Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not uncommon in men as they age, or at any time.
This doesn’t mean it is inevitable, but that the risk increases with age. It is the inability to sustain an erection during sexual intercourse.
There are many ways to go about treating ED, but how do you know which ED treatment is best for you?
With the advancement in the medical field, there are numerous ways ED patients can be treated. It varies mainly on the preference of the doctor or physician and also on the physical state of the patient.
Hence this begs the question, “What is the best treatment for ED?”
ED Medication
Discuss with your doctor before consuming any vitamins or supplements for ED. It is also important to know that not everyone with erectile dysfunction should take medications.
If you believe you have ED, consult your doctor. They’ll perform an assessment including comprehensive psychosocial and medical history.
The great news is that you can now have your ED consultation more discretely via telemedicine. Right from you phone, video chat with a doctor to discover the best ED medication for you.
Medication is the most popular approach to handling ED cases and most ED medications are available in a generic version.
These generic ED pills give you the same positive results as some of the well known brands including Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, HIMS, and Roman, but without the cost.
ED medications should under no circumstances be self-prescribed.
Refer to a health professional who can help you understand and manage relationship issues or performance anxiety related to your ED.
The following medications help increase blood flow to your penis in order to achieve an erection:
- alprostadil (Caverject)
- sildenafil (Viagra)
- avanafil (Stendra)
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Levitra)
- testosterone (Androderm)
There are side effects to ED medications. This is one reason you should go through your doctor and not one of the online subscriptions.
- The more common side effects of these drugs include:
- headache
- flushing
- stuffy or runny nose
- back pain
- upset stomach
- muscle aches
- vision changes, such as blurry vision and changes in how certain colors look
moodiness
For privacy, many men are now choosing to consult their doctor about ED through a telemedicine app. Telemedicine allows you to video chat with a doctor without having to go to a doctor’s office, hang out in a waiting room, and provides extra security and privacy.
Telemedicine apps like WeHealth are completely HIPPA compliant and provide the ultimate way to talk to your doctor about ED.
Natural Herbs for ED
FOR naturalist enthusiasts, natural herbs seem the most prevalent way to go about treating ED. Tapping into the abundance of nature, there are natural remedies that are used in place as medication. It is noted that its effectiveness varies in men, its results are not as consistent as medications.
Be very careful when buying herbs or supplements. They are not regulated meaning that they may include ingredients that are not listed on the pack. You can ask your doctor for recommendation of reputable brands and always buy from a reputable store.
When purchasing herbs and supplements, used as natural remedies, be alert to know what you’re buying exactly. Since they are natural products, most aren’t regulated by the government healthcare agencies.
This means that they may contain certain ingredients not listed on their labels. To the extent possible, only buy from reputable brands and stores referred to you by your doctor. Avoid purchasing such natural products online, unless if necessary.
Below listed are herbs and supplements that have shown recorded success, to an extent, in treating ED:
- L-arginine
- DHEA
- ginseng
- yohimbe
- Asparagus racemosus
- Herb ashwagandha (also called Indian ginseng)
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Lifestyle changes and diet
You can affect change starting from the little things you do every day.
Lifestyle is an underrated factor in many medical conditions and should be taken more seriously. Patients that develop conscious healthy lifestyles are know to observe a degree of improvement regarding ED.
Many researchers pose that individuals with poor lifestyles are more susceptible to ED.
You really are what you eat. Balanced dieting treats and reverses ED. This is probably because ED is usually related to blood flow. Hence, making an effort to keep those blood vessels healthy and pumping may reduce your risk for ED.
Here is what you can do:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain normal blood pressure
- Eat a balanced diet
- Keep a healthy weight
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
- Don’t stress
ED Massage
Massage is the technique that treats ED as a psychological issue, not just a physical condition.
Sometimes, ED may be caused by the anxiety and stress experienced by the patient. Especially in older men, as life’s activities bear down causing psychological, physical and emotional stress it can affect your performance in bed and consequently result in ED.
It makes use of exercises like yoga, acupuncture, and therapies like prostatic massage. The effects of massage therapies are very gradual and will take time before you can notice them.
ED Surgery and Implants
Many doctors prefer to keep this option for last.
In a case where other approaches aren’t yielding the desired result, your doctor can opt for surgery.
Surgeries usually aim at increasing blood flow in the penis and reducing the amount of blood flowing out of the arteries in the penis during erections.
Side effects of surgeries and implants include:
- It may be difficult to conceal
- Increased size of the penis
- Erections may be more frequent and impromptu
- Increased chances of contracting infections
Vacuum Pumps
These are treatment devices used to help patients with ED. It is also called a penis pump or vacuum erection pump. It is easy to operate when compared to other medical devices.
To use this, you should be well informed on how to avoid damage or unwanted side effects.
The device consists of:
- a tube that fits above your penis
- a ring or stopper that fits around penis base
- a battery-powered vacuum pack to remove air from tube, prompting an erection.
It is suitable for cases of mild ED, not severe ones.
Furthermore, abstinence from all drugs is a method of analyzing your ED critically.
ED can be caused by medication used to cure other diseases such as heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
The above treatments are deliberated based on numerous factors before a decision can be carried. It is advised, that you work with your doctor to consider each treatment concerning the situation at hand. Contact your doctor or via WeHealth today.