The Different Causes and Treatment Methods for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a condition affecting millions of men in the United States. People with erectile dysfunction experience difficulties maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse. If you have this condition, it may affect your relationships, including marriage. However, most people are embarrassed to discuss New York erectile dysfunction with the doctor. Whether you are embarrassed or not, it is essential to seek medical attention as impotence may be a sign of an underlying health problem that needs treatment.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with the hormones, brain, emotions, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Examples of conditions that may cause erectile dysfunction include:

· Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis may damage the nerves that send impulses to the penis. In addition, medical conditions such as diabetes and stroke may also cause nerve damage.

· Vascular disease may cause blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels, limiting blood supply to the penis.

· Psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression may cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction may be a side effect of medications such as muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and diuretics. In addition, the use of drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and opiates suppresses the central nervous system, damages your blood vessels, and may lead to permanent erectile dysfunction.

Treatment for erectile dysfunction

Treatment for erectile dysfunction involves medications, exercise, and other times, surgery. In addition, your doctor may need to conduct various tests to check for any underlying medical conditions and determine the severity of your condition. Based on your diagnostic results, your specialist may recommend treatments methods such as:

Oral medications

Your doctor may prescribe different drugs such as Viagra, Tadalafil, Avanafil, and Vardenafil, which allow you to get an erection. These drugs enhance the effects of nitric oxide that relaxes and increases blood flow to your penis. However, sexual stimulation is needed first as these drugs do not cause an automatic erection. Side effects linked with these medications include nasal congestion, headache, visual changes, and stomach upset.

Alprostadil self-injection

This type of treatment involves injecting alprostadil on the side or into the base of your penis. The needle used for injection is very narrow, and you may not experience pain while injecting the drug. A single injection helps you to maintain an erection for not more than an hour. You may experience slight bleeding from the injection or priapism – prolonged erection.

Penis pump

These are unique pumps designed to create a vacuum that pulls blood into your penis. These pumps come in different models. Your doctor is in a better position to determine which one is suitable for you.

Penile implants

This is a surgical procedure that your doctor may recommend if you fail to respond to more conservative methods. However, people with urinary tract infections may not be good candidates for this procedure. For this process, your surgeon will place malleable devices on both sides of your penis, which allow you to control how long you have an erection.

Your doctor may also advise that you engage in moderate to vigorous physical exercise to improve erectile dysfunction. You do not have to shy away from seeking medical attention for erectile dysfunction. Schedule a session with your doctor at Urologist: Michael Rotman, MD, to improve your condition.