Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects about 30 million men in America. ED is a condition in which you cannot get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Though occasional erection problems are not a cause for concern, if the problem persists, it can cause stress and affect your relationships. It is not a normal part of aging.
If you have symptoms of ED, there are treatment options you can turn to. It can be difficult to talk about for many men, but your doctor can help you find the best treatments. Learn more about the options available.
Treatments for ED
Male sexual arousal is a complex process, and any malfunction can lead to sexual dysfunction. Understanding what causes the problem helps your doctor know what treatment options can help.
Medications
One of the most common treatment options is medications like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. These PDE type-5 inhibitors can increase blood flow to the penis. You can take these pills an hour or two before sex.
Doctors may also prescribe testosterone replacement therapy if the cause of ED is low testosterone.
Medications for ED can interact poorly with other medications, including heart disease pills. If you take these, let your doctor know. Some common side effects of using medications for ED are nasal congestion, flushing, indigestion, and headaches.
Penile injections
Another type of medication that can help with ED is alprostadil, which can be administered as a self-injection at the side or base of the penis or as a penile suppository. Trimix is a familiar brand of penile injections containing:
- Alprostadil
- Papaverine
- Phentolamine
Together, these ingredients help relax blood vessels and muscles. You can self-administer these injections, though your doctor can show you how to do so the first time.
You should never take more than one injection every 24 hours, and avoid sleeping until your erection is bendable.
One of the risks of using penile injections is developing priapism, an erection that lasts too long.
Vacuum devices
A vacuum erection device is a plastic tube that goes over the penis, creating a seal. At the other end of the tube, a pump creates a low-pressure vacuum, leading to an erection. You can then slip a plastic ring at the base of the penis to hold the blood there for up to 30 minutes.
The biggest drawbacks of this option are the discomfort of the device and the lack of spontaneity.
Surgery
You can choose a penile prosthesis surgery, which involves the implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. They can help you have an erection when you want to. It can preserve penile sensation, orgasm, and ejaculation.
Because this is a surgical procedure, it should not be tried until all other options have failed. The most common issues that can arise from this surgery are infections and failure of the implant.
Lifestyle changes for ED
If you have ED, lifestyle changes, including being more active, can also help. Exercising, especially walking, can have an impact on ED. Exercise improves blood flow, which is vital to achieving a strong erection. Weight-bearing exercises can also help because they increase the natural production of testosterone.
Losing weight and eating healthy foods also help. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and whole grains, can not only help if you already have ED but can decrease your likelihood of developing the condition in the first place.
Moderate your alcohol consumption and drink no more than one to two drinks per day. You should also stop smoking because it damages blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood to reach the penis.
Speak with your doctor today
Speaking about ED can seem difficult, but a straightforward conversation with your doctor can set you on the path to getting treatment. You can make an appointment to discuss male health problems if you don’t want to address ED with a receptionist.
Tell your doctor exactly what you experience. Consider bringing your partner with you to help you communicate if you're worried about forgetting anything.
Not being able to get or sustain an erection can affect your emotional well-beingands your reproductive health.
With the right help, however, you can improve your sexual health and start enjoying intimacy again.
Resource links
- “Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction” via National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- “Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction” via National Library of Medicine
- “Penile Injection Therapy” via Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- “5 Natural Ways to Overcome Erectile Dysfunction” via Harvard Health Publishing
