Important Things to Know About Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Updated on December 15, 2022

IS5OZNZTZOjJOCfputgbqvbm0tPjkrJ7qn1GaE3LpqoV1TA06lia9EORI 0oC LG yr 6D0Wj55 WrL9PGXmThAhgbPSWnYgrTQbwDUWsDJ Diu6MXIbkRRXiuB2rhJBytQpGh4f2hNKRWOzreK8RFizK4KmZI TN 0ENOBNTTfD RaKXU6KA8NnG4oY

Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when a person (males) cannot have or maintain an erection. This affects about 1/3 of men around the world today. ED is most common in men who:

  • Are old
  • Had an injury on the pelvis or spinal cord
  • Have stress or anxiety
  • Are overweight
  • Smoke

The treatment for Erectile dysfunction (ED) depends on the causative factor. This includes vacuum devices, some prescription drugs, and even surgery. Natural treatments and lifestyle changes can also improve this condition.

If you go for prescription drugs or supplements, it’s vital for you to choose an approved medication that is known to reduce erectile dysfunction and enhance erections in males. Finding the best medication might be difficult. What works for one person will not work for you, however, you can make the right decision.

To help you make the right decision, let’s discuss some things to consider. We will also show you some alternative treatments you can consider. Let’s get started.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

The following are some important factors to keep in mind:

Which Has the Least Side Effects?

It is important to know whether the medication has any side effects. If it does, how serious is it? Have there been cases of severe side effects from people who use the drugs? You need to keep this in mind. Some of the side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Loss of hearing
  • Back pain

If you notice cases of people with these side effects online, make sure you avoid getting such medication. 

Your Current Health Condition

This is also a vital factor to consider when choosing a treatment. Some health conditions might require you to have surgery instead of taking pills. Others might need you to change your lifestyle like improve your sleeping pattern or stop drinking alcohol. It is vital to speak to your doctor when considering this for expert advice.

Your Current Medication

What medication are you currently taking? Drug interactions can be dangerous. It is important for you to know what your current medication is to avoid a treatment that can have adverse effects on you. Ask your healthcare practitioner for your health records so you can know the composition of your current medication. If you want full recovery from ED, it is necessary to avoid drug interactions. For some dangers of these interactions and how to avoid them, check here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/ 

The Brand

There are different companies that produce ED pills and supplements today. Some might operate without a license and sell fake drugs to unsuspecting men. To avoid being a victim of fake medication, it is important to seek brands that are prescribed by your health practitioner.

Your Lifestyle

How you live your life will determine the medication you should go for. You need to keep your work, your day-to-day activities, and your hobbies among others in mind. Will you go for ED pills or will you go for an alternative treatment? The choice is yours.

Alternative Ways to Treat Erectile Dysfunction 

Even when you are taking an ED pill of your choice, it is important to follow some alternative treatments to hasten your recovery and improve your penile erection. So what are some of these ways? Here are some of them:

Improve Your Diet

pchR319vho3jsBdU0fygKd iVMIxdBJMz1v0DVHCFagYbWi7GVKcSBl whoLQkrQclwq23XXkPzvAZv0PZymrJj0vu1Yn0fnitGHqSM74a5yKEaXzKfY3THMNKHDqNWnAkR8I9nTxpI iygFuUsob XsIOFQHPyLGnI3wKjdGZZZEeUmhXC726dJU

Eating a well-balanced diet will decrease the chances of ED reappearing and hasten your recovery. Some of the foods to add to your diet include:

  • Fruits
  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Vegetables
  • Fish

It is vital to avoid processed or red meat and replace them with other proteins. Overall, these foods improve your health and sexual function.

Carryout Physical Activities

Another way to improve your sexual health is to carry out aerobic exercise. This is quite effective especially when your ED is a result of cardiovascular conditions and obesity. Some of the other physical activities you can do include:

  • Skiing
  • Swimming
  • Running
  • Cycling

These exercises lower stress and increase testosterone levels which help to treat ED.

Sleeping Well

Good sleep equals a better life. It’s vital to sleep well at night. This can improve your ED treatment. Men who have low sleep quality are known to be at high risk of Erectile Dysfunction. Not sleeping well can also lower testosterone levels which cause ED. For some ways to improve sleep, read this article.

Going for Psychotherapy

Some causes of ED are related to the mental and psychological health of men. Some issues like sexual abuse, fear of failure, and religious beliefs can cause emotional distress and reduce a person’s self-esteem. This can in turn affect the sexual ability of men.  Psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy when paired with normal ED pills will help out.

Reduction of Stress

Anxiety and stress are also causes of erectile dysfunction. Chronic stress can affect testosterone production and lead to ED. Going for stress management therapy along with your ED medication will improve sexual health and reduce ED. More importantly, you will improve your overall health.

Stopping Alcohol Abuse

Overdrinking can affect a man’s sex drive and cause erectile dysfunction. The more a person takes alcohol, the higher the chances of getting ED. Drinking alcohol in moderate amounts will lessen such chances and wouldn’t affect erection.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to erectile dysfunction. Smoking damages the blood vessels and stops blood from getting to the penis for an erection. Smoking also stops the production of nitric oxide and this plays a role in erection. The more a person smokes, the more severe ED becomes.

It might be a challenge to stop smoking but it is wise to use the different resources available to you. Damage from smoking is not reversible so make sure you get help as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects an individual’s self-esteem, sexual life, and relationships. This condition can be caused by certain health problems, aging, stress, and other lifestyle behaviors. Thankfully, there are different treatments that can curb ED today. You need to choose one that suits your current health status, medication, and lifestyle. Then you will benefit from ED treatments.

+ posts

Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.