A Gentleman’s Guide to Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a health condition which hampers a man’s ability is unable to get and/or maintain an erection that allows sexual activity with penetration. Erectile Dysfunction is said to affect four out of every ten men over the age of 50, however, most men with this condition don’t request for treatment.

How Does Erectile Dysfunction Happen?

Men begin showing signs of erectile dysfunction when type V phosphodiesterase (an enzyme) breaks down nitric oxide too quickly. In simple term, Nitric oxide is basically the mojo for a man’s erection. Without it, there would be no firmness in a man’s erection.

Erectile Dysfunction Can Be Physical or Psychological.

In its early stages, the cause of erectile dysfunction may not be clear. However, there are some basic ways to gain a better sense of what might he might be experiencing. To do this, a man can think about how his body responds in various situations.

Firstly, you should monitor when you have difficulty having erections. If a guy easily gets an erection during sleep, but not in other situations, the cause is likely psychological. If, however, he can’t tell or an erection isn’t happening, the reason is likely physical.

There is a simple test for this. At night, wrap the penis in a piece of tissue paper, secured with a little bit of scotch tape. It’s likely that if he has an erection when he’s sleeping the paper will break to some degree. Under normal circumstance, a man is supposed to have erections early in the morning.

Psychological factors are responsible for about 10% – 20% of all cases of erectile dysfunction. Psychological factors may be a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause, especially stress and anxiety. In some cases, the psychological effects of erectile may stem from childhood abuse or sexual trauma.

If you have been noticing signs of weak or short-spanned erection for a few weeks, it is wise to see your doctor, because it may be a warning sign of other more serious health problems. Also, if you do not have erections when you wake up in the morning, it is time to call your doctor.

The Connection Between ED and Other Health Problems

According to recent studies, physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction only accounts for about 20 percent of ED cases worldwide. Newer studies suggest that erectile dysfunction is often caused by other more serious life-threatening health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and depression.

Because erections primarily involve the blood vessels, it is not surprising that these cardiovascular conditions result in ED. Faulty vein, which lets blood drain too quickly from the penis may also be another cause of erectile dysfunction. Other physical disorders, as well as hormonal imbalances and certain operations, may also result in erectile dysfunction.

As such, treating erectile dysfunction alone will not cure the main health condition. If left untreated, it could lead to reoccurring ED even after treatments. So, it is important that your doctors carry out tests to discover the health condition that is most likely the cause of your erectile dysfunction.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction cannot be ‘cured’, however, there are a number of treatments available for treating ED. These treatments could lead to a complete reversal of the underlying cause if treated properly. For this reason, it is important to assess all men with erectile problems to see if there is a treatable cause. One treatment is to visit a professional ED Clinic Cedar Park (or one nearer to you) and seek help from those who specialise in the condition. In the meantime, here are a few alternative treatments you can try before you get the chance to speak to a professional.

  • Medications: There are various types of drugs available on the market for the treatment of ED. The following medications have been approved by the Food and Drugs Administration as medications for ED: Sildenafil (Viagra), Alprostadil (branded as Caverject, Edex, Muse), Tadalafil (Cialis), vitamins and supplements are also used to treat erectile dysfunction.

  • Testosterone Therapy: This treatment is only used for men with abnormally low testosterone levels.

  • Surgeries

  • Tension rings

  • Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs)

  • Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction

  • Medical Urethral System for Erections (MUSE)

The treatment for erectile dysfunction varies, so don’t just buy a treatment device or medication. Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction should first be evaluated for any underlying physical and psychological conditions. If treatment of the underlying conditions doesn’t help, medication and assistive devices, such as pumps, can be prescribed.

Important Erectile Dysfunction Tips

The above-mentioned treatments will help you get over erectile dysfunction. The following tips are more or less lifestyle adjustment which will help you fight erectile dysfunction.

  • Exercising: Exercising improves blood flow and pressure in the body by increasing nitric oxide in the blood, which is very important for men to get and maintain a strong erection. Learn Kegel exercises too, but don’t stick to only them.

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Men who are obese are at a greater chance of suffering from erectile dysfunction.

  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol (at least drink minimally). And if you do not drink or smoke, great, don’t start.

  • Eat healthily: Men who eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy oil, nuts, and fish are less likely to suffer erectile dysfunction and erectile dissatisfaction. Any food that is not healthy for your heart will reduce erections too.

As a final tip, if you are being treated for ED, it is important to be patient with your progress and keep in mind that everybody is different and that a treatment that might work for one person may not work or be appropriate for you.