Experts at the Brady Urological Institute offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic techniques and treatment therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as for Peyronie's disease, premature ejaculation, priapism, and orgasmic dysfunctions. Treatments are tailored to meet each patient's psychological and physical needs and preferences. Penile prosthesis implantation has the highest satisfaction rate of all treatment options for ED and Johns Hopkins urological surgeons perform well over 60 of these procedures annually. Some individuals require arterial or venous microsurgery due to serious pelvic trauma or venous leakage, and our experts regularly perform these specialized therapeutic surgeries.

Arthur L. Burnett II, M.D., Director of the Male Reconstructive Clinic at the Brady Urological Institute, played a pivotal role in initial ED research efforts, describing nitric oxide and its important role in triggering erections. Release of NO between nerve cells causes blood vessels in the penis to dilate, increasing the volume of blood flowing into the penis and causing it to enlarge. This scientific foundation led to the eventual development of the oral PDE5 inhibitors that have revolutionized ED therapy in the last several years.

A key area of research by our experts is the underlying causes and mechanisms of priapism, a "forgotten" yet devastating penile erection disorder that affects many men. Dr. Burnett performed the original science on new ways to treat this condition, and his research was recently published in Urology. Dr. Burnett reported that PDE5 inhibitors might offer a solution to the management of recurrent priapism episodes.

Johns Hopkins urological researchers continue with their efforts to discover the causes of ED. Current interventions are being aimed directly at protecting the erectogenic nerves that are often damaged by radical prostatectomy surgery. New agents under development are being tested at Johns Hopkins to see if they can help men recover nerve function quickly after their