www.UrologicalCare.com: Urologist Dr. J. Francois Eid, MD Discusses New Evidence that Erectile Dysfunction Drugs May Cause Hearing Loss
NEW YORK, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Bolstering the argument for penile implants and against medications for erectile dysfunction (ED), according to a study in the Archives of Otolaryngology, research showed that men who took ED drugs had double the risk of developing hearing problems. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration already requires these medications to carry a warning about the risk of hearing loss, but the current research only adds to the concerns over the side effects of these medications.
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"This study further provides supporting evidence for long-term alternative ED treatments, most notably, penile implants as a low-risk, non-medicinal option," said Dr. J. Francois Eid, director of Advanced Urological Care, and Clinical Associate Professor of Urology at Weill/Cornell Medical College in New York City. Some studies have attempted to explain the link between hearing loss and use of these medications, such as the drugs' tendency to increase congestion of nasal erectile tissue, which raises middle ear pressure, but more research is needed. "What we do know is that the hearing loss is largely irreversible and patients need know all of the risks involved with ED medications," continued Eid.
Dr. Eid's main area of erectile dysfunction treatment expertise is with penile pumps or the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP). He stands behind the effectiveness of IPP's, since he has performed more internal penile prosthesis surgeries than anyone in the world, over 300 per year. "Medications do not cure ED, but implants do," explained Eid. In some cases, the implant may also enhance length and girth – a claim that medications cannot make. Coupled with Dr. Eid's own "No-Touch" technique, which boasts an infection rate of less than one percent, "the benefits of the penile prosthesis are continuous and require no forethought, which makes it the more viable choice for the patient with permanent ED." Ideal candidates for penile implants are patients with vascular disease of the penis such as those with HTN, high cholesterol, coronary disease, diabetics, smokers and patients after prostate cancer surgery.
Increasing market acceptance is also helping to promote the popularity of the penile implant. Medical device makers, American Medical Systems (AMS), posted record 1Q 2010 profits, with an increase of 21 percent on sales of erectile dysfunction and women's health products. One of the leading medical device makers that specialize in penile restoration products, AMS shares are expected to rise, making it a hot stock and top market gainer.
Dr. Eid who uses AMS products routinely in his practice, believes that confidence in AMS products is being fueled by their quality penile implants and pelvic floor repair products. "According to the Census Bureau, the population over the age of 65 is expected to triple by mid-century," said Eid, "Therefore, as the population ages, the market demand for medical devices and products will increase." Eid continued, "I rely on AMS products' benefits for superior clinical outcomes and will continue to utilize their portfolio of medical solutions to provide the confidence that my patients need to restore their health, build self-esteem and improve their quality of life."
SOURCE Advanced Urological Care PC
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