Options depend on the diagnosis
Evidence-based ED care may involve addressing underlying health conditions, lifestyle measures, counseling when appropriate, oral medications, vacuum devices, injections, or implants. A specialist can discuss which options are reasonable for a given patient.
Our approach and informed decisions
Dr. Fakhri combines coils with standardized polidocanol microfoam, selected for its controlled density, consistent bubble size, and foam stability. His goal is thorough closure of the targeted venous drainage pathways, with the aim of reducing reopening or recurrence. Whether this approach reduces long-term recurrence compared with other techniques remains uncertain. The treated pathways depend on each patient’s imaging findings and anatomy; not every patient with erectile dysfunction is a candidate for embolization.
Use of polidocanol foam for penile venous leak is off-label: this use is outside its FDA-approved indications. The physician will discuss the proposed use, risks, alternatives, and evidence limitations before treatment.
Published embolization studies include different materials, techniques, patient groups, and follow-up periods. Their results should not be assumed to apply directly to our coil-and-foam approach or predict an individual result. The figures below describe the cited studies, not audited outcomes from this practice. See the clinical evidence and study limitations and FDA labeling for polidocanol injectable foam.
What about venous embolization?
Venous embolization aims to reduce selected abnormal venous outflow pathways. Prospective registries report meaningful improvement in erectile-function scores in approximately 59–68% of evaluable, carefully selected patients at study-specific follow-up visits. Technical success is higher, but does not guarantee symptom improvement. Patient selection, alternatives, risks, and uncertainty about long-term durability remain central to shared decision-making.
Review published clinical outcomes and study limitations →
Potential considerations
- Whether diagnostic findings support a vascular contribution
- What other treatments have been tried
- Individual anatomy and procedural feasibility
- Realistic uncertainty about durability and outcomes
Risks and limitations
Possible risks may include bleeding, infection, contrast reactions, radiation exposure, non-target embolization, and persistent or recurrent symptoms. A treating physician should explain procedure-specific risks and alternatives.
Start with an individualized evaluation.
Our Tampa-based team can discuss scheduling and appropriate next steps for patients traveling from elsewhere in the United States.
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