Male erectile dysfunction is often related to the blood supply to the penis. According to the National Institutes of Health, the overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction is 52%, but with treatment, the cure rate is as high as 99%. Now, learn about male erectile dysfunction More information on treatment.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a type of penile disorder. It affects your ability to get and maintain an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse.
What are the types of erectile dysfunction?
Healthcare providers classify ED into several categories:
1. Vascular erectile dysfunction. Vascular erectile dysfunction includes causes that affect the blood vessels that carry blood to the penile tissue (enabling you to get and maintain an erection), or the valves of the penis that normally keep blood inside. Vascular ED is the most common type of ED.
2. Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Neurogenic ED is caused by nerve problems that prevent signals from the brain to the penis to produce an erection.
3. Hormonal erectile dysfunction. Hormonal ED is ED that occurs due to a lack of testosterone or, in some cases, thyroid problems.
4. Psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Psychogenic ED involves psychological conditions (conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors) that may cause ED.
What is the common age for erectile dysfunction?
Healthcare providers and medical researchers estimate that more than 50 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from erectile dysfunction. And the number is likely even higher—many people don’t seek help out of embarrassment or shame.
What are the treatments for ED?
The first step in treating erectile dysfunction is identifying the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider will help you determine the best treatment:
1. Cardiovascular exercise.
Intense cardiovascular exercise for at least 45 minutes three times a week may help reverse some mild cases of ED. Cardiovascular exercise may include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, and jumping rope.
2. Quit smoking. For men with mild ED, quitting smoking can lead to improvement within a few months.
3. Taking medicine:
Oral medications that help increase blood flow to the penis include sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or avanafil (Stendra®). Oral medications start working within an hour.
4. Penile low-intensity focused shock wave therapy (LiSWT).
This non-invasive treatment works by using sound waves to improve blood flow. It may take up to two months to see improvement.
Medications that are injected directly into the penis to produce an erection, including alprostadil (Caverject®), papaverine (Papacon®), phentolamine (Regitine®), or a combination of medications. The injected medication starts working within 10 minutes.
5. Vacuum contraction device (penis pump). The penis pump starts working almost immediately.
6. Testosterone replacement therapy is available in the form of gels, injections, patches and pills. Testosterone replacement therapy begins to work within four weeks.
7. Penile implant surgery. Penile implant surgery is a procedure in which the surgeon inserts a device into the penis to make it hard. The device does not affect sensation, urination or orgasm.
There are two types of implants used to treat ED, including:
①. Inflatable penis prosthesis (3-piece hydraulic pump). A pump and two cylinders placed in the erection chamber of the penis cause an erection by releasing a salt solution; it also removes the solution that deflates the penis.
②. Semi-rigid penile prosthesis. Two semi-rigid but flexible rods are placed in the erectile chamber of the penis and can be manipulated into an erect or non-erect position.
Infection is the most common cause of penile implant failure, occurring in less than 2% of cases. Implants are not typically considered before trying other treatments, but they have very high patient satisfaction rates and are a great treatment option for the right patients.
Will ED go away on its own?
ED is unlikely to go away on its own without lifestyle changes or some kind of treatment.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, especially as we age. It can lead to embarrassment, low self-esteem, and other more serious psychological conditions. But you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed about having ED. This may be your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. It’s important to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and how they affect your quality of life. They can diagnose ED, determine its cause, and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
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