Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among men; in fact, statistics show that 1 in 5 men are affected by ED in the UK. This common affliction is nothing to be concerned about if it is not a regular occurence. However, if it does persist, then this could be a sign of a more serious medical problem.

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ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION TREATMENT

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Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Get treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) delivered discreetly, by a UK pharmacy.

It is estimated that ED affects over 50% of men worldwide, most commonly affecting men over the age of 40. There are many different reasons why men suffer from ED, which can include your general health, injury, and mental health conditions. There are ways to overcome and even reverse ED.


About

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is defined as:

  • Not being able to get an erection
  • Not being able to keep an erection for long enough to have sex


The way you feel is an important factor in being able to achieve and maintain an erection. To get an erection, you need to feel relaxed and sexually aroused.


Causes

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Sexual arousal in men is a process which involves the brain, hormones, nerves, emotions, and blood vessels. Erectile problems can arise when there is a problem with any of these processes. Problems can be both physical and psychological:
 

Physical causes of ED
  • Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke, epilepsy, obesity, Parkinson’s, low testosterone levels
  • Nerve damage
  • Smoking
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Anatomical problems with your penis such as Peyronie’s or penile fracture
  • Certain medication such as beta blockers (e.g. propranolol, bisoprolol), antidepressants (e.g. sertraline, citalopram), cholesterol medication (e.g. statins), ADHD treatments, chemotherapy
  • Cycling
     
Psychological causes of ED
  • Depression
  • Anxiety (including performance anxiety)
  • Stress
  • Poor self-esteem
  • Relationship problems

 

What is the main cause of erectile dysfunction?

The main cause of ED is from conditions which reduce the body’s ability to deliver blood to the penis. These include heart conditions, diabetes, and obesity. Other factors causing reduced blood flow to the penis include older age, smoking, and lack of physical activity.


Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction symptoms

Symptoms of ED include:

  • Not being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse
  • Not being able to keep an erection during sexual intercourse
  • Only being able to get or keep an erection during sexual intercourse sometimes
  • Low desire for sex


If you are experiencing symptoms of ED, you should visit your GP. Often, there is an underlying cause, and addressing the issue may help to reverse ED. In cases where ED is not resolved by treating the underlying issue, treatment can help.


Diagnosis

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

Your doctor or pharmacist will ask you a series of questions. The aim is to understand the underlying issue which is causing ED.

The consultation may include asking about:

  • Medication you are taking
  • Your mental health
  • Your general health
  • Whether you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs
  • Your erections - for example, whether you get an erection in the morning, whether you are able to penetrate during intercourse, whether you lose your erections quickly
  • When you started to experience ED
     

Is there test for erectile dysfunction?

There is no specific test for erectile dysfunction. The diagnosis will be made based on your symptoms. However, there are certain tests that can be performed which may provide information about an underlying condition that could be causing ED. These tests include:

  • Testosterone test
  • Full blood count
  • Cholesterol test
  • Blood pressure test
  • Urine analysis
  • Thyroid test
  • Kidney and liver test
  • Physical test (listening to your heartbeat, checking your weight)

Treatment

Erectile dysfunction treatments

There are different treatments for ED. The most common treatment is the use of tablets, which help to achieve and maintain an erection by improving blood flow to the penis. Injections are also available, and more recently, the use of topical formulations such as creams and gels have been introduced to the market.
 

Erectile dysfunction tablets

Tablets to treat ED are called PDE5 inhibitors. They work by increasing the levels of nitric oxide, a natural chemical in the body which relaxes smooth muscle in the penis. This improves blood flow, allowing users to get an erection upon sexual arousal.

It is important to note that these tablets do not increase sexual desire, nor will they work if there is no sexual stimulation. Sexual stimulation is required to cause nitric oxide to be released. The tablets work to improve nitric oxide signalling, making it easier to get an erection.

ED tablets vary in dosages and strengths, with some tablets working quicker and lasting longer than others.

Common side effects of ED tablets include headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion.

Your doctor or pharmacist will take your medical history into consideration, before prescribing the most suitable tablets. Some tablets may be more effective than other, depending on your situation. Certain ED tablets will work better in those with certain conditions such as diabetes. Some ED tablets are not suitable if you are taking a particular medication.

