Common causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED Causes)
Some of the common causes of ED are:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases and blockages in penile arteries
- Hypertension and even some drugs used to treat high blood pressure
- Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone
- Prostate issues like inflammation or hyperplasia
- Peyronie’s disease or bent penis
- Psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders
- Neurological conditions
- A venous leak or cavernosal insufficiency
- Obesity
- The side effect of medications or even substance abuse
ED is not a life-threatening condition. Nonetheless, it may be a primary sign of something more severe like undiagnosed diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction (ED Treatment)
Quite often, treatment for ED would begin with extensive health screening. Doctors would first exclude severe conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
Any treatment of ED would include lifestyle changes like weight loss, quitting smoking, cutting down alcohol consumption, and even changes in some medications.
Some of the commonly used treatments of ED are:
Oral Medications
These days, doctors start ED treatment with PDE5 inhibitors. These medications causes the muscles in the penile blood vessels to relax and thus increasing penile blood flow on sexual arousal. Nowadays, there are many other drugs with a similar mode of action. There are even PDE5 inhibitors that are approved for daily use.
These drugs have replaced many traditional treatments as they are effective in about 80% of cases. However, one should not use these drugs without consulting a doctor. Doctors would recommend the right kind of dose and ensure you don’t have underlying medical conditions that could increase the adverse effect of the medication.. Moreover, they would also ensure the safe use of these medications. For example, those taking drugs to treat hypertension may require dosage correction.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
It is a non-invasive therapy that enables the formation of new penile blood vessels and hence increased blood supply to the penis. We have seen many patients who no longer need to take ED pills after completing ESWT treatment. One would generally require 6 to 12 sessions of ESWT to see its effectiveness. It has been shown to be effective in men of all ages and especially in men below the age of 45 years of age who is suffering from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Moreover, it has also been shown to be effective in treating ED in men who don’t respond to ED pills or who are suffering from Diabetes. Its effectiveness after the completion of treatment may last for years but in some cases may require regular sessions every 6 to 12 months to maintain its effect.
ED Injections
If oral medications fail or the patient is not a candidate for ESWT, doctors may prescribe injectables. These are drugs that are generally injected directly into the penile tissue just before a sexual act. The procedure causes discomfort, but then it works in most cases and a patient can be trained to self-administer before sexual activity.
Penile pumps
These are vacuum devices that one can use without the help of medical experts. They are especially good for those who experience ED due to prostate issues. They provide a quick erection. However, erection caused by penile pumps may not last long. Nevertheless, for many, pumps are enough for having satisfactory sex. Moreover, these pumps are highly safe.
Surgical Treatment
It is the last option. In this procedure, doctors would insert an inflatable implant inside the penis. The problem with this surgery is that very few surgeons are experienced in carrying out such a procedure. Additionally, most men would not like to have surgical treatment for the condition.
