Erectile Dysfunction
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Studies show that at least 1 out of every 10 men will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives, but it is typically more common in men over 40. According to the Urology Care Foundation, ED affects at least 30 million men worldwide. However, even though ED is common, it is not a normal health condition. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction can even be a symptom of an underlying medical problem.
Luckily, erectile dysfunction is a treatable condition and can be cured with the proper medical treatment and a few lifestyle changes. Before a physician recommends treatment, they will need to determine the cause of ED to provide the best-suited medications for your needs.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
There are several safe and effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction. Most are non-invasive and are recommended before considering surgery.
Medicine:
PDE Type 5 inhibitor drugs increase blood flow to improve erectile function. These drugs require a prescription and include:
- Viagra (sildenafil)
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Levitra (vardenafil)
- Stendra (avanafil)
PDE inhibitors work for most men, but diabetics and cancer patients may have lower response rates. Additionally, men taking nitrate-based heart medications should avoid PDE inhibitors due to risks of low blood pressure.
Hormone Therapy:
Hormone imbalance can contribute to ED. As men age, testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) levels decline, reducing sex drive and performance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options include:
- Topical gels
- Pellets
- Creams
- Patches
- Injections
HGH Therapy:
HGH levels naturally decline with age, impacting sexual stimulation and performance. HGH therapy can restore these levels and improve sexual desire and function.
Testosterone Theraphy:
Supplementing testosterone can improve sexual stimulation and erectile function in men with low testosterone levels.
Penile Therapy:
Penile injection therapy is effective for ED caused by nerve, blood, or psychological issues. Medication is injected into the erection chambers, relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow.
Psychological Counseling
Counseling with a licensed sex therapist can help men address emotional issues like depression and anxiety that impact sexual performance.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction. Physicians typically separate them into physical and psychological categories.
Physical Causes:
- Vascular complications: Heart disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes can reduce blood supply to the penis, making it harder to achieve an erection.
- Neurological complications: Conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and pelvic trauma can damage nerves responsible for erectile function.
- Prescription medications: Medications like antidepressants, high blood pressure medicine, diuretics, chemotherapy drugs, and antiarrhythmics can cause ED as a side effect.
Psychological Causes:
- Depression
- Stress from work, home, or social conflicts
- Anxiety
- Lack of stimulation from the brain
Your physician will need to evaluate your medical history to determine the cause of your ED before recommending treatment.
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