Is Erectile Dysfunction Curable And What Are My Options?

Erectile dysfunction, sometimes also called impotence, is a highly treatable condition. In most cases, it is possible to treat it and even though there are some causes of erectile dysfunction that are harder to cure, there are still treatment options that can help. 

Let’s start with the basics by exploring what erectile dysfunction is and what can cause it.

What is erectile dysfunction?

In short, erectile dysfunction means that you struggle to maintain an erection that is firm enough  for you to have sexual intercourse.

This may not happen every time you try to have sex. For some men it doesn’t happen every time, whereas others will struggle to get any erection at all.  

Many men suffer from erection issues at some point in their lives and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s important to seek support to tackle it though, especially as it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. 

In fact, erectile dysfunction can be one of the early signs of heart disease in men, so it is best to speak to a doctor if you are concerned. 

What causes erectile dysfunction?

This is where it becomes a little more complicated, as there are various types of erectile dysfunction each with its own causes. The main types of erectile dysfunction are:

• Vascular: this is the most common type of erectile dysfunction. It happens when the blood vessels in your penis that should hold blood, which allows you to maintain an erection, don’t work as they should.
  
• Psychological: this is typically caused by emotional or mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress. In this instance, there is nothing physically wrong with your penis, but your mind is preventing you from getting an erection.
  
• Nerve-related: this form of erectile dysfunction occurs when the nerves that send signals to your penis have been damaged. It is often caused by either physical trauma to that region of your body, or by other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or a stroke.
  
• Hormonal: normally this form of erectile dysfunction occurs when you have a lack of testosterone in your system, which is essential for helping you get and maintain an erection.

Other causes of erectile dysfunction can include certain medications and excessive alcohol consumption. 

What treatments can I get for erectile dysfunction?

The treatments available for erectile dysfunction are generally designed to increase blood flow to the penis. They are therefore most effective in cases where your vascular system is not working as it should in that part of your body.

The main medications available for treating erectile dysfunction are:

• Sildenafil
• Tadalafil
• Vardenafil
• Avanafil

Of those, sildenafil is the best known because it is sold under the brand name Viagra. Alongside vardenafil and avanafil, sildenafil is designed to work on demand. That means you will find it easier to get an erection within 30 to 60 minutes of taking the medication. 

These three medications will typically last for around eight hours.

Tadalafil works slightly differently. It is often sold under the brand name Cialis and it is designed to last for around 36 hours. This doesn’t mean you will maintain an erection for all of that time, simply that it will make it easier for you to get one if you are aroused during that period. 

In fact, it’s important to note that none of these medications will give you an instant erection. You will need to be sexually aroused for the drugs to have this effect. 

You can visit an online pharmacy for erectile dysfunction medication. 

Can lifestyle changes help cure erectile dysfunction?

In addition to taking medication, some men may find that making some lifestyle changes helps them tackle erectile dysfunction.

There are a range of habits and lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of developing erectile dysfunction, so these are a good place to start if you are having difficulties in this area.

Quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol consumption and losing weight can all help to improve your ability to get and maintain an erection. This means taking steps like increasing the amount you exercise, as well as making your diet healthier could help cure your erectile dysfunction.

If you know that you have a great deal of stress in your life, this is likely contributing to, if not causing, your erectile dysfunction. Therefore reducing the stress you are under can certainly help. 

You may also be suffering from depression or anxiety, in which case speaking to a counselor could be a good way to treat your erectile dysfunction and help you to restore your normal abilities to enjoy sex without the need for medication over the long term.