Treating underlying conditions
Any underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension must be treated first. The doctor often stops any medications that may cause erectile dysfunction or replaces them with other medications. The patient should not stop using any medication before consulting the doctor.Being overweight is a risk factor for Erectile dysfunction, and therefore losing excess weight may help improve erectile function. Smoking is also a risk factor for atherosclerosis, and therefore smoking cessation may also help improve erectile function. If the patient drinks excessively stopping or limiting alcoholic beverages may help to improve Erectile dysfunction.
Education and counseling
Even Erectile dysfunction caused by a physical problem may have a psychological aspect, so the doctor can provide educational materials to help the patient and his sexual partner.A sex therapist can help the couple improve communication between them and reduce psychological stress and anxiety related to sexual performance and solve marital problems that contribute to Erectile dysfunction.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor oral pills
Oral phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitors such as sildenafil, vardenafil, avanafil, and tadalafil are the main treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is used more often than other medications because they are easy to use.These drugs increase blood flow to the penis but differ in how long they work, their side effects, and their interactions with the blood. The effect of tadalafil lasts longer than other drugs up to 36 hours.
Most phosphodiesterase inhibitors work well when taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before sexual activity. It can cause some side effects, such as headache, a rash on the face or mild redness, and indigestion.
It is also worth noting that these Erectile dysfunction medications are only available with a prescription and under the supervision of a doctor, because they have drug interactions and dangerous side effects, especially in the heart.
Taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors is contraindicated with medicines that contain nitrates, such as medicines to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries in heart patients, and it is also forbidden to take them for anyone whose physical, medical, or psychological condition does not allow them to have sex.
Testosterone replacement therapy
Testosterone is called the male hormone. A low level of testosterone in the blood can cause low sexual desire or Erectile dysfunction. These testosterone preparations are used in patches or gel forms that are applied to the skin.Your doctor may also sometimes recommend the use of testosterone in the form of nasal sprays and subcutaneous implants. Patients with very low levels of testosterone may need to use testosterone injections as often as twice a month.
Sometimes doctors may prescribe a combination of sildenafil and testosterone replacement therapy, which can be successful.
Alprostadil muse or injection
In some cases, the doctor can prescribe a drug called Alprostadil, a drug that dilates blood vessels, which can be used to treat erectile dysfunction when the previous options of medications are not appropriate. It can be given as an intraurethral muse or intracavernosal injection.The doctor may inject alprostadil alone or in combination with papaver e and phentolamine is directly inserted into the penis using a very thin needle, which helps most men get a good erection.
In the penis. Usually, the doctor trains the patient to inject the drug himself during a visit to the doctor's office. After that, the man can inject himself with these drugs at home
Alprostadil and oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be combined in men for whom oral medications alone are not sufficient to treat their conditions
Vacuum constriction device:
Patients who can achieve but not maintain an erection can use constriction rings. Once an erection occurs, a plastic ring is placed around the base of the penis, preventing blood from flowing back and keeping the penis firm.If a man cannot achieve an erection, a suction device may be used on the penis to help achieve this. The device sucks blood into the penis by applying light suction, after which the plastic ring is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Among the negative effects of this method are bruising of the penis, cold head, and loss of spontaneity in the sexual process. Sometimes the tightening rings and the suction device can be combined with drug treatments.
Surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction
Surgical intervention is considered the last option in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and is only used in severe cases. Penile surgeries used to treat Erectile dysfunction include penile prosthesis implantation and penile revascularization surgery.Penile prosthesis implantation :
This surgery is the last option for men who have not been successful with drug treatment and other non-surgical treatment optionsThe penile prosthesis implant may take the form of solid silicone rods or hydraulic devices that can be inflated or vented. Both types involve risks of general anesthesia, infection, and implant defect.
This surgery is simple and its success rate is very good, and the doctor’s participation in the decision-making process and the therapeutic measures greatly increases the chances of success.
Penile revascularization surgery
This surgical procedure aims to correct and treat any abnormality in the blood vessels that cause Erectile dysfunctionIt is another surgery available, but with relatively low success rates. In some special cases, this operation may be an effective treatment.
