The prolonged inability to achieve or sustain a penile erection strong enough for fulfilling sexual performance is known as erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction was once thought to be brought on by psychological issues. It is now understood that physical issues, typically involving the blood flow to the penis, are the primary cause of erectile dysfunction in most men. Both the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction have made significant strides in recent years.

Types of Erectile Dysfunction

Some of the various forms and potential causes of erectile dysfunction include the following:

  • Organic Erectile Dysfunction

The most frequent cause of ED, particularly in older men, is organic ED, which includes irregularities in the penile arteries, veins, or both. Arteriosclerosis, or the thickening of the arteries, is typically the cause of arterial problems, however, trauma to the arteries may also be to blame. Being overweight, not exercising, having high cholesterol, having high blood pressure, and smoking are all preventable risk factors for arteriosclerosis that frequently first damage the erectile function before moving on to the heart.

  • Depression

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can also result from depression, which is directly connected to ED. Men with depression should have a thorough mental and physical evaluation because there is an association between depression, ED, and cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction is a side effect of some antidepressants.

  • Neurological Causes 

ED has a variety of neurological causes. Erectile dysfunction can be brought on by diabetes, long-term drinking, multiple sclerosis, heavy metal toxicity, spinal cord and nerve trauma, and nerve damage following pelvic surgeries.

  • Drug-related ED 

ED is commonly treated using a wide range of prescription pharmaceuticals, including blood pressure meds,  glaucoma eye drops, antidepressant medications, and cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

  • Hormone-driven ED

ED may be brought on by hormonal imbalances including excessive prolactin bodybuilders abusing steroids, excess or too little thyroid hormone, and hormones being given for prostate cancer. Low testosterone is a risk factor for ED but it is not always the only one.

The Course of Treatment

Your doctor will decide on the best course of treatment for erectile dysfunction based on:

  • Age, general health, and medical background
  • The severity of the condition
  • Your tolerance for particular treatments, procedures, or medications
  • Predictions about how the disease will progress

There are several ED therapies available, including:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy

Some men experience hormonal imbalances that make it difficult to get an erection. The hormone that contributes to sexual desire, testosterone, starts to decline as a man gets older. Hormone replacement therapy might increase a man’s energy levels and help him restore erection capability. A doctor can evaluate whether a man’s hormone levels have an effect on his sex life.

  • Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

PRP uses a patient’s blood to produce an injection that concentrates growth factors. Injecting this biologically-based mixture into the patient’s penis increases blood flow and encourages the development of new tissue. Since the P-Shot is made from the patient’s own body, the adverse effects of this therapy procedure are negligible. Some men have mentioned better orgasms, improved sexual performance, and enhanced erections after finishing the course of treatment.

  • Vacuum Device

It has long been practised to relax penile tissue and induce erections when treating ED using a suction device. However, just 10% of people have claimed any long-lasting effects, and the success of this procedure is disputed.

  • Stem Cell Therapy 

Stem Cell Therapy for ED has emerged as a novel treatment showing great results.  Stem cell therapy was shown to restore sexual function in males with erectile dysfunction, which suggests that it may be a promising result in recovering erectile dysfunction, according to preliminary results of clinical research.

  • Surgery

For men with ED, surgery is one of the final options because it typically requires a lengthy recovery period and has a risk of infection. An incorrect penile shape may be corrected by inserting a penile prosthesis.  Men who have severe Peyronie’s disease qualify for this course of treatment.

Be Sensible!

Remember that, unlike pharmaceuticals or foods, the majority of nutritional supplements aren’t subject to FDA regulation. They are instead controlled as dietary supplements. This means that they must adhere to a set of quality requirements, but it does not imply that everyone will be protected from harm. You should always see your doctor before consuming any supplements.

There are numerous methods your doctor can assist you in treating erectile dysfunction. Instead of conventional treatment, you might wish to look into complementary or alternative therapy for ED. So see your doctor first if you’re thinking about trying an alternative ED treatment.

Regenerative medicine has been discussed and researched in andrology as a promising method to recover the structure and function of damaged erectile tissue. Although controversial, emerging regenerative therapies for ED are expected to provide long-term treatment for this troublesome disease process that is tissue repairing and permanent.