Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is quite a common issue and affects millions of men worldwide. At the same time, it touches on sensitive topics of masculinity and relationships but often goes undiscussed.
Modern treatments are fortunately much better than ever so anyone can find an effective solution that works for them. If you are new to the journey of Erectile Dysfunction Treatment, this article will be your guide. You will find out what to expect, like the early signs and treatments.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction refers to the consistent and recurrent inability to get/ maintain an erection. This is to say that the penis does not stay firm enough for sexual intercourse.
It is normal to experience occasional issues but persistent problems may show an underlying health condition. This is when you need to get medical attention.
There are various factors that contribute to an ED. The first are physical causes which include prominent reasons like cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Men with diabetes and high cholesterol are also prone to EDs. Another very prominent reason is the lack of enough testosterone in the body. In other cases, those with neurological disorders may suffer from this.
Psychological causes like stress and anxiety are significant contributors to this dysfunction. Men who have lower self-esteem or face consistent relationship issues usually also report this.
If your lifestyle is not up to the mark and includes habits like smoking/ alcohol use, you are likely to have an ED.
A sedentary lifestyle is yet another reason. Last but not least, those who take prescribed medicine for blood pressure and depression are likely to have erectile dysfunction.
When Do You Require Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?
It is not important to get medical intervention in all cases of erectile difficulty. However, if this issue becomes frequent and affects your confidence in general, it is a problem. It also requires attention when you start facing trouble with your emotional health and intimacy.
Some signs that you might necessarily require a professional evaluation are persistent symptoms where you cannot get an erection for weeks or months. This is to be noted when you are facing issues even after changing your lifestyle and making efforts toward stress management.
If the ED is having an emotional impact, that is also an issue. This means it leads to frustration and anxiety, along with feelings of shame when you avoid intimacy.
ED can also be a result of underlying health issues. It may warn you of heart disease or diabetes. In other cases, it is a common indicator of hormonal imbalance.
Lastly, consider if there is any relationship strain where you facing communication breakdowns in the bedroom or emotional distance with your partner. Ignoring this issue only makes it worse so one needs to make an informed decision upon careful analysis of their situation.
First Steps: Diagnosis and Consultation
The path toward recovery begins with an open conversation with a qualified healthcare provider. It is important that you overcome the initial embarrassment and speak honestly about your experience so far.
You can expect a medical history review during your during your initial consultation. This includes questions about your general health and medications.
You also need to mention your past surgeries and lifestyle habits. Now you can be frank about your symptoms where you mention how frequent they are and how severe.
The doctor will examine you physically for any nerve damage or blood flow problems. This is when any hormonal issues or anatomical concerns can also be assessed.
A few laboratory blood tests after this will reveal any signs of diabetes or cholesterol level that can be hindering your reproductive health. After a hormonal checkup, you will have a psychological evaluation in case no physical cause is immediately evident.
In some cases, it is recommended that you get checked for nocturnal erections and ultrasound imaging.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Let us now get into the treatment options for erectile dysfunction:
Lifestyle Changes
Changing lifestyle habits can significantly improve or even completely resolve the issues of ED for a lot of men. This means one has to exercise regularly. It includes aerobic activities like jogging and swimming.
One must also indulge in a healthier diet for their vascular and hormonal health. If you are someone who drinks or smokes, you need to give it up on your journey to regain erectile function.
Tobacco is responsible for destroying blood vessels while alcohol only makes sexual performance worse.
Medication
Oral medications are usually the most prominent treatment for ED. These offer convenience and high success rates. A common medication is the PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra and Cialis.
Others include Levitra and Stendra. These enhance the effects of nitric oxide which relaxes the penis muscles. It even allows for increased blood flow.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a powerful healing tool if emotional and psychological factors contribute to your ED. It might begin with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps identify and reshape negative thought patterns about sexual performance.
Then comes sex therapy which focuses on improving intimacy and reducing performance anxiety. It is also concerned with enhancing communication between partners. Lastly, there is individual counseling where underlying issues like depression are addressed.
Surgery
Surgical options are considered when all other treatments fail or are unsuitable for a person’s case. The medical professional may consider penile implants which are devices surgically placed inside the penis to allow for manual/ hydraulic control of the erections.
They are highly effective with high satisfaction rates. Another route is vascular surgery. Microsurgical techniques to restore proper circulation are used in this case if blood flow blockages are causing ED.
What to Expect From Treatment
Treating erectile dysfunction is a journey and is not resolved with a quick fix. If you set realistic expectations, you will be able to maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.
Try getting combination treatments of medication with counseling so you have a higher success rate. Do not forget to reinforce a positive lifestyle even after successful treatment so you can maintain healthy habits and avoid a relapse.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is a challenging experience. It is important to know you are not alone and can work with quality medical help to treat it. Start with lifestyle changes and stress management before moving on to complex medical help to see the best results.
