ED is one of the most common sexual disorders in men, and perhaps the most embarrassing one too. But it is nothing to worry about; there are several ways you can avoid and completely cure ED, with or without the help of medications. Just remember that you are not alone in this, and don’t be afraid to reach out.
Treatment
The first step in treating ED is acknowledging it and talking about it to your doctor and partner. Start by taking extra good care of your heart and circulatory system. You can also improve the risk factors by changing some of your food habits, quitting smoking and alcohol, working out regularly, and incorporating other healthy habits into your lifestyle.
Non-invasive treatments
Non-invasive treatments often help in curing ED and have been gaining popularity lately. Ensure that you talk to your doctor first to know all about the side effects of the following treatments:
- Oral drugs.
- Testosterone therapy.
- Vacuum erection devices
- Penile injections
- Intraurethral medications
- Penile implants
- Penile vascular surgery (not recommended for older men with blocked arteries)
Let’s take a look at some treatments in detail.
- Oral drugs (PDE5 inhibitors)
These drugs increase the blood flow into your penis, helping you get and maintain an erection. They include Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, and Stendra, and taking them 1 or 2 hours before having sex will significantly improve your erectile function.
Their side effects are mild and do not last long. Given below are the most common side effects of PDE5 Inhibitors:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Indigestion
- Stuffy nose
- Facial flushing
- Testosterone therapy
Testosterone therapy is recommended when your testosterone levels are low, and you do not have much of a sex drive.
- Vacuum erection device
It is a plastic tube that is put over your penis and seals itself with your body. The pump at the opposite side of the tube creates a low-pressure vacuum and leads to an erection. Using a ring, you can trap blood in your penis and maintain an erection firm enough to perform satisfactorily in bed.
- Intracavernosal (ICI) and Urethra (IU) Therapies
The drug, Alprostadil, is used in 2 forms- as an intracavernosal injection (ICI) or through the urethra (IU Therapy).
- Self-injection therapy
In this therapy, you can inject Alprostadil into the side of your penis. Within 5-15 minutes, you will be able to produce an erection. It can last for 20-30 minutes, and it's only side effect is a prolonged erection.
- Intraurethral (IU) Therapy
In Intraurethral therapy, a small part of Alprostadil is placed in your urethra. It is not as effective as ICI therapy and might cause a burning sensation in your penis. If your erection lasts for more than 4 hours, seek medical attention immediately.
- Surgical treatment
In surgical treatments, penile implants are placed inside your penis. These implants help you get an erection and are advised by the doctors when all other treatments fail. They have a high rate of success and are of 2 types- semi-rigid and inflatable.
Semi-rigid implants are made of silicone and can be bent easily. With an inflatable implant, you can control the rigidity and size of your erection.
Conclusion
ED is more prevalent than you think. Do not allow it to disrupt your sex life and become a cause for your stress, as it can be cured easily using the treatments mentioned above. Having an open and healthy conversation with your partner in the bedroom and working on your emotional intimacy can also help you with ED.
