Treatment options for erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Most experts now agree that up to 80 percent of all ED cases may be due to physical conditions1, with psychological causes accounting for the remaining 20 percent. In many cases, however, there are both physical and psychological reasons. Below are some of the risk factors or causes of ED.Risk factors and causes of EDPhysical causes of EDVascular Disease: Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries caused by high cholesterol or high blood pressure), heart disease, stroke, and hypertension (high blood pressure) all affect blood flow in and out of the penis.2 Vascular disease is the most common physical cause of ED. Diabetes: This chronic condition can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and damage to the blood vessels that supply the penis. Two out of three men with diabetes can develop ED.3Nerve diseases: Neurological conditions include spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and nerve damage due to diabetes or alcoholism.2Hormonal problems: Low levels of the male hormone testosterone can result in ED.2Surgery: Surgery for colon, rectal or prostate disease and even radiation therapy in the pelvic area can damage nerves and blood vessels, which may result in ED.4Trauma:
§ Spinal cord injuries2
§ Pelvic fractures
Chronic medical conditions: If you have a chronic medical condition ask your doctor whether it might be affecting your sexual health.Side effects of medications: There is a long list of prescription medications and over-the-counter medications that have the potential side effect of ED. If you observe problems with your erection after starting a new medication, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about possible side effects of the medication and possible alternatives and solutions. Do not stop or change the dosage of any medication without advice from your doctor.2Lifestyle factorsAlcohol: Heavy drinking may immediately reduce your ability to have a strong erection. Long-term, excessive drinking can cause nerve and liver damage and hormonal imbalance.2Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise can lead to ED.2Smoking: Men who smoke have a greater chance of developing ED than men who don't smoke, according to a targeted clinical study. This might be due to increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.2Psychological causesThese can occur alone or in combination with one or more of the physical causes of ED.2Performance anxiety: When a man is anxious about his sexual performance, his erectile function can be affected.2Stress: Stress can affect sexual performance.2Depression: Men with ED can have some degree of depression and men with depression can also have ED.2Relationship problems: Tensions with your sexual partner, whether related to sexual issues or others, such as financial or family problems, can negatively affect sexual function.2

Treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Finding an ED treatment to suit your lifestyleThe first thing to know is that there is now a range of treatment options available, including a number of oral treatments (tablets).Clearly, there are different treatments and treatment options to suit the needs of different people. So make sure you speak to your local or family doctor about the best treatment option for you.Oral medication for EDThere are a number of tablets available in this class, known as PDE5 inhibitors. Your doctor can explain the differences between these tablets.These treatments are generally well tolerated, and work in the majority of men with mild to moderate ED. The tablets work by enhancing the normal sexual response, allowing greater blood flow to the penis.A common misconception is that men will have a permanent erection while the medication is working – this is not the case. They require sexual stimulation to work.You should obtain these tablets on prescription from your doctor and purchase through your pharmacist for personal use only.Remember that you should always talk to a doctor before commencing medical treatment to assess your individual suitability for taking these tablets or other treatments.