A Comprehensive Guide to Male Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Reviewed By: Dr. S. Shashant, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Center, Secunderabad

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a significant health issue that can severely impact a man’s ability to maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse. Various medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and psychological issues can contribute to ED, affecting men's overall well-being and their ability to conceive. Understanding the best treatment options for ED can help men lead fulfilling and satisfying sexual lives.

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What is ED?

Erectile Dysfunction is a serious medical condition characterized by difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. While occasional erectile difficulties are common, persistent issues require medical diagnosis and personalized treatment. Common causes of ED include diabetes, obesity, chronic alcoholism, spinal cord and nerve injuries, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain medications, and emotional factors.

Ferty9’s Success Story: Together in IVF: Ferty9 Helps Foreign Couples Conceive, Despite History of Tubal Pregnancy

Signs and Symptoms of ED Disorder

Despite feelings of sexual arousal, men sometimes experience erectile dysfunction and fail to maintain an erection. Stats say the prevalence of ED in men is expected to be more than 322 million by 2025. Here are the major symptoms of Erectile dysfunction.

1. Difficulties in an Erection: When a man starts having difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection during sex, he may also notice a decrease in his sexual desire. This often happens when he is showing symptoms of erectile dysfunction. 
2. Premature Ejaculation: This can occur alongside ED, reducing the satisfactory duration of sexual intercourse.
3. Emotional Instability: Erectile dysfunction often leads to anxiety and stress related to sexual performance, exacerbating erectile difficulties and impacting relationships.
4. Aging:  While ED can affect men of all ages, it is more common with aging due to declining health and lifestyle factors.

Ferty9’s Success Story: Together in IVF: Ferty9 Helps Couple Conceive, Overcoming Genetic Condition

What are the Types of ED?

Major categories of erectile dysfunction and the types of ED, according to medical experts, are-

1. Vascular erectile dysfunction: One of the most common types of ED, Vascular ED affects the blood vessels of men, which are responsible for sending blood to the tissues in the penis. These tissues help in maintaining an erection.
2. Neurogenic erectile dysfunction: Past undergone surgeries near the pelvic area impact the nerve system, preventing brain signals from reaching the penis, causing Erectile dysfunction. Major factors are neurological conditions, like stroke and spinal stenosis.
3. Hormonal erectile dysfunction: It happens due to testosterone deficiency, causing erectile difficulties during intercourse. 
4. Psychogenic erectile dysfunction: It includes psychological conditions, like your thoughts, feelings, and mental stability, causing erectile dysfunction. 

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Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

To diagnose ED and identify its causes, specialists conduct thorough examinations and review medical histories.

1. Blood Tests

2. Physical Examination

3. Urine Tests

4. Ultrasound

5. Psychological Examination

6. Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) Test

7. Intracavernosal Injection Test

8. Penile Biothesiometry

9. Arteriography

10. Dynamic Infusion Cavernosometry and Cavernosography (DICC)

By analyzing reports and results from these diagnostic tests, medical professionals identify the root cause of Erectile dysfunction and develop a personalized treatment plan accordingly. 

Related Read: Common Diagnosis and Treatment Methods for Male Infertility

Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

The list of the best ED treatments contains top-notch treatment options that the best fertility centers, like Ferty9, provide to men suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Lifestyle Modifications

Improvement in lifestyles can help men achieve an erection and improve their sexual life. It mainly includes regular exercises and physical activities such as yoga and gyms. Further, a healthy diet plan, weight management, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and reducing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, and counseling improve overall health & male erectile disorder.

Oral ED Medications

Oral ED medication is another impactful measure to gain a healthy sexual life. Oral medications are considered the first line of medical treatment for erectile dysfunction, including Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra), and Avanafil (Stendra). These medications improve erectile function, sexual confidence, and satisfaction.

Vacuum Erection Devices for Erection Problems

This non-invasive ED treatment involves a device that consists of a plastic tube that is kept over the penis, a pump to create the vacuum that draws air out of the tube and a ring that is placed around the penis to maintain the erection. The device is safe and effective and has no side effects.

Penile Injections and Urethral Suppositories

Penile Injections involve the direct insertion of medicine into the sides of the penis. Experts leverage vasodilators such as alprostadil, papaverine, or phentolamine. The treatment enhances the blood flow in the penis, resulting in timely erection.

Medicated Urethral System for Erections or Urethral suppository treatment involves inserting a tiny pellet of medication into the urethra. This erectile dysfunction treatment relaxes blood vessels and improves the blood flow to the penis.

Other procedures for Male Erectile Disorder

Some semi-invasive and invasive procedures are also available to treat severe male erectile problems. It includes Penile Implants, Penile Prosthesis Surgery, Penile Vascular Surgery, Penile Revascularization, Penile Venous Ligation Surgery, and Shockwave Therapy. 

Patients must discuss the risks, side effects, and benefits of the above-mentioned treatment plans with healthcare specialists.  

Alternative Therapies and Natural Remedies

Some of the popular therapies and natural remedies to cure erection problems are-

• Herbal Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Homeopathy
• Chiropractic Care
• Aromatherapy
• Nutritional Therapy
• Mind-Body Therapies
• Massage Therapy
• Energy Healing
• Supplements and Natural Remedies

Prefer consulting with healthcare professionals before opting for these natural remedies, as these may react adversely with your current medications. 

Related Read: Male Infertility Rates in India

Conclusion

We understand how challenging it can be when erectile dysfunction (ED) affects both relationships and emotional well-being. At Ferty9 Fertility Center, we stand strongly with couples facing infertility issues. However, if erectile dysfunction (ED) is identified as a contributing factor to infertility, our dedicated specialists are equipped to address it. We provide personalized support and effective treatments to help couples achieve positive outcomes. You’re not alone in this journey—we’re here to guide you.

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