Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition among men. It is an inability to attain a firm erection for satisfying sexual Intercourse. ED is a significant health condition that affects an individual’s sexual and overall well-being. Preeminent treatment modalities are available for Erectile dysfunction that usually target muscular relaxation or prosthetic replacement.
In other words, ED is curable either by medicines or surgery. ED can be a warning sign of any concealed ailment, and therefore ED treatment is unconditionally essential.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction:
- Psychogenic Factors- Any mental or physical stress is the primary cause of ED. Any strain on the relationship between you and your partner or work-related stress, family or social pressure would aggravate the symptoms of ED.
- Neurogenic Factors- Minor injury in the spinal cord or stroke can lead to Erectile Dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is also a manifestation of Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Spina bifida.
- Vasculogenic Factors- Health issues like Arterial insufficiency, Cardiovascular anomalies, Hypertension, Trauma, and Veno-occlusive disease can cause erectile dysfunction.
- Endocrinal Factors- Derangement in thyroid function, diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, Excess production of Prolactin hormone in males induces the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
- Other Factors- These predisposing factors include an inactive or desk-bound sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and drug usage.
Erectile Dysfunction cure lies in its diagnosis! The conscientious approach to treat Erectile dysfunction is to single out the actual cause and receive the expert opinion for the same. Finding the right doctor for erectile dysfunction is extremely important. Popular medicines do not fix ED. They only provide you with temporary relief. Some men feel shy to acknowledge it, and some feel shy to talk about it. Both situations aren’t very favourable. Talking to your partner or your doctor is the easy way to solve this issue. A Doctor can understand your concerns and track down the cause and severity of ED. He can assess the needful intervention of Psychologists, Nephrologist or Urologists.
ED treatment: What’s New and Upcoming? Various invasive and non-invasive treatment options are available, offering minimal discomfort and marked improvement.
Changes in Lifestyle: The first line of treatment aimed at modifying the current lifestyle. Couple counselling or behaviour modification techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Support from partner and family works in favour of both doctor and the person.
Routine exercises can elevate your energy level and increase the production of Dopamines. Exercise for strengthening pelvic floor muscles improvise your control over urination and ejaculation. Dietary modifications can improve the metabolism and regulate hormonal levels in your body.
Medical Management: The hallmark of medicinal therapy includes the administration of PDE 5 inhibitors like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, etc. They offer you short-term relief, and prolong usage has its side-effects. The newer drug therapies are:
Dopaminergic agents
- Melanocortin receptor agonist: Melanotan and Bremelanotide
- Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators and activators- For post-prostatectomy and diabetes mellitus patients.
- Invasive Management: Intracavenosal therapy involves the injection of a vasoactive agent for smooth muscle relaxation. Multiple combinations of intracavernosal treatment exists that is extremely effective in the cases of Spinal Cord Injury.
- Low-intensity shockwave therapy: Useful to treat a wide variety of urological and non-urological conditions. It improves the blood flow and can fix ED. Stem Cell Transplant therapy and gene therapy are new frontiers for the management of Erectile Dysfunction that offers more personalized treatment options.
- Surgical Management: Penile implant surgery involves the placement of thin rods that can provide rigidity during Intercourse.
Yes, you need a Doctor! ED is a reversible condition, and a doctor can provide you with physical and mental support with their evidence-based practice. Early detection can reduce its progression and other comorbid disorder associated with it. Integration of counselling and medical or surgical therapy will appropriately treat the patients and ensures a healthy life.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
