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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most frequent disorders characterized by an ongoing inability to obtain or maintain an erection with enough strength and duration for sexual intimacy.
It can be caused by mental or physical causes like issues in blood circulation or anxieties about sexual performance.
It’s not unusual to have issues with erections on occasion. If it occurs frequently and interrupts someone’s life, they could explore various options for treatment.
This article reviews the many ED treatments, which include alternatives to conventional medicine, natural remedies and prescription medications. The report also outlines their potential risks.
ED occurs in cases where blood flow towards the penis becomes restricted. The diagnosis of the cause will aid in determining the best treatment.
Sometimes, ED has a physical basis, like a treatable medical condition or a circulatory issue. The treatment of any underlying problems will aid. Patients can take steps to improve circulation, for instance, by exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and making changes to their diet.
A doctor might also suggest prescription ED medicines, such as sildenafil (Kamagra).
ED may also be due to relationship stressors, stress or emotional triggers, including depression, anxiety or trauma. Treatments for mental health and relationship counselling can aid.
Many people also look into alternatives or natural treatments such as over-the-counter (OTC) tablets, herbal remedies, and Acupuncture.
It is crucial to be aware of the risks and potential dangers that could be associated with ED treatments, precisely herbal remedies that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved.
It is recommended to talk with a physician about the treatment for ED.
The treatment you receive for your Erectile dysfunction will be based on the root cause.
Your physician may suggest suggestions for improving overall health, which includes the condition of your circulatory system and heart. Increased exercise, eating a balanced diet and making sure you have enough minerals and vitamins could help to improve your overall health. A different suggestion could be to cut down or eliminate tobacco, drugs, or alcohol use. Your physician may also suggest losing weight.
The doctor might suggest some psychological health services to reduce the effects of depression, stress, and anxiety on ED. A consultation with professionals in the field of mental health will help you treat Erectile dysfunction.
There is a myriad of alternative options for treating the problem of erectile dysfunction, such as medication or surgical procedures, injections, and vacuum devices:
Oral pills or oral drugs are frequently prescribed to treat ED (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra)
Testosterone Therapy (if tests in the blood indicate low testosterone)
Penile Injections (ICI, intracavernosal Alprostadil)
Intraurethral medicine (IU Alprostadil, IU)
Penile Implants
Procedure to repair the arteries of the penile for younger men who have an established history of pelvic injuries (this method is not advised for patients with hardened arteries)
A lot of men get relief from the combination of these therapies. Your doctor can help you choose the most efficient and effective treatment for your Erectile dysfunction.
There are many natural remedies for ED. These can be changes to your lifestyle, such as changing your diet or exercising and also looking into mental health as well as relationship therapy.
It’s best to consult your physician before attempting an alternative treatment. They can assist in determining the reason for your ED and provide efficient ED solutions, be it natural, conventional or a combination of both.
Dietary balance can aid in maintaining sexual health and lower your chances of ED.
A study conducted by Trusted Source in 2020 revealed that men who strictly adhered to the Mediterranean lifestyle and an Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 diet had a lower chance of developing ED. Mainly, they consumed less processed or red meat and mostly ate:
fruits
vegetables
legumes
nuts
Fish
The research from 2017 also found the consumption of more fruit, vegetables, flavonoids, and other vegetables (compounds found in the produced coffee, as well as other food items) decreased the chance of ED for males aged 18-40.
These food items are essential to your overall health, so helping to maintain or improve your sexual health is a win-win.
Studies have shown that physical exercise could help to prevent and even improve ED. It is particularly beneficial when obesity, inactivity or cardiovascular disease, in addition to other issues which contribute to ED.
The research conducted by the 2018Trusted Source revealed that aerobic exercise that was moderate to intense every day for 40 minutes 4 times per week for six months helped lower the risk of ED. This includes activities such as:
Running
Brisk walking
cycling
swimming
skiing
Physical exercise helps increase the health of blood vessels, decrease stress and increase testosterone levels. These could all aid in ED.
Overall, health needs to sleep enough every night. A regular schedule of sleep can help enhance your Erectile dysfunction.
A 2017 study revealed that night shift workers with poor sleep were more at risk of ED.
The research from 2019 also showed that those with an insomnia disorder were more likely to develop ED. Another study by Trusted Source found a link between sleep apnea and obstructive sleep and the chance of developing ED.
Insufficient sleep can reduce testosterone levels, which could be a contributing factor to ED. A continuous lack of sleep is also linked with other ED-related diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Weight could be a contributing reason for ED.
Based on research conducted in 2020, ED was significantly more frequent in obese men and overweight or had a greater waist circumference.
A brief 2014 study found Gastric bypass surgeries helped improve blood vessel health as well as ED in obese men. Additionally, studies from 2017 also discovered a reduction of ED in the aftermath of bariatric (weight reduction) surgery.
If weight contributes to your ED, Exercise and an appropriate diet will help you shed pounds and help improve the quality of your ED.
In some instances, ED results from a combination of psychological and physical problems. They could be caused by fear of being unsuccessful, religious convictions as well as sexual trauma, and other issues.
Then, ED can lead to other mental health issues, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, which may lead to further aggravation of ED. Therapy could help to address these issues and improve ED.
Based on research conducted in 2021, psychological interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) proved to be particularly successful when combined with ED medication. Psychological health interventions can be beneficial in their own right. However, further research is required.
A tiny 2018 study that included four weeks of mindfulness-based group therapy showed that this kind of therapy could aid in improving ED as well as sexual satisfaction as well.
Further research is needed to identify the most effective methods of psychotherapy to treat ED.
About 10 to 25 per cent of the Trusted sources of people suffering from ED do not have any known risk factors. The condition, known as non-organic ED, results from a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety while having sex.
A small study in 2020 showed that cognitive behaviour sex treatment (CBST) and medication are each efficient by themselves in reducing non-organic ED. Furthermore, CBST was more effective in reducing anxiety levels in study participants.
It could also be beneficial to go to counselling with your spouse to assist them in understanding your situation and to discuss ways they can support you.
The American Urological Association created a treatment guideline for ED that is based on a study of research. The group suggests speaking with an expert in mental health, particularly with your partner. They also say that therapy can enhance relationships between couples and help couples integrate ED treatments into their sexual partnership.
Stress and anxiety are frequently associated with ED.
A study conducted by trusted Source in 2019 found that stress is one of the most significant factors that predict ED, along with depression and anxiety. It is suggested that prolonged stress could affect the te.
Based on the reason for the cause of your ED, The natural cures may not work. When this happens, your physician might prescribe medication for ED, such as:
sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
avanafil (Stendra)
vardenafil (Levitra)
The side effects of these drugs could include headaches, nausea and dizziness. Do not take these medicines when you’re taking nitrates or chest pain medication.