Erectile dysfunction itself may be treated with both medical and non-medical treatments.
Erections are neurovascular events, meaning that nerves and blood vessels (arteries and veins) are involved in the process of an erection and all must work properly to develop a hard erection that lasts long enough. Erection begins with sexual stimulation. Sexual stimulation can be tactile (for example, by a partner touching the penis or by masturbation) or mental (for example, by having sexual fantasies, or viewing porn). Sexual stimulation or sexual arousal causes the nerves going to the penis to release a chemical, nitric oxide. Nitric oxide increases the production of another chemical, cyclic GMP (cGMP), in the muscle of the corpora cavernosa. The cGMP causes the muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax, and this allows more blood to flow into the penis. The incoming blood fills the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand.
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Prostaglandin E1 (intraurethral alprostadil or MUSE) can be inserted in a pellet (suppository) form into the urethra to attain erections. It is available in four dosage strengths: 125 mcg, 250 mcg, 500 mcg, and 1,000 mcg. Most individuals need 500 mcg to 1,000 mcg for a satisfactory response.
Prescription ED medications are safe and effective ways for most men to treat ED. However, not all men want to take prescription medication, and some men cannot take PDE-5 medicine safely.
Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine examined data relating to erectile dysfunction and dietary factors. Researchers found that a dietary pattern that’s high in fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts and whole grains, and low in red and processed meat, is more common in men who aren’t affected by erectile dysfunction. These dietary choices, which fall within the guidelines of the Mediterranean diet, are associated with lower all-cause and disease-specific survival, according to researchers. And in clinical trials, following the Mediterranean diet was more effective in improving erectile dysfunction or restoring erectile function in people with metabolic syndrome or obesity. (21)
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The patient can inject medications directly into the corpora cavernosa to help attain and maintain erections. Medications such as papaverine hydrochloride, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) can be used alone or in combinations to attain erections. All of these medications are vasodilators and work by increasing blood flow into the penis. Prostaglandin E1 (Caverject, Edex) is easier to obtain; however, it is associated with penile pain in some individuals. The use of combinations of two or three of these medications can decrease the risk of having penile pain.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information. sexual health center/sexual health a-z list/erectile dysfunction ed impotence center /erectile dysfunction (ed, impotence) article Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence) Medical Author: Pamela I. Ellsworth, MD Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a man's inability to achieve and maintain a penile erection suitable for sexual intercourse.
Smoking, drinking alcohol and the use of recreational drugs such as narcotics, stimulants and hallucinogens can all affect sexual function. Chemicals from smoking can interfere with blood flow to your penis and damage the lining of the blood vessels or lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It can also affect the smooth muscle tissue that needs to relax to allow blood to flow in. Short-term use of alcohol affects sexual desire, reduces performance and delays orgasm and ejaculation.
Surgery. Most men don't get surgery for ED. But in some cases, doctors will do an operation to repair your arteries to boost blood flow to your penis. Or they can implant a bendable or inflatable rod inside your penis that you adjust to make it erect.
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These causes of ED can be categorized into two types: psychogenic (mental) and organic (physical). Psychogenic causes include depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and negative feelings about sex.Organic causes account for about 80 percent of ED cases and can be further classified as endocrine or non-endocrine. Endocrine-related causes are often connected to low testosterone levels, though more research is required to fully understand how the two intersect. Of the non-endocrine related causes of ED, vasculogenic causes, which affect blood supply and flow, are the most common. How to Get Diagnosed With Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction or ED (also known as impotence) is when a man cannot achieve or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse. This can be: a total inability, inconsistent ability, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections.
The surgery for placement of a penile prosthesis is typically outpatient. Doctors often perform a penile prosthesis through a single incision, and all of the components are hidden under the skin. Health care professionals often give patients antibiotics at the time of surgery and often after the surgery to decrease the risk of developing an infection. Depending on your health history, a health care provider may leave a catheter in your penis to drain your bladder overnight.
Learn More About Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction: Tests and Screenings, Early Diagnosis, and Your Doctors
Simply walking may be a good activity to try. According to one study, 30 minutes of walking a day was associated with a 41 percent decrease in risk for ED.
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are known to make a man unable to achieve or maintain an erection. Smoking affects the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the penis.