Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man cannot get or sustain an erection long enough to have sex. ED occasionally happens to many men due to stress, but if the condition occurs often, it might be a red flag for a health issue that needs medical attention. It may also be an indicator of deteriorating emotional health that needs urgent medical care. The big question is, can erectile dysfunction be cured?
Treating ED – The Options
The first step towards curing this condition is to understand the root cause of the problem. Currently, there are different approaches, including surgery, medication, therapy, or a combination of all these treatment plans. The solution to your specific issue will be based on the underlying cause. Let us look into the various treatments for this condition.
Medication
Your physician can prescribe treatment plans that will allow you to keep the symptoms of ED under control. You might need to try a couple of medicines before you settle on one that fits your condition. Oral medications such as sildenafil and tadalafil, have been proven to be effective erectile dysfunction treatments.
Alprostadil can also be used to treat ED. You can use it as a self-injection or penile suppository. In addition to this, you can opt for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to boost your levels of the hormone.
Some patients taking particular medication might be at an increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Talk to your physician to find out if your medication is causing the condition.
You should also be aware of the side effects of ED medication, which can include headaches, dizziness, and upset stomach. If you experience any of the side effects, it is a good idea to talk to your physician.
Vacuum Pumps
A vacuum pump is a mechanical method of achieving an erection. The pump creates a vacuum that draws blood to the penis while the device is in use.
The vacuum pump is made up of a plastic tube, a pump, and an elastic ring. The plastic tube is placed over the male genitalia. Then the pump is used to suck the air out of the tube, leading to increased blood flow to the penis. Once you have an erection, you slide the elastic ring to the bottom of your penis while you eject the tube.
The plastic ring acts to prevent blood from flowing back out of the penis. It can stay in place for a maximum of thirty minutes.
Talk Therapy
According to studies, depression and anxiety affect a substantial minority of men with erectile dysfunction. Talk therapy can correct conditions that arise from psychological factors. These factors include stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders. A patient will go through a series of discussions that include main stress factors, their opinions about sex, and subconscious issues that might be limiting their sexual performance.
Additionally, it is important to talk to a counselor if your condition has begun affecting your relationship. This type of counseling will help bridge the gap between you and your partner by facilitating emotional healing between the two of you. In turn, your ED condition might improve.
ED Surgery
This type of surgery involves vascular reconstruction, which enhances blood flow into the male genitalia. It allows the patient to have a sustained erection during sexual intercourse.
Can ED Be Reversed?
There are two types of erectile dysfunction – primary and secondary ED. Secondary ED is reversible with proper treatment plans, while primary ED, on the other hand, needs a medical-backed treatment.
However, patients need to understand the root cause of their condition. After this, they need to tailor a corrective plan to reverse their erectile dysfunction. This can be a change in lifestyle or through medication and surgery. A patient needs to work closely with his doctor to find a solution to this particular problem. With this, it is safe to conclude that ED is curable when there is a patient-specific treatment approach.
