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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is surprisingly common as men start to age, but because it is a very sensitive topic it’s important to be able to spot it. As part of our How to Spot series, we’ll be helping you understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for Erectile Dysfunction. You’ll be able to understand how to sport ED and help your partner get the medical aid they need:
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction:
- Facing trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sex drive
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction:
- Age: Over 50
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive drug or alcohol use
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Stress
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction:
When visiting a doctor, they will first make sure that ED is not caused as a result of any other health conditions or medication.
Oral medication treatment
Via: Healthline – Erectile dysfunction
There are many oral medications that have been proven to be successful for many men which include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
While medications will vary from one person to another, a doctor will be able to tell you which medication is best according to a specific case.
Side effects of oral medication
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Visual changes
- Backaches
- Upset stomach
Testosterone therapy
If low levels of testosterone are complicating the case of erectile dysfunction then testosterone replacement can be used. Depending on the case, it can be used as one of the first steps of treatment or combined with other therapies.
Self-injection therapy
Via: Stockimages – Erectile dysfunction
If oral medication isn’t working, there’s a high chance self-injection therapy can be beneficial to treat ED. While the first shot should be taken at the doctor’s office, self-injection lessons can be given by an experienced professional. This treatment works by injecting Alprostadil into the side of the penis with a very fine needle.
Alprostadil urethra therapy
Alprostadil can also be used during urethra therapy where it is placed in the penile urethra. While an erection can start within 10 minutes and last up to 60 minutes, it does come with side effects such as a burning sensation and minor bleeding.
Vacuum erection device
Via: AHCAF – Erectile dysfunction
Using a plastic tube that covers the penis, a vacuum erection device works by creating a low-pressure vacuum that results in an erection. In order to keep the penis hard for 30 mins, an elastic ring is placed onto the base of the penis to hold it in place.
Talk therapy
Via: iStock – Erectile dysfunction
If ED is caused by lack of self-confidence, stress, or anxiety, it can be cured by tackling the issues in question through talk therapy. The more confidence is gained, the higher chances of treating ED.
Surgery
Via: Healthline – Erectile dysfunction
If all treatments fail, a penile implant is only recommended as a last resort. This treatment involves placing implants into both sides of the penis which could be inflatable or bendable rods. While inflatable rods come with the advantage of controlling when and how long an erection will last, the bendable rods keep the penis hard, but bendable.
Further reading:
- Hottest Male Erogenous Zones to Stimulate During Sex
- 5 Tips to Spice Up Your Sex Life
- How to Have Great Sex After 40
- Sex Ed Series: I’m Tired and Don’t Want to Have Sex With My Husband
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