Many men experience erectile dysfunction (ED), which can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. They want to know what the best treatments for ED are to restore normal sexual function.
ED is the inability to obtain or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s often a symptom of another problem, and medical evaluation is important. That way, there can be proper treatment of underlying causes as well as treatment for ED itself.
The Best Treatments for ED
Some men accept a decline in sexual function as a natural progression of aging. Due to embarrassment, many do not address this issue with their doctor. This is unfortunate because it is often possible to pinpoint the cause of sexual problems, and there are numerous treatment options for ED.
Treating erectile dysfunction enables men to acquire and maintain an erection to engage in sexual activity. Depending on the etiology of erectile dysfunction, treatment may include any of the following:
Changes in lifestyle
Improving diet, exercise, and sleep, as well as reducing stress, might improve dysfunction. If a medication is contributing to erectile dysfunction, alternative drugs may be substituted.
Additionally, quitting smoking and limiting or giving up drinking can be beneficial.
Therapy
ED can be a side effect of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Therapy can help address these underlying challenges. That may be individual therapy or couples therapy, depending on the situation.
Medications
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are medications that open the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow. Sildenafil (Viagra) is an example of this type of medication.
ED medications help men to obtain an erection following sexual stimulation but do not boost sexual desire. They are most effective in men with psychogenic factors but can also be helpful for men with disorders affecting the blood vessels, such as diabetes. PDE-5 inhibitors may also be beneficial following prostate cancer surgery.
Penile self-injection
For this treatment, a medication is injected into the two chambers of the penis filled with spongy tissue and blood. The blood vessels within the penis dilate, causing the penis first to swell and then stiffen, resulting in a fully firm erection.
The erection from penile injection happens without sexual stimulation. Men are instructed by urologists on how correctly inject the drug. The initial injection is administered under direct supervision in the office.
Vacuum-assisted erection devices
Several vacuum-assisted devices on the market require placing the penis in a plastic cylinder and creating a vacuum around it. This forces blood to move into the penis. A rigid ring is put at the base of the penis, near the body, to retain blood within the penis, helping it to remain erect.
A man can attain an erection that is sufficiently hard for penetration and sexual contact. He will be unable to ejaculate because the ring that retains blood in the penis also constricts the urethra, limiting the release of sperm. The ring does not affect the capacity to experience an orgasm.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment performed in a doctor’s office. High-frequency sound waves are used to help encourage new blood vessels to grow and may also break down plaque that has built up in existing blood vessels. Since ED is due to decreased blood flow to the penis, this treatment can be helpful. It can enhance the effects of medications and is a good option for men seeking to avoid surgery.
Penile prostheses
A penile prosthesis is a surgically implanted, inflatable device that allows the penis to become erect. Penile prostheses can be implanted as semi-rigid rods or inflatable cylinders.
Penile prostheses may be an option for men who do not respond to other treatments.
When to See A Doctor for ED
It’s time to see a doctor for ED if an inability to get and maintain an erection is causing you concern. ED may happen occasionally, like after drinking too much alcohol or being under extra stress, but the moment it is becoming problematic, it’s time to seek help.
Don’t live with ED any longer – schedule an appointment today!