Erectile Dysfunction is one of the most prevalent sexual problems among men or AMAB. According to MMAS, it affects around 52 percent of men in the United States.
Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to achieve or retain a firm erection for sex.
Experiencing occasional erectile problems is not a cause for concern. But you should get treatment if ED becomes a regular problem.
There are several natural and medical ways to treat ED. This article discusses Erectile Dysfunction treatment in detail.
Table of Contents
Natural treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Source: pexelsWhen beginning treatment for ED, your doctor may recommend non-invasive approaches first.
These include natural treatments such as dietary changes, counseling, and exercise.
Erectile Dysfunction can occur due to several factors. It may develop due to Obesity, unhealthy diet, smoking, and other reasons.
In that case, dealing with the cause of the problem may help treat ED.
Lifestyle changes
Your doctor may suggest you make lifestyle adjustments to reduce ED symptoms. To manage ED, you may attempt the following:
- Exercising daily to maintain a healthy body weight
- Limiting the intake of alcohol and nicotine
- Avoiding unhealthy foods that may cause ED
Counseling
he causes of Erectile Dysfunction are often emotional or psychological.
These include performance anxiety, body image issues, stress, and relationship problems.
In such a case, it may be helpful to seek therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. You may visit a counselor to help you deal with your issues.
You may bring your partner along for couples therapy so they can learn how to support you.
Researchers found that 69.4% of couples who participated reported a positive outcome.
Erectile Dysfunction treatment with medications
Source: syda-productionWhen Erectile Dysfunction becomes severe, it may be necessary to seek medical treatments. The first course of Erectile Dysfunction treatment involves taking oral pills.
Most people who experience ED find relief through medicines. But if medications don’t work, you may explore other ED solutions.
Oral pills
Medicines are the most common treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. Your doctor may prescribe an oral Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
These medicines help block the enzyme PDE5 to allow better blood flow into the penis. They help increase the pressure in the penile tissues and produce an erection.
The well-known PDE5 inhibitors include
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
These medicines have both generic and brand-name versions. Though all PDE5 inhibitors work in similar ways, they have different properties.
Sildenafil and Vardenafil usually take 30 to 60 minutes to start working. Their effects may last around 4 to 5 hours.
But Tadalafil may function as fast as 15 to 30 minutes and lasts about 36 hours.
Ask your doctor to prescribe you the appropriate medicine for your needs.
ED pills also produce side effects that usually go away when the medicine drains out of the body.
Some common side effects of PDE5 inhibitors include headaches, flushing, indigestion, etc.
Injectable medicines
If oral pills do not work, your doctor may suggest injectable medicines.
You may achieve erections by injecting a medicine called Alprostadil into the penis. You can self-administer this medicine under a licensed doctor’s guidance.
Oral pills usually take effect after 30 to 60 minutes. But Alprostadil starts working within 5 to 20 minutes.
Alternative ED treatment options
Your doctor may prescribe alternative solutions if medicines don’t work for you. These may be mechanical or surgical.
Vacuum device
A vacuum device or a penis pump is a battery-powered tube.
It works by placing the tube over the penis and sucking the air out of it with the pump.
It creates a vacuum that increases the blood flow into your penis and produces an erection
Surgery
Surgery is usually the last resort option for ED. It is only needed when no other treatment works. ED surgeries are of two types:
- Penis implants: A urologist implants a device to help make the penis erect
2. Surgery: The urologist performs surgery to rebuild arteries to increase penile blood flow
Are there any over-the-counter Erectile Dysfunction treatments
According to research, there are no safe and effective over-the-counter Erectile Dysfunction treatments.
Erectile Dysfunction medications like Viagra are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Though you may find some male sex pills at gas stations, they are not safe or reliable.
You should also avoid any online pharmacy that sells ED pills without a prescription.
In conclusion
Erectile Dysfunction can be bothersome, but there are several treatment options available.
If you are having difficulty achieving an erection, you should seek medical attention.
Your healthcare provider will recommend the most effective ED treatment options for you.
If the treatment does not seem to work, do not panic. You can always try alternative options.
There are many ways to deal with the issue, as ED can arise from various factors.
AMAB: Assigned male at birth
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I regain erectile strength?
There are a few natural ways to regain erectile strength. These include:
Healthy diet
Regular exercise
Proper sleep
Managing stress
Avoiding alcohol and smoking
If your problems persist, ask a doctor to prescribe you medicines.
How do you fix Erectile Dysfunction without Viagra?
You may try therapy or lifestyle changes to fix Erectile Dysfunction without Viagra.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the symptoms of ED.
What is the first treatment for Erectile Dysfunction?
An oral PDE5 inhibitor medication is usually the first course of treatment for ED.
Some doctors may recommend natural treatments first, such as exercise or therapy.