Examples where ED tablets may not be suitable:

  • If you take nitrate drugs used for angina, such as isosorbide mononitrate and glyceryl trinitrate
  • If you have certain medication conditions such as heart failure or kidney failure
  • If you have very low blood pressure


The most commonly prescribed ED tablets are:

Sildenafil (Viagra): Takes 60 minutes to work and lasts for up to 4 hours

Tadalafil (Cialis): Takes 30 minutes to work and lasts for up to 36 hours. (A daily tablet is also available which has a continuous effect for those who want to benefit from spontaneous sexual activity)

Vardenafil (Levitra): Takes 20 minutes to work and lasts for up to 5 hours

Avanafil (Spedra): Takes 15 minutes to work and lasts for up to 4 hours
 

Vacuum pump

A vacuum pump, also known as a penis pump, is a tube that is placed over the penis. The pump, which can be battery operated or manually pumped, will create suction within the tube. This motion promotes blood flow to the penis, helping to get an erection. Once you have achieved an erection, you place a tight ring on the base of the penis, helping to keep the blood there, and maintain an erection.

The erection usually lasts long enough for sexual activity. After intercourse, the ring is removed.

This method can cause bruising and can make it difficult to ejaculate.
 

Erectile dysfunction cream

ED cream contains the active ingredient alprostadil. It is a vasodilator, and helps to widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the penis.

The cream is not applied directly onto the penis, but inside the penis opening, known as the urethra. Users are required to hold the tip of the penis and create an opening. The cream has a thin applicator which makes it easier to squeeze it directly into the penis opening.

It takes anywhere between 5-30 minutes to work and lasts for up to 2 hours.

According to studies, ED cream is not effective as ED tablets, with only 52% of men reporting better erections. Studies show that sildenafil was successful in over 90% of men, and tadalafil was successful in over 70% of men.
 

Erectile dysfunction gel

This is the latest ED treatment which has been brought to market. It is not a prescription treatment, containing ethanol and propylene glycol.

The gel is applied directly onto the penis. It works by creating a rapid cooling effect, followed by a warming effect. This is thought to stimulate nerve endings and cause an erection within 10 minutes.

There have not been many clinical studies performed on this gel. User reviews online indicate that it has a low success rate.
 

Injections

Injectable ED treatments contain the ingredient alprostadil. It relaxes smooth muscle in the penis, increasing blood flow which causes an erection.

You will need to administer the injection yourself, and an erection should follow within 15 minutes.

Injections are used for ED where patients have had limited success with tablets, or where ED tablets have caused side effects.

ED injections have a high success rate of close to 90%.

The injection can cause pain at the site of administration.
 

Which is the best treatment for ED?

There are a few different options when it comes to treating ED, and you cannot take a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to solving the issue. Oral tablets are the most popular choice and most commonly prescribed treatment, due to their effectiveness, ease of administration and favourable price point. However, ED tablets aren’t always effective for everyone. You may need to try a few different options, before deciding what works for you. Ultimately, the best treatment is the one that works.
 

What are the latest treatments?

Erectile dysfunction gel is the latest advancement in the treatment of ED. However, lack of scientific data and poor feedback from users means that oral tablets are still the most popular choice.
 

Are there natural treatments for erectile dysfunction?

  • Exercise – Exercising can help to improve blood flow around your whole body. This includes the penis. Exercise also helps to manage and control long term conditions such a type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity, all of which are contributing factors to ED.
  • Counselling – If you suffer from psychological ED, you can benefit from therapy. The type of therapy will depend on what psychological symptoms you have, and therapy will be tailored to your specific need. For example, relationship troubles, depression, and anxiety, will require different techniques.
  • Lifestyle modifications – Eating healthy, reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and generally leading a healthier life, are all likely to play a contributing factor to helping improve ED symptoms.
     

Are there exercises for erectile dysfunction?

All forms of moderate to high intensity exercise on a regular basis, is likely to contribute to good vascular health. Certain exercises aimed at strengthening muscles around the pelvis, such as Kegel’s, can help to strengthen muscles and help the penis to retain blood for a longer duration of time.
 

Is there a permanent cure for erectile dysfunction?

If you suffer from psychological ED, counselling can help to reverse the effect that your mental state has on your sex life permanently.

If you suffer from physical ED, you will need to identify and treat the cause. There are certain long-term conditions that can improve with lifestyle modifications; however, this will depend on the extent of the condition, and how much permanent damage it has caused. Unfortunately, some of the damage to blood vessels and nerve endings are irreversible. In these cases, ED treatments can help to treat ED, but not cure it.


Prevention

How to prevent ED

  • Stop smoking – Smoking causes damage to blood vessels and clogs up arteries, both of which are required for a healthy flow of blood around the body.
  • Reduce alcohol intake – Alcohol lowers testosterone and can also cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, both of which are required to get an erection.  
  • Eat healthier – A good diet reduces the chances of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which contribute to ED.
  • Address mental health issues – To get an erection, you need to be relaxed and sexually aroused. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can prevent you from entering a relaxed state of mind.
  • Lose weight – If you are overweight, you are likely to have inflammation, poor insulin control and reduced blood flow. Obesity is also linked to long term health conditions which contribute to ED.

