectile Dysfunction

MINNETONKA, Minn., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Medical Systems (AMS), a leading provider of world-class devices and therapies for both male and female pelvic health, today announced the launch of a new consumer friendly website at www.EDcure.org designed to help men and their partners learn how penile prosthetic implants can restore sexual function to men suffering with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Despite the popularity of ED medications, these drugs fail to resolve symptoms in as many as 30 percent of cases. For these men and their partners, www.EDcure.org provides an introduction to in-depth information about the benefits of penile prostheses.

Offering real stories from actual patients and their partners who have re-discovered their intimacy and sexual livelihood with the help of a penile implant, www.EDcure.org features video clips, frequently asked questions and answers, U.S. insurance coverage resources and information about the types of implant devices available. The site also offers a brief questionnaire to help men determine the severity of their ED symptoms, which may be shared with their physician to aid in a more thorough diagnosis.

In addition to the man's perspective, the site also covers implant options from a woman's point of view, with tips on how to start the conversation about ED or implant surgery and what to expect from the procedure.

"ED can be embarrassing for some men and they may have a difficult time discussing it with their partners," said Whitney Erickson, senior vice-president and general manager for Men's Health at AMS. "We have designed this site to provide a comprehensive resource for anyone who is concerned about ED, including both the man and his partner."

Produced by AMS, the website aims to educate patients about the range of ED treatment options beyond medication. ED affects millions of men worldwide, either as a natural result of aging or other causes, such as prostate surgery, diabetes, heart disease or other issues. Aside from sexual dysfunction, the situation can also lead to emotional distress, depression and relationship issues as intimacy may wane as a result of ED.

"What many don't realize is that the medications we see advertised so often don't work for about 30 percent of men who try them, and far too many give up when the pills fail," said Dr. Craig Donatucci, associate professor of surgery, Duke University Medical Center. "There's no reason to just accept ED as a part of life. The patient stories at EDcure.org offer compelling insight into how effective penile implants can be at permanently restoring sexual function and improving overall quality of life for men and their partners."

Penile implants, which have already helped more than 300,000 men rekindle intimacy, improve their relationships and feel more confident, are safe and offer over a 90 percent satisfaction rate.

In addition to real, unscripted patient testimonials about the procedure, how the device functions and what it feels like, the site also offers information about implants from a physician's perspective. Noted urologist Arthur Burnett, M.D., a professor in the Department of Urology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, shares details about each treatment option and offers advice on how to choose one that is right for you.

If men and their partners have any remaining questions about implant options, they can submit these through the site and get answers directly from a penile prosthetic expert. A convenient physician locator helps site visitors find a U.S. prosthetic urologist in their area who specializes in penile implant procedures.

For more information about finding a permanent solution to ED, visit www.EDcure.org.

About American Medical Systems

American Medical Systems, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a diversified supplier of medical devices and procedures to treat incontinence, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), pelvic floor prolapse and other pelvic disorders in men and women. These disorders can significantly diminish one's quality of life and profoundly affect social relationships. In recent years, the number of people seeking treatment has increased markedly as a result of longer lives, higher-quality-of-life expectations and greater awareness of new treatment alternatives. American Medical Systems' products reduce or eliminate the incapacitating effects of these diseases, often through minimally invasive therapies. The Company's products were used to treat approximately 340,000 patients in 2010. AMS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ENDP), a U.S.-based, specialty healthcare solutions company, focused on high-value branded products, services and devices and specialty generics (http://www.endo.com).

More information about the Company and its products can be found at its website www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2010 and its other SEC filings.

SOURCE American Medical Systems