|
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, there is help available. There are good treatments but you have to make sure the treatment is appropriate for the problem.
With more potential remedies on the market than ever, erectile dysfunction is a highly treatable problem in all age groups. However, before any ED-specific therapy is attempted, underlying causes should be diagnosed and treated. (See Key Point #1 and Key Point #2 for more information.)
Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on its causes and its severity. Treatments may include:
Lifestyle modification
Since what makes us sick can also cause ED, what makes us well can also be a remedy for ED. Lifestyle modification can both prevent ED and improve sexual function. Five healthy behaviors characterize a healthy lifestyle -- not smoking, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol (or consuming it only in moderation), getting plenty of physical activity and controlling weight.
Alternative medicine and "natural" remedies
Many alternative remedies are aggressively marketed for ED. However, very few have been studied, most are not regulated so their quality is not controlled, and some can actually be harmful. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using any alternative remedy.
Alternative remedies that may work include:
- Dietary supplements. These may be helpful as part of an overall plan to maintain a healthy diet. Fish oil supplements can be beneficial to blood vessels overall.
- Herbal supplements. Most have been ineffective when tested in blind studies, but they may be useful for their placebo effect. However, a recent double-blind study appears to show evidence that ginseng is better than placebo and, in one small study, 78% of men who had ED caused by impaired blood flow improved after taking ginkgo.
- Arginine. This amino acid may help increase circulation.
- Relaxation techniques. Relaxation is a requirement for successful sexual function.
Vacuum devices
The vacuum device is an external penile pump. A plastic tube is placed over the penis and against the body to form a seal. The hand pump creates a vacuum in the tube that draws blood into the penis and creates an erection. A rubber ring is then snapped over the base of the penis to help maintain the erection. Downsides include lack of spontaneity, plus the resulting erection may be somewhat uncomfortable.
Oral medication
The most popular prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction are selective enzyme inhibitors. They work in about two third of patients by causing the smooth muscles of the penis to relax and allow blood to flow into the erectile tissue. Men with certain conditions shouldn't take selective enzyme inhibitors. Possible side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Commonly prescribed selective enzyme inhibitors are:
- Sildenafil (brand name: Viagra®)
- Vardenafil HCl (brand name: Levitra®)
- Tadalafil (brand name: Cialis®)
Only a relatively small number of men have ED because of insufficient levels of sex hormones. However, for those that do, the problem is relatively easy to solve with hormone replacement medicines. Hormone replacement is not without its side effects. Please discuss possible side effects with your doctor.
Suppositories
This treatment involves using an applicator to insert a tiny suppository into the tip of the penis to widen the penile blood vessels. Tests suggest this method can be more painful and less effective than injection therapy.
Injection therapy
This therapy involves self-injection directly into the base or side of the penis to dilate blood vessels to produce an erection. The procedure is relatively painless, but possible potential side effects include bleeding from the injection, a burning sensation in the penis, dizziness, heart palpitations, flushing, scarring or fibrous tissue forming at the injection site, and prolonged erection.
Surgery
There are several kinds of prosthetic devices that can be implanted in the penis. The two main types are (1) inflatable silicone or plastic tubes and (2) semi-rigid rods (made of metal covered by silicone or polyurethane). Implanting these devices is a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia and possibly an overnight in the hospital, with all the possible side effects of any surgery. This step is irreversible.
For men whose ED is caused by blocked blood supply to the penis because of injury to the penis, pelvic area, or other vascular problems, vascular surgery of the penis may be the solution. These surgeries are not common and they're recommended only for men with very specific conditions.
Psychotherapy
Individuals with ED caused by psychological issues will generally be referred to a mental health professional specializing in sex therapy. Issues can include:
- Lack of sexual knowledge
- Lack of communication between partners
- A poor relationship between partners
- Performance anxiety
- Depression
- Life stresses
- Inhibition related to upbringing, religion, and social background
|
