4 Treatment Options For Erectile Dysfunction

When a man is not able to get or maintain an erection, it is known as erectile dysfunction. Medical causes for erectile dysfunction (ED) are having inadequate nervous supply, lack of blood flow, or hormone imbalances. There are also psychological reasons, including high amounts of emotional stress, previous trauma, and anxiety. While it can be frustrating dealing with ED, there are some treatment options available. Here are some treatments to consider.

Over-the-Counter Medications

If you are interested in medicating for ED, you might want to start with over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. It is often better to start with these before heading to stronger prescription drugs because they are effective and easy to come by. Some OTC drugs and herbs to consider are L-Arginine, DHEA, yohimbe, and ginseng. DHEA and L-arginine are among the more common drugs to take for erectile dysfunction. They both help with sexual drive and hormonal imbalances.

Prescription Medications

If these OTC drugs and herbal supplements don't work, you can ask your doctor about prescription medications. When someone mentions "the little blue pill," this is what they are talking about. Some prescription drugs for ED are sildenafil and tadalafil. There is also vardenafil, which is available under different brand names. Be aware that you need to stick to the recommended dose. There are also some potential side effects of taking these drugs, including flushing, headache, nausea, nasal congestion, and vision changes. Most side effects are temporary.

Lifestyle Changes

Many doctors suggest lifestyle changes as a natural, drug-free way to reduce ED. If you don't live a healthy lifestyle, now is a great time to change. You might notice that you deal with erectile dysfunction less, and your overall health is improved. Lifestyle changes like switching to healthy eating, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are all important. You should also quit smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption, as they can both lead to ED problems.

Penile Injections

This treatment is often a last resort, but it is available from many doctors if these other treatments are not effective. There is a drug called alprostadili that is used for injections into the penis, which helps you get and maintain an erection. The erection can last a few hours, though a burning sensation is not uncommon when getting the injections.

Talk to your doctor about these and other treatment options if you are dealing with erectile dysfunction.