Erectile Dysfunction Treatments: Which Is Right For You?

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

There is a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments available. Important factors for the determination of the best treatments are underlying health problems, causes, and condition severity. Not only will the doctor explain each treatment’s benefits and risks, they will take your preferences into consideration. The preferences of your partner will also play a role in the choice for treatment.

Many men successfully use oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Cialis (Tadalafil)
• Levitra, Staxyn (Vardenafil)
• Viagra (Sildenafil)

All of these medications work in a similar matter. Nitric oxide, which causes the penis muscles to relax and is a natural chemical produced by the body, is enhanced by these drugs. Blood flow is increased allowing you to obtain an erection when sexually stimulated. The dosage, side effects, and how long it takes the medications to work will vary. The determination of which medication will work best will be made by your doctor using your specific situation.

Flushing, headache, stomach upset, changes in vision and nasal congestion are among the possible side effects.

Your erectile dysfunction might not be fixed immediately by the medications. You might have to have the dosage adjusted and work with the doctor to find the medication that is right.

Get a doctor’s approval before you take any prescription, over the counter or herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction. Not all men should take these medications for erectile dysfunction even though they might help some people. There medications might not only fail to work for you they could be dangerous if:

• Nitrate drugs which are typically prescribed for angina (chest pain) are being taken including various forms of nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate.
• Have had a stroke
• Have heart disease or failure
• Are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner), medication for high blood pressure or alpha blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
• Suffer from diabetes that is not under control
• Have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (extremely low blood pressure)

Penis pumps, surgery and implants

It may or may not be a good choice to use medications and they might not work for you. The doctor might recommend a different option for treatment in this case.

Other options for Treatment:

• Vacuum erection device (penis pump) – a battery operated or hand powered hollow tube that acts as a pump. It is put over the penis and used to suck air out of the tube. Blood is pulled into the penis by the vacuum that is created. A tension ring is placed around the penis base once an erection is gotten so that the blood will remain in it, keeping the penis firm. The device is then removed. The erection will usually last long enough for you to have sex. The tension ring is removed after intercourse. A possible side effect is the bruising of the penis and ejaculation might be less forceful. A specific model might be recommended by your doctor, as a penis pump is a good option for your treatment. You will be sure that the manufacturer is reputable and it fits your needs. The ones that you find in sex ads, and magazines might not be effective or safe.
• Penile implants – two sides of the penis have devices surgically placed in them. Semi-rigid or inflatable rods are what make up these implants. You can control when you have an erection and how long it is with inflatable devices. The penis is kept firm but can be bent with the semi-rigid rods. Other methods are usually tried before these are suggested. Complications such as infection are a risk just like they would be with any other surgery.
• Blood vessel surgery – erectile dysfunction can be caused by obstructed or leaking blood vessels in rare cases. There are surgically repaired.

ammy Mahan shares her knowledge on Healthline.com .

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Erectile Dysfunction Facts

Erectile Dysfunction is an issue that an estimated 18-30 million men have to face every day. With only 33% of men asking for help, this is an issue that a lot of men don’t seek help for. So here is some knowledge on Erectile Dysfunction, some of the side effects and why it’s extremely important to get help from an urologist. In this infograph you will learn a lot of Erectile Dysfunction and different aspects that could affect you. Something as simple as your career could cause a lot of damage to your sexual health because of your stress levels. Also, 70% of Amercians with ED had underlying kidney disease, so having ED could be a warning sign for the rest of your body. Read more about Erectile Dysfunction, these issues that come along with it and some of the treatments that could help your life get back on track.

Derek is currently blogging for Erectile Doctor, an online directory that helps direct men to Urologists in a discreet manner. Men could find treatment for ED, receive advice, and get help from a professional.

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Men's Health Issues that Need Attention

Men’s health issues, like women’s health issues, have been properly studied and documented. Yet, there are health issues today that most men are hesitant to talk about or seek proper diagnosis from their doctors or other health professionals. For this reason, they just allow these health issues to become worst. Some of these health issues include the following:

Sexual Issues

Erectile dysfunction is a health issue that is common among men, yet most men refuse or hesitate to acknowledge this problem. This is because of the culture that sets men’s thinking that their admittance of erectile dysfunction will somehow, diminish their masculinity. Hence, instead of discussing the issue with their doctor or partner, they try to find solution or quick fixes from untested products. In many cases, the solution to this health issue is to simply reduce the stress and take time to relax. However, it can also be a symptom of an underlying health issue such as a prostate problem or diabetes. Hence, if erectile dysfunction is experienced, it is important to seek for a health professional advice for proper diagnosis and avoid making the problem worst.

