Treating erectile dysfunction

• 1-in-5 adult men will experience erectile dysfunction; for men aged 40-70, the ratio rises to 1-in-2 adults.
• Causes associated with erectile dysfunction include the aging process, stress, underlying health conditions, smoking, regular consumption of alcohol and insomnia.
• Men should not seek out medication themselves, especially those with underlying health conditions and men of advanced age, because drugs which claim to improve sexual performance often expand blood vessels with potentially life-threatening side effects.

Erectile dysfunction, or being unable to get an erection, can affect men of any age, with up to 1-in-5 men experiencing the issue at some point in their lifetime. Moreover, the likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction tends to increase with age, with this ratio increasing for men aged 40-70 to 1-in-2 men.

Causes

The main causes of erectile dysfunction can be both mental and physical, and can include additional factors associated with some forms of illness and emotional wellbeing. These causes can be categorized as follows:

• Physical factors include the aging process, which results in a reduction of bodily functioning capabilities and decreased sexual desire. Being overweight can also play a part, as can underlying health disorders such as high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, heart disease, coronary artery disease and diabetes. Furthermore, the condition may result from the use of some forms of medication, smoking, over-consumption of alcohol and issues associated with insomnia.

• Mental factors, including stress, anxiety and depression, can negatively impact a person’s ability to get or maintain an erection. In some cases, problems related to the relationship can cause the man to view sex in a negative light, thereby impacting his sexual capabilities.

Erectile dysfunction not only refers to the inability to get an erection, but also the length of time for which the man is able to maintain an erection during intercourse, as well as issues related to premature or delayed ejaculation. If any of these issues continue for a period of more than 2-3 weeks, leading to anxiety or uncertainty, a doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat the condition. Doctors will first assess the patient’s medical history before carrying out a detailed health checkup, including blood test, urine test, ultrasound examination and erection rigidity analysis.

The erection hardness score (EHS) is divided into four grades:

Grade 1: Severe erectile dysfunction - the penis does not become hard, despite growing in size when aroused.

Grade 2: Moderate erectile dysfunction - the penis may become hard, but the erection cannot be sustained long enough for successful intercourse to take place.

Grade 3: Slight erectile dysfunction - the penis is hard enough for penetration, but not completely hard.

Grade 4: No erectile dysfunction (EHS 4) - the penis is completely rigid and successful intercourse can take place without any issues.

• Do not allow yourself to become overweight as excess weight is a major factor behind numerous health conditions. This means eating healthily, avoiding fatty foods and exercising regularly.
• Treat and manage any underlying health conditions by adhering strictly to your doctor’s advice and taking any medication you’ve been prescribed. If any irregularities occur, seek medical attention immediately. More importantly, those with underlying health conditions should not, under any circumstances, seek out their own drugs without first consulting a doctor.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol (for those who smoke and/or drink).
• Practice mental wellbeing by avoiding stressful situations or issues that cause you to become over-anxious.
• Seek out solutions to relationship issues by developing a greater mutual understanding with your partner through regular conversations and helping each other to overcome any difficulties.

Treatment for erectile dysfunction may come in many forms: finding solutions to emotional issues, making lifestyle adjustments, taking medication, undergoing surgery or using special equipment. The course of treatment is entirely dependent on the causes, severity and, if any, underlying health conditions. Doctors will take all of this into consideration before suggesting one of the following courses of action:

• Medication designed to improve circulation to the penis, which is prescribed by doctors. Finding your own medication should be avoided at all costs. This point is especially crucial for patients with underlying health disorders or the elderly, as any unsuitable drugs which work by expanding blood vessels could have potentially life-threatening side effects.
• In cases where the erectile dysfunction is a result of hormone deficiencies, doctors may consider injecting synthetic hormones to address the patient’s hormone imbalance.
• The use of a vacuum constriction device will be considered in cases where drugs have been unsuccessful. Treatment involves the patient placing the device—which may be electronic or hand-operated—over their penis and pumping out the air, creating a vacuum. This results in an expansion in the blood vessels, thereby improving erection hardness so that intercourse may take place.
• Penile prosthesis implantation is a treatment option that most doctors will only turn to once all other treatment avenues have been exhausted due to the potential side effects, as well as the fact that only expert urology surgeons are capable of performing such a procedure.
• Sensate focus therapy is an option which can be undertaken with the patient’s partner in attendance.

Identifying and finding a solution to the root cause of erectile dysfunction may help your penis make a return to its former glory. However, if you are unable to find your own solution, you may need to consult a doctor to undergo a thorough diagnosis and receive the safest, most appropriate treatment. Remember that sexual problems are nothing to be ashamed about, and should not be hidden away. Nevertheless, purchasing your own drugs or placing your belief in online products that claim to offer a cure without knowing the ingredients being used or what side effects may result from their use could, in fact, lead to a permanent deterioration in sexual performance.