Top 7 ED Treatments: Cure Erectile Dysfunction Permanently
Every year, out of around 30 million men, only about 20 lakhs men turn up to voice their sexual problems and get the required help; rest just shy away from these issues into silent sufferings and depression. The scope of usual sexual incidents in males consists of four aspects, namely, sexual desire, erection, ejaculation and detumescence i,e penile flaccidity. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one such medical condition that pushes men into some serious sufferings that eventually hampers their life with some irreversible damages.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most prevalent sexual problems, whether among younger or older adults. It is when a man fails to attain and maintain a penile erection for a proper intercourse and optimum sexual pleasure.
Penile erection is a much more complex activity involving interactions between biological, neural, psychological, vascular, and hormonal elements. Some of the major physical causes for such issues are a stressful lifestyle, inadequate sleep, alcohol or tobacco consumption, or even substance abuse.
Can Erectile Dysfunction be cured?
If ED is caused by a lifestyle factor, health condition, or a medication you’re taking, it may be possible to reverse it by addressing the underlying cause. Surgery may also cure ED in some cases.
On the other hand, medications treat ED symptoms and can improve ED but do not cure the underlying condition.
What are the treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction?
There are quite a number of options available in order to get rid of erectile dysfunction permanently. Let us consider them one by one.
#1 Oral Medication
Taking ED pills or pharmaceutical drugs from the category of Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE inhibitors); which are a class of agents acting on phosphodiesterase enzymes. This is often regarded as the first line of defence against ED problems by authorised doctors. The most recommended salts or medications under this category happen to be:
All four medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical that our body produces; that relaxes muscles in the penile area, which eventually increases blood flow and produces an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
It should be noted here that not all medications for erectile dysfunction work similarly for everyone and might be less effective in certain conditions. Hence before taking any medication for erectile dysfunction, including over-the-counter supplements or even herbal remedies, one should definitely consult an authorised medical practitioner.
#2 Vacuum Erection Device (VED)
Often termed as a penile pump, Vacuum Erection Device (VED), is known to manually pull blood towards the penile area using suction and create a desirable erection; post which a tension ring is slipped to the base of the penis, that helps in maintaining the erection for about 30 minutes.
#3 Testosterone Hormone Replacement
Some people might have erectile dysfunction influenced by lower levels of the testosterone hormone. In such cases, testosterone replacement therapy might be recommended as the first line of treatment or given in combination with other therapies. Testosterone replacement can help in normalizing the hormone levels in men which might be a reason behind their ED issues.
#4 Intraurethral Therapy or Muse
For men who are unwilling or unable to self-inject, Alprostadil (Muse) intraurethral therapy is a good option. Intraurethral therapy involves a small dissolvable pellet that can be inserted directly into the urethra, the opening of the penis, that will trigger an erection in about 10 minutes that may last as long as an hour. However, this might result in somewhat unpleasant side effects, including an aching sensation, burning, redness, and minor bleeding.
#5 Penile Injections
Penile injections involve a medicine that improves penile blood flow much better than oral alternatives. The medicine is self-injected at the base of the penis using a very small needle. However, this does project a couple of side effects:
- Prolonged erection that can last longer than the desired duration,
- Minor pain or bleeding at the injection site, or even
- The formation of scar tissue within the deeper tissues of the penis is primarily seen in long-term users of this therapy.
#6 Penile Implants
Penile implants can be of some help In case someone is having a neurological disorder or spinal cord injury or other erectile dysfunction treatments are not posing enough effective. A penile implant involves a 30- to 45-minute surgical procedure that places a water-based device into the erection chambers of the penis, which enables one to reliably control exactly when and how long an erection lasts.
#7 Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, and yohimbe have been touted as sexual enhancers, and some men have been tempted to try them to treat erectile dysfunction. However, none of them have been approved by the FDA or even supported by any reliable studies, proving its efficiency in preventing, treating, or improving erectile dysfunction. Moreover, supplements are unregulated and can have many side effects or interfere with prescribed medications that are already been followed.
Precautionary Measures for ED problems
Apart from the prescribed treatment or medications, the following precautionary measures need to be taken care of, for the symptoms of erectile dysfunction never to come back.
- Quit smoking or alcohol consumption
- Get rid of any substance abuse
- Eat healthy and maintain a regular healthy diet
- Include some physical exercise or activities in daily routine
- Talk to authorised doctors and avoid self-diagnosis
- Most importantly, work through relationship issues with your partner.