Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common condition. It has affected 30-50 million individuals in the US alone.
It is the inability to get or maintain a firm erection for sexual performance.
Erectile Dysfunction is a treatable condition, and many treatments are available.
This article will cover the various ED solutions in depth.
Also, we will determine the best Erectile Dysfunction treatment out of all.
Table of Contents
Erectile Dysfunction treatments
Many physical, psychological, and lifestyle variables may contribute to ED.
Physical factors causing ED include neurological conditions, cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, etc.
Psychological causes include anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Lifestyle factors like a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse, etc., can also lead to ED.
The underlying factors of ED can vary from person to person.
So, tailor the treatment to address the specific contributing factors.
Managing ED requires a patient-centered strategy.
It should emphasize the patient’s underlying conditions and particular requirements.
There are three broad categories of Erectile Dysfunction treatment options.
- Physical therapies for ED
- Psychological therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
- Lifestyle treatments for ED
Each ED treatment option has its advantages and suitability.
Physical Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Physical treatments for Erectile Dysfunction are the most useful in controlling the condition.
These Erectile Dysfunction treatments range from oral pills to penile implants.
It relies on various aspects, like the severity of the condition and the patient’s health.
Oral Pills
Source: Africa-imagesOral pills, or Erectile Dysfunction pills, are the widely used treatment option for ED.
A 2009 meta-analysis found that oral ED pills were effective in 67 – 89% of individuals.
These oral medicines are Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
They work by blocking the action of PDE5 enzymes found in the penis.
As a result, penile blood vessels dilate and enhance blood flow to the penis.
Improved blood flow helps in inducing and maintaining a firm erection.
The most common oral PDE5 inhibitors include
- Sildenafil
- Tadalafil
- Vardenafil
There are both generic and brand names available for these medicines.
Although all PDE5 inhibitors work in the same way, they have different properties.
Recommended Read– Erectile Dysfunction Pills: The Solution to Reviving Your Sex Life
Vacuum Devices
Source: Getty-imagesDoctors have started prescribing vacuum devices for treating moderate Erectile Dysfunction.
This vacuum pump device is a hand-powered or battery-operated tube.
This tube fits over the penis to create a vacuum that draws blood into the penis. Thus, helps induce an erection.
It also consists of a constriction band that fits around the base of the penis to maintain an erection.
96% of users have reported ease in maintaining an erection with a vacuum device.
But, it may cause injury to the penis if you use it many times a day.
It may lead to adverse effects like numbness and small red patches on the penis.
Oral pills are always the best and first-line treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.
Doctors prescribe vacuum pumps to those for whom ED pills do not work.
Penile Injections
Penile injections directly inject the medication into the penis.
This medicine increases blood flow and helps get or sustain an erection.
Alprostadil is a common medication for penile injections.
Other injectable medicines include Papaverine and Phentolamine.
You can self-inject these medicines under a doctor’s guidance.
Penile injections are fast-action ED medicines whose onset of action is 5 to 20 minutes.
They are faster than the popular oral ED pills (which take 30 to 60 minutes to start working).
But, people with mild ED should not use these injections.
Penile injections are still the second-line treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.
If you are experiencing improvements with oral ED pills, continue using them.
Penile Implants
Penile implants are the last resort treatment option for Erectile Dysfunction.
Doctors recommend penile implantation when other ED treatments fail.
It involves the surgical implantation of a device into the penis to induce erection.
As per a study, penile implants have proven beneficial for people with ED.
Yet, they may pose complications like mechanical failure, infections, and device erosion.
Psychological Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Factors like desire, mood, and attraction influence sexual arousal.
Anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can impact these factors.
Thus, resulting in a decrease in sexual interest.
This leads to the condition of psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction.
As per Healthline, ED pills may not be fully effective in treating psychogenic ED.
Hence, a different approach is essential to address these underlying psychological disorders.
Here, we cover treatment options like counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Counseling
Counseling is the most common type of psychological treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.
It involves discussing your problems with mental health specialists.
They help you identify what psychological issues are causing ED.
A 1992 study surveyed 36 couples who took sex therapy to treat their male partner’s ED.
As per the above study, 69.4% of couples reported a positive outcome.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy.
It focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking to improve mental health.
It treats anxiety and depression, which may contribute to ED issues.
Lifestyle Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Lifestyle changes have gained popularity as a potential to treat ED.
Exercise, a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, etc., can reduce ED symptoms.
But, it is crucial to remember that many males still require ED medications.
A combination of medication and lifestyle changes may give the best results.
Erectile Dysfunction exercises
ED exercises can help improve erectile function in multiple ways.
It includes Kegel exercises, aerobic exercises, pilates, etc.
These exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles that help maintain an erection.
As per a study, they also boost testosterone levels which is necessary to produce Nitric Oxide.
Recommended Read– Erectile Dysfunction Exercises: Try to Boost Your Performance
Diet
Consuming a well-balanced, healthy diet can also boost erectile function.
Specific diets may have benefits in inducing or maintaining firm erections.
For example, nitrate-rich meals, like leafy greens, lead to vasodilation. Thus, increasing blood flow to the penis.
As per a study, Zinc-rich foods, like almonds, can increase testosterone levels.
Hence improving sexual functionality and experience.
Recommended Read- 6 Worst foods for Erectile Dysfunction
Quitting Smoking
Smoking can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels, which restricts the penile blood flow.
Thus, quitting smoking is important to improve erectile function.
You may try nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking.
Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Usually, moderate alcohol consumption has no adverse impact on erections.
But, excessive alcohol consumption may worsen ED by reducing testosterone levels.
Hence, limiting alcohol consumption is crucial for healthy erectile functionality.
Recommended Read– Mixing Viagra and Alcohol: A Risky Affair
Getting Enough Sleep
If you are not getting enough sleep, it may lead to a reduction in testosterone levels.
A study has shown that most testosterone is released during sleep.
If testosterone levels are low, it may lead to Erectile Dysfunction.
Recommended Read– A Guide on How to Use Viagra for the Best Results
Conclusion
The underlying causes of Erectile Dysfunction vary from person to person.
Thus, it is crucial to treat it on an individualistic basis, tailored to the specific needs.
Also, remember no single type of Erectile Dysfunction treatment is superior to another.
The effectiveness of ED treatment depends on the requirements of the patient’s condition.
Do not panic if the treatment is not working for you. There are many alternate options available.
If you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection, you should seek medical help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nerve damage Erectile Dysfunction treatments?
Many treatments are available for men with nerve damage-induced ED. It includes medications like Sildenafil, penile injections, vacuum pumps, and nerve stimulation.
How can I regain erectile strength?
You can regain erectile strength by using a mix of medicines and lifestyle changes. ED pills like Sildenafil and exercises can strengthen your erectile function.
How do you fix Erectile Dysfunction without Viagra?
Many ED solutions fix Erectile Dysfunction without using Viagra (Sildenafil). Vacuum pumps, penile injections, psychological counseling, and lifestyle changes can also fix ED issues.
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