Erectile Dysfunction Health Center

Erectile Dysfunction: Glossary of Terms

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Dynamic infusion cavernosometry: A test in which fluid is pumped into the penis so doctors can determine the severity of a venous leak.

Ejaculate: The fluid that is expelled from a man's penis during sexual climax (orgasm).

Ejaculation: When sperm and other fluids come from the penis during sexual climax (orgasm).

Erectile dysfunction: The inability to develop or sustain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse.

Erection: A state in which the penis fills with blood and becomes rigid.

Glans: The head of the penis.

Hematospermia: A disorder in which blood is found in the ejaculate.

Histamine H2 receptor antagonists: Medications used to treat stomach ulcers that work by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach (e.g. Zantac, Pepcid).

Hormones: Chemicals that stimulate or regulate the activity of cells or organs.

Impotence:See Erectile dysfunction.

Infertility: The inability to conceive or produce offspring.

Intercavernous injection therapy: Treatment for erectile dysfunction in which a medication is injected directly into the penis.

Intraurethral therapy: Treatment for erectile dysfunction in which a medication, in suppository form, is inserted into the urethra.

Levitra: A medication used to treat erectile dysfunction that works by increasing the flow of blood into the penis.

Libido: A person's sex drive.

Lipid profile: A blood test that measures the level of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides.

Luteinizing hormone (LH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone, a hormone necessary for sperm production. In women, LH causes ovulation.

Meatus: The opening at the tip of the penis where urine and semen are discharged.

MUSE: The brand name of the intraurethral form of the medication alprostadil.

Neurologist: A medical specialist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.

Neurological disorders: Those disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves or muscles.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications used to treat inflammation of the body's tissues.

Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing: A test used to monitor erections that occur naturally during sleep. This test can help determine if a man's erectile problems are due to physical or psychological causes.

Orgasm: Sexual climax.

Parenteral: Taken into the body in a way other than the digestive tract, usually injected in a muscle or vein.

Penile biothesiometry: A test that uses electromagnetic vibration to determine sensitivity and nerve function of the penis.

Penile implant: An inflatable penile prosthesis surgically placed in the penis. It allows a man to have an erection whenever he chooses.

Penile injection: A medication that is injected into the penis in order to produce an erection.

Performance anxiety: When a person anticipates some sort of problem occurring during sex.