What Is Erectile Dysfunction and How To Treat It?

About Erectile Dysfunction

Commonly known as impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual disorder that is characterized by persistent trouble getting or maintaining an erection that is sufficient to engage in sexual activity. The disorder affects many men over the age of 50, although a significant increase in the risk of ED in the younger male population has been noticed over the past couple of decades. Read more about age and ED in our article Erectile Dysfunction and Aging.

ED is among one of the most common causes of relationship troubles. What is even more troubling is the fact that only about 33% of men affected by ED actually seek medical help for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Causes of ED

A number of factors lead to erectile dysfunction in men. One of the most common causes is diabetes. Figures show that more than half of men with diabetes also experience erectile dysfunction. Other notable causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Advancing age

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• Recreational drugs, like marijuana

• Obesity

• Psychological factors, like anxiety and stress

• Certain medications, like antidepressants

Medical conditions that can lead to ED in men include:

• A decreased blood supply to penis

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure or cholesterol levels

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of arterial walls)

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Peyronie’s disease

• Hypospadias

ED Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction manifests as:

• Problems achieving an erection

• Problems maintaining an erection that is sufficient to engage in sexual intercourse

• A decrease in sexual desire (may or may not be present)

The human brain, nervous system, hormonal system, circulatory system work together, along with the body's muscles, to direct the flow of blood towards the penis in order to bring about an erection. Therefore, if a man has trouble getting an erection, the problem may be the result of a malfunction in one or more of these systems.

ED Treatments

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, paying a visit to your doctor’s clinic can help you deal with this condition. Usually, all it takes for the doctor to make a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is a detailed examination of your medical history and sexual history, as well as a physical examination. In some cases, doctors may want to perform several tests to check testosterone levels, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, as they can help identify the underlying cause of ED.

Recent advances have paved way for safer drugs that treat erectile dysfunction. Newer medications are being used in addition to the conventional ones for the treatment of this condition. Some of the most common therapeutic modalities being practiced for the treatment of ED are outlined below:

• Lifestyle changes: Changing your everyday routine is the first step that you can take towards a healthier life. Dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation and limiting of alcohol consumption can help you overcome ED in more ways than you can imagine.

• Counseling: Seeking psychiatric help is another measure that can help treat ED, by alleviating your anxiety, stress or depression. Talk to your partner, too, as performance anxiety is yet another barrier that contributes towards ED, and breaking down this barrier can prove to be a remedial measure for your condition.

If these measures fail, medical therapy is used for the treatment of ED. Commonly used drugs for ED include:

• Sildenafil: Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor and is one of the first line drugs used for the treatment of ED. It was one of the earliest drugs to be used to treat erectile dysfunction. The drug was introduced in 1998 and has come a long way since then. The drug is now available in several forms, including oral tablets and pumps. The most popular brand name medications containing sildenafil are Viagra and Revatio, but people can now also buy generic sildenafil and even gluten free formulations.

• Tadalafil: Tadalafil belongs to the same family of drugs as sildenafil and is another effective medicine being used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It works by relaxing the vessel walls so that more blood can flow towards the penis for a prolonged erection. The most popular brand medications containing tadalafil are Cialis and Adcirca, but people can also buy generic tadalafil.

• Vardenafil: Another member of the PDE-5 family, Vardenafil, employs the same mechanism that helps cause an erection in men suffering from ED. The most popular brand of medications containing vardenafil are Levitra and Staxyn.

• Alprostadil: Alprostadil (PGE-1) is a prostaglandin medication. This drug works by relaxing the muscles in your penis while also dilating the blood vessels for better circulation. It is available in an injectable form. The most popular brand of medications with this drug are Caverject and Muse.

• Vacuum Constriction Devices: Yet other measure for the treatment of ED is placing a cylindrical device over your penis that helps move and pump blood. This can help you achieve an erection, and a band is sometimes placed at the base of the penis to help maintain the erection for longer.

• Surgery: Surgery is used as a last resort in men with severe erectile dysfunction, when other therapies fail to provide relief. Penile prosthesis are put in place, which can help you acheive and maintain an erection.

Remember

Always consult a doctor before beginning any medical therapy. Always let a doctor examine you to find any underlying cause of your illness. Sometimes, simple psychological counseling might be all that you need to treat ED.

You should also tell your doctor about any diseases or conditions you may have, such as heart problems or diabetes. It is also important to tell your doctor about any medications that you might be using, like the ones used for the treatment of kidney disorders or anti-depressants, as they tend to interfere with the medications that treat ED.

Do not let embarrassment get the better of you. Consult a doctor today, for confronting your problem is the only way you can overcome it.

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