Men’s Health: Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Living With Erectile Dysfunction: What is it?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence. Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. … Not all male sexual problems are caused by erectile dysfunction.

What type of medical treatments are available?

A variety of drugs and treatments are available for ED, from pills to implants, shock wave therapy to surgeries. Some treatments have significant side effects.  Each treatment depends on your physical and mental health.

Testosterone and Its Effects On Your Penis

Puberty begins along with changes in your testes, scrotum, penis and pubic hair grows. Testosterone peaks in your late teens to early 20’s. Slight drops in testosterone appears in your late 20’s through your 40’s. After 40 your body makes more sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB). This sticks to the testosterone in your blood and decreases the amount your body has to use.

Changes occur such as pubic hair becomes thin and graying. Penis size seems smaller. Penis shape may change, for some men it may curve with age.

Testicles – as your testosterone levels fall, sperm production slows and they shrink.

What Types of Medications are Used for Erectile Dysfunction?

The good news is multiple choices are now on the market for treating erectile dysfunction.  Talk with your doctor to determine which option is best for you.

• Sildenafil is the brand name for Viagra.
• Tadalafil is the brand name for Clalis
• Vardenafil is brand name for Levitra
• Avanafil brand name for Stendra

For many men a physical with your doctor is all that is needed to diagnose erectile dysfunction and a recommended treatment.  Depending on medical history additional testing may needed.

• Blood tests. A sample of your blood might be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health conditions.
• Urine tests (urinalysis). Like blood tests, urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.
• Ultrasound. This test is usually performed by a specialist in an office. It involves using a wand device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. It creates a video image to let your doctor see if you have blood flow problems.
• Psychological exam. Your doctor might ask questions to screen for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

Depending on the results of testing your primary care physician may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist who will provide treatment options for the best outcomes.
Erectile dysfunction treatments vary:

• Medication
• Testosterone Replacement
• P-Shot®
• Shockwave Therapy
• Implants

Alternative Care and Treatments

Yoga – Practicing yoga help facilitate breathe, relaxation and fitness

Meditation – Meditation has many benefits including decreasing stress.  Meditation helps in decreasing stress which is the seed of illness. Managing stress reduces blood pressure, anxiety,  heart rate, inflammation and improves sleep.

Guided imagery –  is a technique in which you listen to instructions and imagine a successful and positive scenario – in this case, sex. The mind treats these imagined practice sessions as real, which makes you feel more confident the next time you try to have real sex.

Sensate Focus – Sensate focus is all about using the senses namely, touch to enjoy and rediscover the power of physical intimacy. It involves using touch to reduce stress and gradually increase the level of sexual intimacy experienced between you and your couple over time.

While you can perform techniques such as guided imagery and sensate focus on your own, these often form a part of sex therapy. 

Herbs and Supplements for Stress, Anxiety, ED and Other Health Conditions

There are  natural aphrodisiacs and  have long been used to increase libido, potency, or sexual pleasure. These natural remedies are also popular because they’re said to have fewer side effects than prescribed medications.

That said it is important you talk to your doctor to ensure there are no side effects with current medications you may be taking. These supplements include:

• Panax ginseng Chinese and Korean
• Maca
• Yohimbine
• Ginkgo
• Mondia whitei