🏆 Our expertise
Our team treats vascular erectile dysfunction — specifically penile venous leak — by percutaneous venous embolization, in collaboration with urologists and andrologists.
❓ What is vascular erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have a vascular cause: arterial (insufficient inflow) or venous (pathological outflow). In venous leak, blood flows normally into the corpora cavernosa but drains too rapidly through pathological veins, preventing the maintenance of a firm erection.
This penile venous insufficiency is one of the most common vascular causes of ED, particularly in younger men. It can follow pelvic trauma, priapism, or result from constitutional weakness of the tunica albuginea.
🔬 Confirming the diagnosis
- Pharmacological penile Doppler ultrasound — reference investigation: assesses arterial inflow and venous resistance after intra-cavernous vasoactive injection
- Penile MRI in selected cases
- Dynamic cavernosography — performed in our interventional radiology suite: definitive identification of the leaking veins before embolization
💉 The embolization procedure
Dynamic cavernosography — mapping of the pathological venous drainage (corpus cavernosum → pudendal → iliac veins)
Femoral venous access — local anaesthesia
Selective occlusion of the draining veins — sclerosing foam and/or coils
Day case discharge — follow-up at 3 months with pharmacological Doppler
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the success rate of venous embolization for erectile dysfunction?
Results vary depending on the extent of the leak and associated factors. Clinical improvement is reported in 60–80% of carefully selected patients. The procedure can be repeated if partial occlusion is achieved initially.
Does the procedure affect sensation or orgasm?
Venous embolization does not affect penile sensitivity or ejaculation. It targets only the pathological venous drainage.
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Please bring the result of your pharmacological Doppler ultrasound, any previous urology letters, and your current medication list (particularly PDE5 inhibitors). The IIEF questionnaire (available on our website) is also helpful.
📄 Patient information: Download PDF → | IIEF Questionnaire →
✅ Covered by French health insurance (Assurance Maladie). No extra fees at Cochin Hospital AP-HP.