Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is defined as the persistent inability to get and keep a full erection necessary for sexual intercourse.
Keep in mind that the occasional inability to get it up, so to speak, is not technically erectile dysfunction so there is little cause for concern. Emphasis must be made on the term “persistent inability”, which translates to more than 50% of the time.
Fortunately, erectile dysfunction can be treated in most cases. Just be sure to discuss your best options with your doctor before taking any medicine, or using any device, or adopting any measures to address your chronic inability to achieve a full erection.
Your doctor will also perform tests, such as a physical examination, blood tests, and overnight erection test as well as psychological examination, to determine underlying medical conditions causing your erection issues.
Prescription Oral Medications
For many men, oral medications are effective in addressing their erectile dysfunction although it must be emphasized that a doctor’s prescription is required.
This is because each of the following oral medications has specific applications, drug interactions, and side effects, which should always be considered lest erectile dysfunction becomes the least of your problems.
The most common oral medications for erectile dysfunction are:
- Sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
These oral medications work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical essential for relaxing the penile muscles and, thus, allowing for blood to flow to its chambers. The more blood flows into the penile chambers, the stronger the erection can be.
It must be emphasized that these oral medications are neither aphrodisiacs that increase sexual desire nor medicines that automatically result in an erection after intake.
Sexual stimulation is still necessary for the release of nitric oxide, thus, starting the complex process of erection.
Injections And Suppositories
At present, doctors only use alprostadil as injection and suppository to address erectile dysfunction. Any product that promises almost-instant erection after injection or application into the penis is potentially dangerous especially when administered without a doctor’s supervision.
Doctors can also use other medications used for other medical conditions in conjunction with alprostadil, such as papaverine and phentolamine.
In an Alprostadil injection, you will use a very fine needle to inject the drug into either the side or base of your penis. You should experience a full erection within 10 minutes after injection with the erection lasting for about an hour.
You must be aware of side effects like minor bleeding on the injection site, prolonged erection, and development of fibrous tissue at the injection site.
In an alprostadil urethral suppository, you will use a special applicator in inserting the suppository inside your penile urethra. You will also experience a full erection within 10 minutes after application with it lasting for 30-60 minutes.
You should be aware of side effects, such as minor urethral bleeding, formation of fibrous tissue inside your penis, and pain, which must be reported to your doctor.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone plays several crucial roles in healthy erections. Men with low testosterone levels will then be considered for testosterone replacement therapy to increase their testosterone levels but this is just the first step.
Other treatment methods, such as psychological counselling, will also be applied for best results.
Other methods in addressing the physical causes of erectile dysfunction include penis pumps and implants as well as surgery can be used. In case of surgery, your doctor may use either a bypass procedure or a vascular stenting to remove the blockage in the blood vessel.
Psychological counselling may be recommended especially for men with underlying mental health issues resulting or adding to their impotence.
This is the case for men diagnosed with depression, anxiety and phobias, which can have prescription medications intervening with the full erection process.
Important Note
Of course, these treatment methods will be for naught if and when you fail to adopt lifestyle measures designed to enhance your sexual health.
These lifestyle measures include the adoption of a healthy diet and exercise program, avoidance of cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs, and effective stress management.
For more natural treatments and to boost the results of the above mentioned treatments, you must perform male enhancement exercises (e.g., jelqing, stretching and Kegels) and take the best male enhancement supplement – ProSolution Plus (check out review here).
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