Infertility

Most men often misinterpret infertility with erectile dysfunction. These two health issues are not related to each other. Infertility is a men’s health issue which is characterized by slow sperm motility, a low amount of sperm that is present in the semen, abnormal size or shape of the sperm, or issues with the semen itself. Hence, even if a man suffers from infertility, he can still achieve an erection. However, in many cases, especially in places where male dominance is important, an otherwise healthy man refuses to go through a fertility test.

Today numerous health innovations are available to treat this disorder, which start from medications to IVF (In-vitro fertilization). Nevertheless, in some cases, infertility can be resolved by simply avoiding or making changes to one’s lifestyle such as exercising regularly, eating proper diet, decreasing or completely avoiding alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. Men who are involved in jobs like manufacturing, landscaping, or construction should try to minimize exposing their selves to environmental toxins, which come from pesticides, radiation, lead, and insecticides by wearing protective items like masks. Even so, it is still important to seek professional diagnosis to get the best solution.

Tinnitus

Though tinnitus affects people of all genders and ages, it is more likely to develop in men. About one man, out of eight men with ages ranging from 65 to 74, suffers from this condition. This condition has been regarded as a symptom of an underlying health issue than an actual health disorder. It is characterized by hearing noises every now and then, disrupting sleep or concentration. These noises can vary from roaring, squeaking, whooshing, chirping, ringing, whistling, hissing, buzzing, and more. In most cases, only the sufferer can hear these noises. This condition can be avoided or treated by wearing ear protectors, avoiding loud noises, learning to manage chronic stress, and quitting smoking and alcohol drinking. Nonetheless, if the condition persists, seek for a professional help.

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Erectile Dysfunction Evaluation: What to Expect

If you have made an appointment to see your doctor about erectile problems, you have taken the hardest step. Now, you need to make the most of your medical evaluation so that you receive the right treatment. It helps to know what to expect and what your physician will ask of you in order to make an accurate diagnosis. 

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, has multiple causes. Even if you suspect the reason in your case, your doctor needs to do a thorough assessment. The exam entails asking you many questions about your sex life, erectile function, and overall men's health. As the questions are quite personal, you may want to prepare for the most likely ones. Expect to explain in detail when you noticed your erectile problems and whether the onset was sudden or gradual. You will also need to describe exactly what is occurring and whether it coincides with a particular situation.

In addition to questions, your doctor will take a thorough medical history. You will want to have information handy about any medical conditions, their diagnosis and treatment, and surgery dates. If you have copies of records or prescriptions from another doctor, bring those along. You should also be prepared to discuss overall health such as sleep, diet, and exercise habits.
Typical evaluation questions include:

• The nature and onset of your erectile problems
• When and how you achieve erections
• Whether sex is painful
• Past and present medical conditions
• Medications and supplements taken regularly
• Alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine intake
• Drug use including overuse of prescription drugs

As psychological factors can cause or exacerbate ED, your doctor will ask you screening questions. Be prepared to discuss these topics:

• Mood changes such as anxiety or depression
• Stressful personal situations
• If in a stable relationship, issues such as tension or a partner’s sexual problems
• Whether you can achieve erections on your own
• Spontaneous morning erections
• Premature ejaculation

In addition, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for physiological issues. The evaluation typically includes penile nerve function and circulation, structural abnormalities such as a curved penis, and a prostate exam. You will likely be asked questions to help determine whether your testosterone levels are low. For example, your doctor may inquire whether your sex drive has changed.

Some men have a silent medical condition, such as early diabetes or high blood pressure, that is causing ED. If you have not had a recent health screening, your doctor may order lab work in addition to taking your blood pressure. As lab results are critical to treatment, take the tests as soon as possible and follow all preparation instructions.

Talking about ED is never pleasant, but seeking medical help is a smart move. By knowing what to expect at your evaluation, you can better partner with your doctor to regain a satisfying sex life.

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