When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, a number of factors are taken into consideration. The treatment will depend on how severe the condition is, the underlying causes, and if a person already has some health conditions. The following are some of the common treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Oral Medications
Numerous oral medications exist that can help treat erectile dysfunction. The most common are avanafil, sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil. These oral medications aim to boost how nitric oxide works. Nitric oxide is a chemical that is produced in the body that helps in relaxing the penis muscles. This leads to blood flow to the penis which then allows a person to have an erection when stimulated. The dosage of the medications will vary from person to person.
Self-Injection And Suppository
Self-injection and suppositories are two of the common treatments for erectile dysfunction. In self-injection, one is required to put a needle to inject alprostadil in the side of the penis or into its base. The other common treatment is suppositories in which one is required to put pellets into the penis. There is an applicator that can be used to insert the suppository. When one uses a suppository, the erection generally begins within 10 minutes and can last up to an hour.
Testosterone Therapy
One might have erectile dysfunction that worsens because they don’t have enough testosterone. If this is the case, then the doctor can recommend testosterone replacement therapy. This can be advised as the first step of treatment or it can be given along with other treatments. The therapy can come in the form of gels, injections, or pellets. This therapy is not recommended for men who already have normal levels of testosterone.
Penis Pumps
Penis pumps are one of the common treatments for erectile dysfunction. A penis pump is also known as a vacuum erection device that needs to be placed on the penis. The penis pump helps improve blood flow to the penis so one can have an erection. 80% of men who use a penis pump have an erection that allows them to have sex with their partner. Penis pumps can be available with a prescription or without one. One should talk to the doctor and see if this is the right treatment.
Penile Implants
The doctor might suggest penile implants for treating erectile dysfunction. This surgical treatment option consists of placing devices inside each side of the penis. Implants can be of two types — malleable and inflatable rods. Malleable rods help ensure the penis is firm but it can bend. Inflatable rods allow a person to have more control as they decide when they need to get an erection and how long it should last for. Implants are usually advised after other options fail.
Counseling
One of the common treatments for erectile dysfunction is counseling. Many men have erectile dysfunction because of depression and stress or a disorder that causes these two problems. In this case, the doctor can recommend psychological counseling. In some cases, the doctor might suggest a visit to a counselor along with one’s partner. A person should be completely honest with their counselor so that things can work out and they can become a confident person again.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the treatment options that can be suggested by the doctor when one has erectile dysfunction. When a person exercises regularly, their chances of erectile dysfunction are lower. Some studies completed recently have found that when a person does moderate exercise regularly, their erectile dysfunction can get treated. Studies show that aerobic exercise can help improve erectile dysfunction too.