Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex. Occasional erectile dysfunction is not uncommon and frequently appears when a man is stressed. Having frequent ED, however, can be a sign of an underlying medical problem that requires treatment. Emotional concerns or difficulties within a relationship can also cause ED and are best addressed by a professional.
There are stages in the erection process, and ED can affect any part of the process. An erection begins when a man is sexually excited, either through sexual thoughts or direct contact with the penis. When someone is sexually excited, the muscles in the penis relax, allowing for increased blood flow to the penis. There are two chambers in the penis that fill with blood, and as they fill, the penis becomes rigid.
There are both mental and physical aspects to an erection, so there are many causes of ED that span both these categories.
Some common causes of ED include:
- cardiovascular disease
- hypertension
- diabetes
- obesity
- high cholesterol
- hormone imbalances
- increased age
- anxiety
- stress
- depression
- sleep disorders
- relationship problems
- prescription medications
- pelvic area injury
- Peyronie’s disease
In some cases, it is not a single one of these factors that causes ED, but a combination. For example, ED that occurs once can lead to increased stress with future sexual interactions, causing ED to occur more frequently. ED can often lead to other negative emotions which continue to perpetuate the cycle.
Medications
There are various medication options available to help treat ED.Some oral medications can help stimulate blood flow to the penis, which is beneficial for those who struggle with ED due to blood flow issues. Other medications can be used as a suppository or as a self-injection at the base or side of the penis. For those with low levels of testosterone, Testosterone Therapy is an option to supplement the body with more testosterone.
It’s also possible that medications used for other health conditions may cause ED. Talking to a doctor can allow you to go through the various medications, discuss side effects, and see if there is another option that may not cause ED.
PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies are growing increasingly popular across all areas of health and wellness. Part of the appeal of these therapies is that they utilize the patient’s own blood cells to help accelerate healing in a specific area of the body.By using your own blood, PRP therapies are safe to use and can even be used alongside other procedures with no fear of associated complications.
Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements, plasma, which is the liquid portion of your blood, and platelets, a blood cell that plays an essential role in healing. While platelets are most commonly known for their clotting abilities, they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and tissue regeneration, which leads to healing in the treated area.
Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains a higher concentration of platelets than normal.
It is collected by extracting a sample of blood from the patient and then spinning it in a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins the blood at high speed to extract the platelets. It is then formed into a serum that is injected into the penis.
PRP helps to form new, healthy cells and tissues in the penis, specifically the blood vessels. This promotes better blood flow which can lead to a stronger erection.
Shockwave Therapy
For those who want to avoid medications or injections, shockwave therapy is another option. This type of treatment works best for those with ED that results from poor blood flow to the penis.The low-intensity shockwaves help to speed up tissue repair and cell growth. When directed at the penis, shockwave therapy helps repair and strengthen the blood vessels in the penis, which then helps improve blood flow and improve erections.
This treatment involves a wand-like device, which is placed near different areas of the penis. The doctor will move the device along specific parts of the penis for about 15 minutes while the device emits gentle pulses. These pulses help to improve blood flow and trigger remodeling in the penis, leading to better erections.
The effects of shockwave therapy last for about a year. It is painless for most men and has very few, if any, side effects.
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