Erectile Dysfunction: Strategies for Coping and Treatment Options

Facing difficulties in erection? You might be curious if you’re going through Erectile Dysfunction?

Today we’ll discuss what really is and its treatments that can help you get back to your sexual life with more enthusiasm.

What is Erectile dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is said to occur when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It's a common condition and men are prone to experiencing it occasionally, but in case it is persistent one needs medical attention as the problem may be chronic.

During sexual arousal in a man, the blood flow diverts to the penis increases causing an erection. Something interferes with this process when one develops ED. The reason might be physical from poor blood flow, nerve damage, hormonal problems or psychological reasons of stress, anxiety, and relationship issues.

ED can impact your self-confidence, relationships, and quality of life. But the good news is, there are tactics and treatment options to investigate.

ED involves underlying factors that may affect you. The following are tried and tested strategies for treatment options:

1. Lifestyle Changes: Healthy living can contribute positively towards ED. Following are a few adjustments to make in your lifestyle:

• Regular Exercise: It improves blood circulation, enhances cardiovascular health & has a positive impact on the functioning of your erectile.
• Healthy Diet: A well balanced diet which includes fruits, greens and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein as well as good fats promotes general health including healthy sexual functioning.
• Stress Management: Find out some healthy ways for stress management, for example, relaxation methods or seeking support of a therapist. That is because chronic stress may worsen ED symptoms.
• Limit Alcohol and Stop Smoking: Overconsumption of alcohol and smoking can hinder the blood flow and thus cause ED. Limiting the intake of alcohol required to invoke an erection and quitting smoking might help in this regard.

2. Seek Professional Help: Get the advice of a healthcare provider, such as a urologist or a sexual health specialist. They will evaluate your case, offer guidance, and suggest treatment alternatives. They might also look at the underlying medical reasons causing ED.

3. Medications: This consists of oral medications that incorporate PDE5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra) which help in boosting the flow of blood towards the penis by blocking an enzyme named PDE5 and thus aiding a man to get and maintain an erection. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to confirm if the applied treatment is suitable for you and also discuss any possible side effects.

4. Another treatment approach: Apart from medication, other treatment approaches include:

• Vacuum Erection Devices: This is a method where the device creates a vacuum around the penis, which helps in getting an erection. The man then places a constriction ring at the lower part of the penis to keep the blood inside.
• Penile Injections: These may involve injecting medicine on the side of your penis to help in getting an erection. One should be taught and aware of how to give injections rightfully.
• Penile Implants: In cases of severe ED that fail to offer results with other modes of treatment, penile implants may be surgically placed as an alternate measure. The implants may provide for a rigid erection whenever required.

5. Open Communication: Be open with your partner discussing ED. Your transparency about feelings, concerns, and desires can be of great help to reduce anxiety, and improve the relationship. In many cases, the attitude of the partner changes and the situation gets better.

Keep in mind that everyone's experience with erectile dysfunction will be different, and what may work for someone else may not be successful for you. It is important to find coping mechanisms as well as treatment options that are going to appropriately fit your situation. With the right care and support, many men suffering from ED can cope with their symptoms and improve their sexual health.

Photo by Scott Rodgerson on Unsplash