Reclaiming Intimacy
There’s no need to worry about the difficulty of dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED). Thanks to advances in medical science, there are effective and affordable treatments that can help. Here you can learn about some of the latest treatment options.
Different Kinds of ED
There are various kinds of ED, all of which have different symptoms and affect the body differently. The different categories include:
Vascular ED
The most common type of ED is vascular ED, affecting the blood vessels that send blood to the tissues in your penis that allow you to get and maintain an erection, or the valves in the penis that normally hold blood inside.
Neurogenic ED
Neurogenic ED occurs as a result of nerve problems, which prevent signals from traveling from your brain to your penis to create an erection. This can happen because of trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy or neurologic conditions like stroke, spinal stenosis and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Hormonal ED
Hormonal ED can occur as a result of a testosterone deficiency, or in some cases as a result of thyroid issues.
Psychogenic ED
Psychogenic ED involves psychological conditions, meaning your ED is caused by your thoughts, feelings or behavior.
Who Does ED Affect?
You might have a greater risk of getting ED if you are 40 or older; have diabetes; have a body mass index (BMI) over 25; have depression; are physically inactive; or smoke.
Signs and Causes
Erectile dysfunction can manifest in various ways and can indicate underlying health issues or potential risk factors that need attention.
The causes of ED are multifaceted and can be broadly categorized into physical and psychological factors. Physically, common contributors include::
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension.
- Obesity.
- Hormonal imbalances (particularly low testosterone levels).
Stress, anxiety and depression are also significant factors that can interfere with sexual arousal and performance.
Certain medications can also be contributing factors to ED, including but not limited to:
- Antidepressants.
- Antihistamines.
- Prostate drugs.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
- Muscle relaxers.
Treatment Options
ED is not likely to go away on its own and therefore requires treatment. There are lots of treatment options available that have proven to be quite successful. Some options include:
Medications
Oral medications, including sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil or avanafil, help increase blood flow to your penis and help treat ED. Medications you inject directly into your penis are also available, and work by creating an erection. These options include alprostadil, papaverine or phentolamine, to name a few. Injectable medications start to work within 10 minutes.
Penile low-intensity focused shockwave therapy (LiSWT)
This non-invasive treatment improves blood flow by using sound waves. It can take two months to see improvement.
Vacuum Constriction Device (penis pump)
Penis pumps start to work almost immediately.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy is available as a gel, injection, patches and pellets. It can begin to work within four weeks.
Penile Implant Procedure
A penile implant is a more invasive option but has had proven success in the past. It is a procedure in which a surgeon places a device into your penis to make it hard.
Speak to a Medical Professional
If you have ED or suspect you might have ED, you should speak to a medical professional. There are lots of ways they can test for ED, including:
Overnight Erection Test
Men typically have three to five erections during the night as they sleep. Your doctor may use an overnight erection test to see whether you’re able to get an erection. For this test, you will place a device around your penis before you go to sleep. It measures how many erections you have and how strong they are.
Injection Test
An injection test, also known as an intracavernosal test, involves your doctor injecting a medicine into the base of your penis that should give you an erection. If you don’t get one, you may have a problem with blood flow to your penis.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound checks the blood flow to the penis. Your doctor takes a device that looks like a wand and holds it over your penis. It uses sound waves to create a video of your blood vessels so your doctor can look at blood flow.
Breakthrough Treatments for ED
Many effective treatments are available for erectile dysfunction. From medications and lifestyle changes to therapy and advanced medical procedures, there's a solution that can help you regain your confidence and intimacy. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment option for your specific needs. With the right approach, managing ED can lead to a healthier and more satisfying life.