Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which men can’t achieve or keep a firm erection during sexual intercourse. If the condition becomes repetitive and men fail to achieve and maintain an erection in 75% of cases, then doctors will likely diagnose them with erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction isn’t rare — around 30 million men are affected by it in the United States.
Standard treatments include prescription drugs, implants, vacuum pumps, as well as surgery. However, the majority of men suffering from ED prefer natural options, research found.
Diagnosis
Before we start considering numerous treatment options, we should first determine whether we have erectile dysfunction or not. The best way to do that includes going to our doctor.
In most cases, doctors perform a physical exam and ask patients some questions, which is enough to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend treatment. However, if we have certain chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, heart conditions, etc.), our doctor might require us to do further tests or consult with a specialist.
To determine whether some underlying conditions exist or not, doctors might perform some, or all, of the following:
Physical exam. In order to check our nerves for sensation, our doctor will carefully examine our penis and testicles.
Urine tests. We might be required to provide a urine sample, which will be tested for signs of diabetes and other chronic health conditions.
Blood tests. Like urine tests, blood tests can help doctors see signs of diabetes, heart disease, low testosterone levels, etc.
In order to determine whether we have blood flow problems, a specialist can perform an ultrasound.
Psychological tests. Our doctor may also ask us certain questions that will help him determine whether we are depressed, anxious, etc.
Treatment
Once it has been determined that we have erectile dysfunction, it is time to discuss treatment options.
Depending on the severity and cause of our erectile dysfunction, as well as any accompanying chronic health conditions, our doctor will provide us with multiple treatment options. On top of that, they will explain both the benefits and risks of each treatment.
Most common ED treatments include:
Lifestyle changes
Counseling
Prescribed oral medicines
Prescribed injectable medicines and suppositories
Alternative medicines
Vacuum devices
Surgery
In order to choose the best treatment for ourselves, we should consult with our doctor. In some cases, a combination of two or more methods gives the best results.
Also, according to healthierbedroom.com, while we shouldn’t take erectile dysfunction medicines without consulting our doctor, there are some things that we can do on our own.
We can fight erectile dysfunction by:
Quitting smoking
Losing weight
Exercising regularly
Getting treatment for alcohol and/or drug problems
Working through relationship issues
Addressing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues
Jorge is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
