A venous leak is a possible cause of erectile dysfunction. This occurs when the veins in the penis are unable to keep blood in the penis. Men with a venous leak will usually have trouble maintaining an erection, or only have a mild erection. This can be caused by damage to the penis, and is sometimes diagnosed using X-rays or other internal images. Treatment for this medical condition may include medications, mechanical devices, or surgical procedures.
An erection occurs when a man's penis fills with blood, making it hard. This occurs when certain muscles in the penis relax, allowing blood to flow into portions of the penis known as the corpora cavernosa, or erectile chambers. As these chambers fill with blood, the veins become compressed. When this happens, the blood cannot leave the penis, therefore it remains hard until the man ejaculates. A venous leak occurs when these veins are not compressed and leak.
When these blood-containing veins leak into the erectile chambers, a man cannot maintain an erection. Sometimes a man with a venous leak can get an erection, but often he can't keep it up. Other times, a man may only have a mild erection.
There are a few possible causes of venous leaks. One of the most common causes is damage to the penis. This damage may be due to trauma, such as a broken penis. Certain sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to venous leakage, as they can cause scar tissue to form on the penis.
Other diseases can also be causes of venous leaks. Peyronie's disease, for example, only occurs in a small percentage of men, and results in scar tissue within the erectile chambers. Anxiety can also be the cause of a venous leak in some men. A person who has anxiety is often unable to relax their muscles. Sometimes this can interfere with a man's ability to get an erection.
To diagnose a venous leak, a doctor will perform a couple of tests, including a cavernosometry and a cavernosography. During a cavernosometry, a doctor injects a man's penis with drugs that cause an erection. Saline solution is then pumped into the penis to help maintain the erection. The amount of saline needed in a certain period of time to maintain an erection will usually help the doctor determine if there is a venous leak.
A cavernosography is another procedure that can be done to determine if there is a venous leak. During this procedure, a doctor injects dye into the penis. X-rays are then taken. These images can help a doctor determine how to treat the condition.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction medication may be all that is needed in this situation. Penis pumps and penis rings can also help a man with a venous leak maintain an erection. Surgery is another option for some patients. A penile implant, for example, can help a patient with erectile dysfunction obtain and maintain an erection. By pressing a button, which is usually implanted in the scrotum, fluid is injected into the erectile chambers, causing an erection.