Erectile dysfunction is a concerning health condition, especially when it affects a sexually active person. But it can be treated using medication, therapy, and home remedies.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a person cannot get or keep an erection strong enough to have sexual intercourse. It is the frequent inability to get the penis hard, even when trying to initiate sex.
Some people find it difficult to get their penis erect when tired, stressed, angry, or emotionally down. It is normal (for both genders) not to want sex at such points. However, it becomes an issue that calls for concerns when low sex drive and inability to get the penis hard become a constant occurrence and happen even when you want sex.
ED may be a symptom of another underlying problem. For instance, medical conditions like chronic kidney diseases, prostate diseases, and high blood pressure can cause ED. Studies have also shown that STDs can also cause ED. Such health conditions can interfere with sexual intercourse, causing problems with ejaculation and orgasm.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated, but some people with this condition tend to shy away from seeking medical care for their condition. Due to their medical condition, they feel stigmatized. It is often best to talk to a doctor, particularly a urologist, who will help diagnose and give them the proper treatment.
This article will discuss erectile dysfunction, its diagnosis, medical treatment, and home remedies that will help treat and manage the condition.
Different things can cause erectile dysfunction. Therefore, doctors will often examine their patients physically and then ask them questions about their condition and medical history to determine a possible cause.
Doctors may ask questions regarding when the symptoms started, which medications the patient is using, whether they are emotionally stressed, if they have a physical trauma around their pelvic region, and the frequency and duration of the erections they have had in the past.
After the physical examination and question section, the doctors may order some tests for further diagnosis, including:
The type of health specialist that will treat your ED depends on the underlying cause of the problem. A urologist will most likely treat you if urinary tract issues are the root cause. However, initial diagnosis and treatment often start with a general practitioner.
The different treatment options for erectile dysfunction include:
Some common oral medications for treating erectile dysfunction include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), avanafil (Stendra), and vardenafil (Levitra). These medications help with getting the penis erect. They act by enhancing nitric oxide effects.
Nitric oxide is a chemical released by the body which helps relax the muscles of the penis. Relaxation of the muscles increases blood flow to the penis, thereby allowing you to get and sustain an erection.
Alprostadil can be administered as an injection or as a urethral suppository. If you are taking the injection option, your doctor will instruct you on how to inject it into the side or base of your penis.
Sometimes, alprostadil may be combined with other medications, such as phentolamine. Doctors usually prescribe a dose that will create an erection that will last for about an hour.
For the alprostadil intraurethral therapy, a tiny alprostadil suppository will be placed inside your penile urethra. This can initiate an erection within 10 minutes. The erection can last for 30–60 minutes. It is best to discuss these options with your doctor to know the pros and cons before using any.
Often, psychological issues contribute to erectile dysfunction. A person battling extreme fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, or guilt may have a low sex drive and find it challenging to have or sustain an erection. Seeing a psychologist or sex therapist may help a couple with this sexual issue.
In some cases, inflatable penile prostheses may be implanted in the erection chambers of the penis. The prostheses become part of a man’s body and enable the penis to get erect whenever it is sexually stimulated.
Two small incisions that are not easily noticeable will be made on the man’s penis to implant the prostheses. Because the incisions are usually hidden, other people may not notice the implant.
Low testosterone levels can complicate or contribute to ED. Testosterone replacement therapy may be given alongside medications or other treatment strategies for people with ED who have low testosterone.
Certain lifestyle choices and habits can worsen ED or increase the risk of developing the condition. Making healthy lifestyle choices will help treat and lower the chances of ED. Some simple home remedies that will help resolve erection issues include:
Approximately 10% of people with penises between the ages of 40 and 70 have complete or severe erectile dysfunction, according to the Boston University School of Medicine.
The report also stated that ED issues account for about 30,000 hospital admissions and 400,000 outpatient medical care visits.
Studies also indicate that ED is more common in older adults than younger ones. The prevalence of ED goes from 2% in people below 40 years and increases to 86% in people up to 80 years, a 2016 population-based study shows.
There have not been many recent studies on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction across different races. However, an older 2007 study reported that the prevalence of ED was 24.4% in Black people, 21.9% in whites, and 19.9% in Hispanics.
The outlook for erectile dysfunction looks good because, in most cases, symptoms can be improved. There are also different effective medications and treatment options available for treating ED.
ED is a common condition. It is not fatal, and it cannot be transmitted. Discussing the problem on time with a healthcare professional will ensure that a person gets immediate care. It also helps identify an underlying health condition (if any is causing the ED).
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual issue that poses concerns for many sexually active people. It is characterized by an inability to get and keep an erection.
Many people with this condition find it difficult to talk about it because of the purported stigma attached to it. It is best to seek medical help if you find it difficult to achieve an erection regularly.
Your doctor will give you the proper treatment for ED after the diagnosis. Treatment for ED will range from medications to implants and therapies.
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