Successful Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Men who suspect they have erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence should talk to their doctor immediately. To diagnose impotence, your doctor will typically ask a series of questions and take stock of your medical history.
A physical exam, in which your doctor examinations your penis and testicles and tests for nerve sensation, is commonplace in order to diagnose erectile dysfunction, and before treatment can be recommended. Further testing may be necessary if you suffer from a chronic health condition (i.e., diabetes) or your doctor suspects an underlying condition may be present, including:
- Psychological assessment – Anxiety and/or depression are common mental and emotional causes of erectile dysfunction.
- Urinalysis – A urine test can help pinpoint underlying health factors, like diabetes.
- Blood sample – A blood test may be conducted to check the patient for the presence of low testosterone, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
- Simulated erection test – This test stimulates blood flow to cause an erection by injecting drugs into the penis.
- Ultrasound – Image testing can is conducted with a transducer to check for issues with blood vessels and blood supply to the penis.
Depending on the above mentioned tests, your doctor can determine the cause of your impotence and if an underlying health issue is the cause, and offer these common treatment options:
Psychological therapy
Mental or emotional distress (i.e., chronic anxiety and depression) are common causes of ED and can be remedied via ongoing psychological counseling.
Testosterone replacement therapy
If low testosterone hormone is the root cause of erectile dysfunction, testosterone replacement therapy is often prescribed in combination with other impotence treatments.
Penis pumps and penis implants
Penis pumps are hand or battery powered vacuum erection devices that are placed over the penis to draw blood into the penis and stimulate an erection, which is maintained with a tension ring around the base of the penis to maintain firmness. A penile implant is a surgical treatment for ED that implants pliable, rod-like devices on either side of the penis to make an erection possible.
Oral medications
While erectile function drugs administered orally to increase blood flow and trigger an erection are common in treating impotence, it’s important to get the go-ahead from your doctor before popping any over-the-counter pills for ED. For instance,Viagra (Sildenafil),Stendra (Avanafil), Staxyn (Vardenafil), and Cialis (Tadalafil) can be dangerous for patients also being treated with drugs for angina and hypertension.
Physical exercise
A growing body of medical research indicates exercise has positive impact on sexual health and can improve erectile function. A study conducted at the University of Porto, in Portugal, notes that moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise improves and also reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction in men, including in patients with an associated medical condition.
