Never buy into the myth that erectile dysfunction is permanent and incurable. With the right type of diagnosis, healthy lifestyle and diet, and professional medical care, anyone can get rid of this condition. Of course, an early detection of the matter would be beneficial, but it’s rarely too late for anyone.
Treatments are available in the following forms:
- Medications
- Devices and implants
- Natural remedies
- Psychological counseling
- Lifestyle and diet corrections
Lifestyle Changes for Improved Erectile Function
This erectile dysfunction treatment should be the first one you consider because lifestyle changes for ED play a major role in assisting the other treatments you’re trying. Here are some of the things you can start considering:
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Be More Physically Active
Good blood flow is essential for a strong erection. Stay active through activities like swimming, walking, tennis, or gym workouts to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Include weight-bearing exercises to boost testosterone production, benefiting both sex drive and erection strength. Add new exercises for ED whenever possible.
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Manage your weight
Obesity is one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction. Due to its negative effects on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart conditions, can easily influence erectile dysfunction over a short period. So, it’s best to look after your weight and keep it within the healthy scale.
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Have a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains is exactly what your body needs to keep erectile dysfunction out of the way. Plus, make sure to stay away from refined grains and processed meat because they cause more damage than you think.
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Get The Hours of Sleep You Need
It’s been proven that men who are deprived of daily restful sleep tend to develop erectile dysfunction over time.
Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
ED medications vary in composition, onset to take effect, duration, and side effects. For example:
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Sildenafil (Viagra)
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach an hour before intercourse because the body takes longer to absorb the medication with a high amount of fat and alcohol. The effects usually last 4-5 hours, but they can last longer if the dysfunction is mild or moderate.
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Tadalafil (Cialis)
This medication can be taken with or without food one hour before intercourse, and it lasts for up to 36 hours. People usually take a small dose daily.
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Vardenafil
Much like Viagra, Vardenafil should also be taken on an empty stomach one hour before intercourse, and the effects last for 4-5 hours as well. There’s a newer form of this medication that might work faster because it dissolves on the tongue rather than swallowing.
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Avanafil
It’s possible to take Avanafil with or without food half an hour before intercourse. It lasts for 4-5 hours and it may last longer for milder cases of erectile dysfunction.
Vacuum Erection Devices and Other Mechanical Aids
Oral medication isn’t the only possible solution for erectile dysfunction; alternatives like mechanical aids, such as vacuum pumps, exist. In this method, an elastic cylinder is placed over the penis, and a pump creates a vacuum, facilitating blood flow for an erection. Once the erection is achieved, an elastic band is placed inside the penis, and the cylinder is removed. Caution is advised to limit usage to half an hour to prevent potential blood vessel damage.
Penile Implants and Surgical Interventions
There are two available surgical interventions for ED.
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Inflatable Implants
This procedure involves implanting a pump that helps inflate the prosthesis inside the penis, allowing on-demand erections.
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Non-inflatable Implants
Implants, crafted from bendable silicone rods, maintain a consistently semi-rigid state to avoid discomfort. Typically lasting up to 20 years, when an implant reaches the end of its lifespan, it simply stops working, and you can choose to replace it.
Psychological and Relationship Counseling
Psychological counseling is a prevalent treatment for ED, addressing underlying factors such as hidden psychological issues and communication difficulties with the partner. Spanning 5 to 20 one-hour sessions with a sex therapist, conducted weekly or bi-weekly, this approach proves beneficial for relationship problems, financial stress, anxiety, and depression. Partner involvement enhances the effectiveness of relationship counseling for ED. Additionally, stress management proves useful in reducing its effects.
Alternative and Natural Remedies
Here are some of the available alternative remedies for ED. They are the most suitable option for those who want to keep away from chemicals and procedures.
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Ginkgo Biloba
It’s one of the widely used herbal supplements for ED. It increases blood flow and helps treat blood disorders.
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Ginseng
Even though researchers never quite figured out how it works, Korean red ginseng is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction.
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Arginine for ED
Arginine is naturally found in food. It relaxes the blood vessels and boosts blood circulation resulting in good blood flow into the penis. This reduces the effects of erectile dysfunction.
Final Words
Do not feel ashamed of asking for help if you’re ever going through any sexual-related problems. Seeking professional health care early on is the best shortcut to take.