You can get ED treatment on the NHS if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, or high blood pressure. You will usually be limited to 4 tablets per month.

Testosterone replacement therapy will only help if you have a hormone condition which is reducing blood testosterone levels. If you have strong erections in the morning, you are unlikely to have low testosterone levels. However, if you are concerned about your testosterone levels, you should see your GP who can perform a blood test.

ED can be occasional and there may be times where you can achieve and maintain an erection. This is particularly common in those who are experiencing psychological ED. The ability to achieve and maintain an erection is dependent on your state of mind.

Whilst masturbation itself cannot cause ED, porn can give an unrealistic perception of sex, making it difficult to get sexually aroused in real life. This is known as porn-induced ED.

Studies show that ED becomes more common as you get older. It is estimated that at 40 years old, 40% of men are affected by ED. This figure increases by 1% per year. For example, 50% of men at age 50, and 60% of men aged 60, will be affected by ED.

The best ED tablet is the one that is most effective for you. The most commonly prescribed ED tablets are sildenafil and tadalafil. They have a high success rate and are cost effective. However, whilst these tablets work for most men, response to treatment may vary in individuals.

To find out more, visit our article looking at the differences between sildenafil and tadalafil.

Shockwave therapy involves using a wand-like device on different areas of the penis. A healthcare professional guides the device along different parts of the penis for approximately 15 minutes, emitting gentle pulses without the need for anaesthesia.

These pulses stimulate blood flow and tissue remodelling within the penis, resulting in improvements that can lead to better erections.

Currently, there is no established recommendation for the duration or frequency of treatment. However, clinical studies indicate that the most common treatment protocol consisted of twice-weekly sessions for 3 weeks, followed by a 3-week break, and then another 3 weeks of twice-weekly treatments.

According to studies, the positive effects of shockwave therapy were observed to persist for approximately one year.

While some foods may have a positive impact on overall health and potentially contribute to better sexual function, there is no definitive evidence to support the idea that specific foods can cure erectile dysfunction (ED). The same applies to vitamins and supplements marketed to help with ED. ED is a complex issue that can be influenced by various factors, including physical, psychological, and lifestyle-related aspects.

However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being, cardiovascular health, and blood circulation, which are important factors for a healthy erection. Here are some dietary considerations that may support sexual health:

  • Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, fruits and vegetables can contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
  • Whole Grains: Whole grains are a good source of fibre, which is associated with a reduced risk of ED. They also contribute to heart health.
  • Lean Proteins: Include sources of lean protein, such as poultry, fish, and legumes, in your diet. Protein is essential for overall health and muscle function.
  • Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Healthy fats are beneficial for heart health.
  • Water: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, including blood circulation.
  • Limit Processed Foods and Sugar: Excessive consumption of processed foods and added sugars can contribute to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are linked to ED.

Erectile dysfunction is a side effect of many drugs. Medication that can cause ED include:

  • Blood pressure medication – Such as ramipril, bisoprolol, amlodipine
  • Anti-anxiety medication – Such as propranolol
  • Antidepressants: Such as sertraline and venlafaxine
  • Prostate medication: Such as finasteride and tamsulosin
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cholesterol treatment (statins)


If you think that ED is a side effect of medication you are taking, you should visit your doctor or pharmacist for a medication review.

There are vitamins and herbal remedies which are marketed at treating ED. However, there is lack of scientific data within this field.

Certain approaches and lifestyle changes may help to improve erectile dysfunction. However, this can depend on whether ED is physical or psychological. The extent of irreversible damage caused by long term conditions such as diabetes, will also determine whether such changes can help to improve ED.

  1. Healthy Lifestyle:
  • Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can improve overall cardiovascular health, which is closely linked to erectile function.
  • Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can contribute to overall health.
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for reducing the risk of ED.
     
  1. Stress Management:
  • Chronic stress can contribute to ED. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may be beneficial.
     
  1. Adequate Sleep:
  • Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can negatively impact hormonal balance and sexual function.
     
  1. Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco Use:
  • Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can contribute to ED. Reducing or eliminating these substances may have a positive impact.

There is limited research to prove that vaping causes ED. Nicotine can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to areas of the body, including the penis. So, in theory, vaping can contribute to ED.

In the UK, ED treatment is available over the counter. Viagra Connect, containing the ingredient sildenafil 50mg; as well as Cialis Together, containing the ingredient tadalafil 10mg, are both available over the counter. The higher strengths of these medication are not available OTC.

There is lack of scientific data to prove the effectiveness of any natural or herbal ED treatment.

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