Is there a treatment for erectile dysfunction?
More than 12 million men1 in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence. With varying levels of symptom intensity, it can be a short- or long-term condition.
Despite having physical symptoms, ED can have negative effects on a person’s sexual health, emotional health, and self-esteem.
The inability to achieve or sustain an erection is known as ED. Although it is common for men to experience erection problems occasionally, recurrent or persistent episodes may limit your ability to enjoy sex.
The penis is typically weak. Your brain instructs the arteries in your spongy penile muscles, known as the corpora cavernosa, to relax when you get sexually aroused.
Blood flow into blood vessels increases as the arteries and corpora cavernosa muscles relax, filling the voids in the muscles. The increased blood flow causes the penis to be erect, and an erection is maintained. When there are problems with any phase of getting an erection, ED may develop.
ED can also result in the inability to get or keep an erection for long enough to engage in sexual activity.
symptoms of erectile dysfunction
Chronic trouble achieving or maintaining an erection is the primary symptom of ED. However, additional signs and symptoms, such as:
- the capacity to erect but not during sexual activity
- having an erection but not being able to keep it up
- the ongoing absence of sexual desire
- Ejaculation might occur sooner or later.
Reasons for erectile dysfunction
Although ED is a physical characteristic, it frequently manifests as a symptom of other diseases. Several physical illnesses, either by themselves or in conjunction with mental or emotional issues, can lead to ED.
Any condition that affects your nervous system, vascular system, or endocrine system might result in ED. ED is most frequently caused by the following medical conditions:
- A cardiovascular condition
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- A high blood pressure reading
- thyroid condition
- kidney disease that is persistent
- defective reproductive organs
- a number of sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke
Other factors:
Even while physical factors account for the bulk of ED causes, lifestyle factors or psychological illnesses, such as:
• Depression
• Long-term stress, previous adversity, anxiety, obesity, and smoking
Other potential causes of erectile dysfunction:
In addition to the physical, psychological, and emotional components that contribute to ED, there are other risk factors that may also contribute to or exacerbate the condition. These factors may include: Inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and prior injuries due to medical treatment
The relationship between erectile dysfunction and aging
It is a typical disorder that becomes worse with age. 52% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 have mild to moderate ED.
Research4 has shown that ED can affect younger men as well, with 30% of cases happening in guys under the age of 40, despite the fact that it is more common in older men.
In males aged 40 to 49 and 60 to 69, the risk of acquiring ED increases by 1.2% and 4.6%, respectively, each year. Existing health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or illnesses of the urinary tract7 raise this risk.
Age is a key risk factor for ED, according to specialists, because of its close association with other health issues.
As a man ages, his vascular system changes, which raises the risk of vascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. In addition, testosterone levels may naturally decline, resulting in a scarcity of the sex hormone that helps control sex drive and erections.
Treatment for these age-related changes may be necessary, which could affect sexual function
It is crucial for men to stay informed about these medical conditions as they get older and the risks they may cause to their sexual and overall health. Although it may increase the risk of ED, aging is not the only contributing factor.
Men with ED also have therapy options available to help them maintain optimal sexual health.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction
Regardless of age or ED length, there are treatments for ED. Depending on the underlying cause of ED, a mix of treatments may be necessary, including prescription drugs, dietary adjustments, talk therapy, and surgical procedures.
Depending on your current state of health, medical history, the severity of your ED, and personal preferences, a doctor might suggest you to optimize your present therapy. Possible treatments for ED include:
Alterations in lifestyle
Lifestyle modifications are the first line of treatment for ED. Its effects might be mitigated by other general health considerations.
Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for your overall health, but it may also reduce your risk of developing ED. those who exercise moderately have a lower risk of developing ED, and those who exercise vigorously have an even lower risk.
In order to reduce ED symptoms, regular exercise is hypothesized to work in a number of different ways, including increasing the production of nitric oxide, a critical molecule that helps the penis receive blood flow.
Endothelial cells are releasing substances that regulate the constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, which is enhancing endothelial cell activity. A study including 138 men with ED and ischemic heart disease discovered that different activities had a positive impact on ED.
The researchers found that a six-month exercise regimen that included five days a week of general fitness, weight training, and interval endurance activities was linked to improved erection quality and exercise tolerance.
A higher tolerance for exercise may increase endurance and reduce fatigue, both of which are crucial for enhancing erectile function.
There are several exercises you can do
but you should consult a doctor first before starting any fitness program. This is especially important if you suffer from heart disease or any condition that could be made worse by strenuous exercise.
Therapies You may benefit from attending behavioral therapy or counseling if psychological or emotional reasons are the root of your ED.
Talk therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists patients in changing their thoughts and behaviors in order to treat psychological issues like depression, stress, and anxiety.
If you have underlying psychological factors for ED, such as low self-esteem, diminished sexual arousal, or performance anxiety, it may be helpful.
When there are relationship problems, CBT can also be used as a form of couples therapy.
Medications
PDE5 inhibitors are a class of medication that eases penile tension and improves blood flow to the penis, assisting men in achieving and maintaining an erection. Four FDA-approved medications are now accessible to treat ED:
Vardenafil (Levitra or Staxyn),
Sildenafil (Viagra),
Tadalafil (Cialis),
Avanafil (Stendra)
For best results, use Cenforce 100mg; the medication of choice should be taken about an hour prior to sexual activity.
PDE5 inhibitors like Aurogra 100 should only be taken when necessary, especially before meals because fatty foods can reduce or prevent the drug’s effectiveness.
It is crucial to speak with your doctor about your options, especially if you take nitroglycerin, nitrate drugs, or alpha-blockers. Doing so could cause severe hypotension if taken with a PDE5 inhibitor (extremely low blood pressure).
