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Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can develop under many circumstances, which often makes it hard to pinpoint the best ED treatment. It can be a frustrating problem to solve, but the encouraging news is that there are a variety of treatment options available for persons with ED to try, including natural remedies, prescription medications, lifestyle changes medical devices, and psychological counseling.
It’s important to remember that ED is commonly a secondary complication of another condition such as diabetes or hypertension. This makes it crucial to identify any underlying chronic conditions within the treatment plan for ED. Here are several ED treatment options available today.
Positive Lifestyle Changes
The bad news is that many lifestyle habits are known contributors to ED. The good news is that such lifestyle habits can be easily re-evaluated and amended to treat ED and improve overall health.
Tobacco
Tobacco use impedes blood circulation to the penis, which may affect your ability to achieve and/or sustain an erection. Smoking cessation programs and FDA-approved medications can help you quit smoking.
Exercise
Routine exercise helps improve blood circulation and reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Studies have shown that active midlife men are 70 percent less likely to develop ED than those who are sedentary.
Alcohol
If you suffer from ED, try to curb or even cut alcohol from your diet. You can use treatment programs to help manage alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse.
Weight
The inflammation and hormonal imbalances associated with excess weight and obesity play a significant role in ED, and one study found that ED sufferers were able to regain sexual function after completing a two-year weight loss program.
Nutrition
Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of antioxidant fruits and veggies. See a nutritionist or dietician if you’re unsure what to eat.
Oral Health
A 2017 study found that ED sufferers with periodontal disease had significant sexual functioning improvements just three months after receiving gum disease treatment. It’s the inflammation triggers from gum disease that contribute to ED. So, see your dentist regularly.
Mechanical Changes For Cyclists
Conventional male cycle saddles are narrow, which forces the weight of your body directly on your genitalia. Switching to a wider no-nose seat more evenly distributes the weight across your gluteals and sitting bones. Other cycling points to consider switching to include:
- Downward angled seating
- Higher handlebars to allow a more upright position
- Padded cycling shorts
- Thinly padded seat to avoid sinking
- Frequent breaks and body adjustments when your groin feels numb or pressure on a ride
Natural Remedies
There’s little research supporting the countless nutritional supplements and herbal remedies purporting to treat ED. In fact, L-carnitine, L-arginine, ginseng, zinc, and niacin in high doses can cause many harmful side effects. Always consult your primary care physician before using natural remedies for ED treatment.
Professional Mental Health Counseling
ED is often accompanied by and even triggered by mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Mental health counseling can help manage any psychological issues at play by giving you the tools to better manage stress and anxiety and resolve any relationship problems that may also be interfering with sexual function.
Make An Appointment With Your Urologist
Dr. Jonathan Lazare, MD is a Board Certified and Nationally Recognized Urologist. He treats urology and sexual system disorders and is a legendary expert in male sexual health and dysfunction. Dr. Lazare can help you isolate the sources of your ED and offer an array of treatment options, including:
Oral Medications
Oral ED medications, such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra, enhance the nitric oxide effects in the body that allows blood vessels to relax and blood to flow freely to the penis for a sustainable erection.
Injectable Medications
Caverject is an injectable hormone to treat ED. There’s also a penis-inserted suppository, called Muse, that can help gain a sustainable erection. Dr. Lazare will discuss the side effects of ED medications and help you determine which, if any, could be the best treatment for your ED.
Hormone Treatments
While testosterone levels are rarely to blame for ED, lab work can show if you have a testosterone deficiency that may be causing your ED. If you do, Dr. Lazare can explain hormone replacement therapy as an ED treatment option.
Mechanical Pumps
The most popular is called a vacuum pump, which involves a plastic tube being inserted over the penis to suck out all the surrounding air and create a pressure that forces blood into the penis for an erection. The blood is held there by a plastic ring placed at the base of the penis.
Penile Implants
A hydraulic penis implant is a pump implanted in your testicles that’s squeezed to form an erection. The second option is a semi-rigid penis implant that maintains a continually semi-erect penis.
In closing, remember that the most effective ED treatment is the one that focuses on the root cause of sexual dysfunction. Call Dr. Lazare today if you’d like to learn more about your ED treatment options.