Erectile dysfunction: how to treat erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a taboo subject which is nonetheless frequent. In France, it is estimated that 3.5 million men suffer from it: mostly men over 60, but also, in 10% of cases, men under 50. The causes are numerous: age, diabetes, atherosclerosis, nerve damage, removal of the prostate, etc.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Concretely, we speak of erectile dysfunction when we observe an inability to obtain or maintain satisfactory sexual intercourse, either persistent or recurrent, for a period of at least 3 months. It can be the inability to get an erection (primary erectile dysfunction), but most often the disorders are limited to an inability to maintain an erection until orgasm or until the partner penetrates: loss of erection or decreased rigidity during penetration (secondary erectile dysfunction). Sometimes it is also simply an insufficient stiffness which hinders penetration and does not produce a satisfactory ratio.

A reversible disorder

Disabling for the life of a couple, erectile dysfunction is not inevitable and could even be, in many cases, reversed. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine and conducted among 810 Australian men suffering from erectile dysfunction thus highlights a remission rate of 29% within 5 years.

In the case of primary erectile dysfunction, it can be treated with medication or surgery. Secondary erectile dysfunction is often temporary. In any case, it is best to consult to find the most suitable treatment and address the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction. For example, it may happen that the cause of a dysfunction is psychological. It is then necessary to better understand the sources of the disorder in order to better treat it, explains to the site Medical News Today Dr. Daniel Murrell, specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases.

Change of lifestyle

It can happen that lifestyle is a cause of erectile dysfunction. It is then advisable to discuss the different options with your doctor. Depending on the state of health, he may possibly advise to carry out relaxation exercises to better manage stress and blood pressure, to lose weight to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol and testosterone levels. , or to change their diet, especially for men suffering from diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Do pelvic floor exercises

The pelvic floor muscles help men urinate and ejaculate. Strengthening these muscles can also improve erectile function. A 2010 study claims that pelvic floor exercises can help men with diabetes get and maintain erections.

Start therapy

Suffering from erectile dysfunction can negatively impact your self-esteem and in some cases can cause depression or anxiety. Consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist can help to understand the cause of the problem and to eliminate it. Couples therapy can also be considered in order to find healthy and constructive ways to communicate about erectile dysfunction with your partner.

Alternative medicine

Some men with erectile dysfunction find relief from traditional medicines, such as acupuncture, and herbal remedies. Thus, a study published this year claims that preparations based on ginseng significantly improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It should be remembered, however, that alternative medicine methods are safer when performed under the supervision of a doctor and in addition to other treatments.

Opting for medication

There is a wide variety of drugs available to treat erectile dysfunction. The best known are of course Cialis and Viagra, which increase blood flow to the penis and thus help to achieve an erection. These can be effective when the cause of erectile dysfunction is physical, and they also work well when the cause is unknown or related to anxiety.

If an underlying condition, such as diabetes, is causing erectile dysfunction, treating it will often reverse the erectile dysfunction or prevent it from getting worse.

Note that some medications, such as those for blood pressure, can also worsen erectile dysfunction, since they reduce blood flow to the penis.

Mechanical devices

In some cases, the use of a mechanical device may be considered. This is usually penis pumps that draw blood into the penis to induce an erection, including in men with severe nerve damage. With severe damage to the nerves or blood vessels, using a ring can help keep blood in the penis.

Surgery

Finally, if these solutions are ineffective, a doctor may recommend surgery: the procedure then consists of implanting a device in the penis allowing immediate erections. Effective in most cases, penile surgery for erectile dysfunction has a complication rate of less than 5%.