Erectile dysfunction is common in men, especially those who face "performance anxiety" when they have to perform on demand at the exact moment of ovulation.
Erectile dysfunction is surprisingly more common in young men than most people realise. Erectile dysfunction can be a major source of emotional frustration for men and their partners, and an obvious barrier to natural conception. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available, including pills, devices, procedures and even surgery. In this article, we go through several options for you.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to obtain or maintain an erection. Many people think that erectile dysfunction only affects older men, but this is not true! Erectile dysfunction is much more common than you might think, affecting up to 30% of men under the age of 40. Many factors can affect a man's erection, including psychological stress, hormonal abnormalities, medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, nerve damage and so on. Erectile dysfunction is often a source of significant psychological distress for men, who may experience feelings of frustration, inadequacy, low self-esteem and depression. These men's partners often also feel the emotional strain of the condition.
The link between erectile dysfunction and fertility
It's not hard to imagine how an erectile dysfunction can be an obstacle to fertility for many couples. After all, sperm has to reach the egg to make a baby! Often, erectile dysfunction is due to "performance anxiety" associated with scheduled intercourse during ovulation. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for treatment.
Modify and improve your lifestyle
Many specialists in the field of sexual medicine regard the penis as a window on a man's health. Since an erection requires a perfect interaction between hormones, blood vessels and nerves, factors that affect these vital bodily systems often manifest themselves in the form of erectile dysfunction. As a result, improved diet, exercise, sleep and weight loss can all play a crucial role in restoring a man's erections. The first step in treating erectile dysfunction is to look at these lifestyle factors and find areas that can be improved. Thirty minutes of (cardio) exercise a day can significantly improve erectile function. Many of the same factors affecting erectile dysfunction can also have a negative impact on sperm count, so you can kill two birds with one stone by improving your lifestyle!
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PD5is) (Viagra) and erectile dysfunction
Viagra, the 'little blue pill', revolutionised the field of erectile dysfunction when it was launched in 1998, and today remains one of the most popular drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction. Viagra is one of four drugs in the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor class, all of which act on the same biochemical pathway to promote blood flow to the penis by generating a molecule called nitric oxide. Cialis is probably the second most commonly prescribed drug and can be taken as a low-dose daily pill, allowing greater spontaneity during intercourse. Levitra and Spedra also have advantages and disadvantages in terms of side-effect profile, and some patients may prefer one over the other. The subtleties between the different options deserve to be discussed with a urologist in order to find the best option for each patient. Be careful not to take these drugs before consulting a specialist.
Erectile dysfunction and arginine
It is a naturally occurring amino acid, widely available in the form of over-the-counter dietary supplements. This amino acid can help promote the formation of nitric oxide, the key molecule used to generate an erection. Patients looking for a natural, non-prescription supplement can benefit.
Our food supplement +fertimen contain several amino acids, including arginine, to give you the best possible chance of conceiving a child.
Erectile dysfunction: penis vacuum
Medical vacuum pumps come in all shapes and sizes, from simple manual pumps to sophisticated electronic versions. By generating negative pressure in a chamber, they draw blood into the penis, creating an erection. They are often combined with a penile constriction ring to keep blood in the penis after the pump has been used. Men looking for a drug-free solution can try this method.
Erectile dysfunction and intracavernosal injections (ICI)
This is a long-standing treatment for erectile dysfunction dating back to the 1980s, involving injections of medication using a tiny needle directly into the penis to generate an erection. Men looking for the most definitive form of medical therapy for erections will often turn to this treatment. Correct dosage is essential, as taking too much can cause a serious problem called priapism, when an erection lasts too long and constitutes a medical emergency. ICI should only be prescribed by a doctor experienced in treating men with sexual dysfunction. Of course, there's one big drawback: you have to inject the penis with a needle!
Erectile dysfunction and intraurethral Alprostadil
Another direct therapy to the penis is intra-urethral alprostadil. It includes a variety of suppositories, lozenges and gels that are inserted into the urethra and deliver medication directly into the penis to create an erection.
Erectile dysfunction and low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT)
A relatively new technology, low-intensity shockwave therapy sends pulses of energy to the penis to treat erectile dysfunction. This method is non-invasive, painless and fast, which makes it attractive to many men. However, it should be noted that scientific data on the effectiveness of lightwave therapy is mixed, and therefore still evolving. It may still be considered an experimental therapy until more conclusive research is carried out.
Erectile dysfunction and penile prosthesis
Penile prosthesis is the ultimate remedy for erectile dysfunction. It is the only therapy that can be said to be 100% effective in generating an erection. It consists of a mechanical pump placed inside the penis by means of surgery. Although it requires surgery, for the man who is looking for a definitive therapy, or who cannot tolerate or has failed the other therapies listed above, it can be an excellent option for restoring a normal sex life.
As with all medical problems, it's best to consult a urologist or an expert in sexual medicine to find the best treatment for you. The sooner you can restore normal erectile function, the sooner couples can get back to making a baby!
