Erectile dysfunction (sometimes abbreviated as “ED”) is a condition that leaves a man unable to achieve an erection. Current statistics indicate that it affects between 15% and 25% of all older men, and because of this, numerous remedies for this problem have been developed. Not every case of ED is caused by the same thing, so not all men will have success with each, but due to the variety of treatments available, most will find that at least one works. Here is a look at some of the most popular remedies for erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle Changes
For many men, some simple lifestyle changes may be enough to remedy their erectile dysfunction. It’s been discovered that ED may be a risk factor for heart disease, so taking steps to address this underlying problem can often help. This includes eating a balanced diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and exercising at least five times a week for 30 minutes. Cutting back on fatty or high-sugar foods may be beneficial as well.
Additionally, studies have shown that men who smoke are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than those who don’t. Quitting this habit may also be a valuable change—for both treating ED and for better overall health.
Medication
Medication is one of the most common things that people associate with the treatment of erectile dysfunction, due in large part to high-profile marketing campaigns from brands like Viagra.
Most commonly, these are oral medications that are taken in the hour or hours leading up to sex, but some brands such as Cialis can be taken up to three days in advance. These drugs work by relaxing muscles within the penis, which allows for increased blood flow to the organ. Oral medications have been shown to be effective in about 80% of men, but may not work for everyone. Additionally, this remedy has several side effects associated with it—including headaches, muscle aches, and vision problems.
If oral medication proves to be ineffective, doctors may also recommend other forms, including injections and suppositories. However, these injections, while effective, must be given directly into the penis, and for many men this is simply not a viable option. Urethral suppositories are not as painful as the injections, but they are also considered to be less effective at treating erectile dysfunction.
Therapy
If a man is suffering from stress or anxiety related erectile dysfunction, therapy may be an effective, nonmedical way to address it. Oftentimes poor performance in the bedroom stems from relationship problems, and working through those may cause the condition to rectify itself. However, this may not be the case with all men—even unrelated things like financial problems or stress from work can be the cause of erectile dysfunction. This type of therapy can be quite affordable as well, since treatment can stop once the problem has been addressed. For most men, only a few sessions will be necessary.
Surgery
In extreme cases in which no other forms of treatment have helped, surgery may be a way to address erectile dysfunction. However, most surgeons won’t even consider it unless a patient has exhausted all of their options. There are two basic forms of surgery available—implant insertion and vascular reconstruction. With an implant surgery, doctors insert rods into the penis that can be self-adjusted to an ideal position for intercourse. During vascular reconstruction surgery, doctors repair veins and remove blockages that may be preventing the man from achieving an erection. However, this procedure has been found to only be effective in younger patients, since blockages become more widespread with age.
