Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed. The Australian researchers also showed that even if erectile dysfunction medication is required, it’s likely to be more effective if you implement these healthy lifestyle changes. But erectile dysfunction is also caused by mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trouble with relationships. That’s why visiting a medical doctor for erectile dysfunction treatment is so valuable.
How does it feel when you can’t get an erection?
For many people, a physical exam and answering questions (medical history) are all that’s needed for a doctor to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment. If you have chronic health conditions or your doctor suspects that an underlying condition might be involved, you might need further tests or a consultation with a specialist. ARBs, such as Diovan (valsartan), work by reducing the action of the hormone angiotensin II. When angiotensin is activated, it causes blood vessels to contract and increases salt and water retention in the body, both of which can increase blood pressure.
How quickly does HCTZ lower blood pressure?
You can achieve this by making certain lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet. A 2019 literature review also concluded that pelvic floor exercises were effective at treating both ED and premature ejaculation. However, the researchers didn’t identify an ideal exercise plan in terms of conditions such as frequency and intensity. Since ED medications like Cialis and Viagra require prescriptions, you will need to talk with a doctor in order to purchase these medications online.
Get regular exercise
Viagra is likely the most popular ED medication and is available only by prescription. You can meet with your doctor in person to evaluate your ED symptoms. They can prescribe you Viagra, or you can connect with a doctor online through a reputable online service like Hims.
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Your doctor will be able to work with you to find the right solution. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. There are many different causes, which may include conditions that affect your blood vessels, neurological conditions, mental health conditions and injuries. A healthcare provider can diagnose and treat erectile dysfunction. The fact is that erectile dysfunction affects men of all ages.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
The study suggests that chronic stress may affect testosterone or cause sleep deprivation, which may contribute to ED. A small 2020 study found that cognitive behavior sex therapy (CBST) and medication were each effective on their own at reducing nonorganic ED. In addition, CBST was more effective at lowering anxiety among study participants. According to research from 2021, psychological interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were especially effective when paired with ED medications. Mental health interventions may also be effective, but more research is needed.
The cause of ED may be psychological, and the condition itself may lead to anxiety. Psychological treatments can reduce anxiety, increase self-confidence, and improve relationships with sexual partners. Erectile dysfunction can occur as a side effect of medication taken for another health condition. They can include lifestyle changes like modifying your diet and getting exercise, as well as seeking mental health or relationship counseling.
- Ask your provider to explain the risks and benefits of each treatment.
- You may see many herbs and supplements that claim to help sexual performance or desire.
- Still, natural remedies may help improve your ED and your overall health.
Side effects and underlying conditions keep some people from using them. That’s why researchers are exploring new avenues of treatment for ED. Certain devices, such as vacuum pumps, can also help you temporarily manage your fluoxetine withdrawal symptoms so that you can continue to engage in sexual intercourse. It’s not uncommon to lose an erection from time to time, especially during periods of increased stress or sudden changes to your diet or lifestyle.
If you have a regular sexual partner, your doctor may ask to talk to the two of you together. Sometimes called Doppler ultrasound, this is another way to check blood flow to the penis. Usually, men have three to five erections during the night as they sleep. Your doctor may use an overnight erection test to see whether you’re able to get an erection.
Interestingly, other vasodilators have shown potential in treating ED without high blood pressure by improving blood supply to the penis and improving erections. Alprostadil is an injectable vasodilator specifically used for treating erectile dysfunction. It operates by relaxing the muscles and expanding the blood vessels in the penis, which helps to maintain sufficient alcohol effects in the brain blood flow and enables an erection. But if one is dealing with chronic ED, “seeking out a healthcare provider – initially a primary care doctor for standard treatment, is the best way to go,” says Honig. Common treatments include oral medication prescriptions such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), topical gels, vacuum erection devices or shockwave therapy.
That way, they can rule out underlying causes and begin a treatment plan. Your doctor will monitor important clinical measurements, such as your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can all opiates detox help with the early identification and treatment of conditions that can potentially lead to ED. Maintaining your blood vessel health may be beneficial in both preventing and treating ED.
Moderate to vigorous exercise is not only good for your overall health. Medications for ED can cause side effects or interact badly with any medications you may already be taking. If you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects, talk with your doctor. You may need to use a combination of treatments, including medication or talk therapy.
Research suggests that anywhere from 3–76.5% of men have ED. There are several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ED pills available to treat the condition. Specific beta blockers linked to a higher risk of ED include bisoprolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol. Some newer beta blockers, however, may have less of an effect on ED. “Nebivolol is a beta blocker option recommended to avoid ED because of its lower risk of ED compared with other beta blockers,” Dr. Dasgupta explains. Talk to your provider if your erection problems have to do with a fear of heart problems.
If you find you’re having this difficulty, it might be time to talk with a doctor. The first group of men performed regular pelvic floor muscle exercises with a physiotherapist. They also received biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes. It is also important to note that you should not stop taking any prescribed medications without first talking with your doctor.
The chewable forms of these pills aren’t specifically approved by the FDA, but the ingredients are. Avanafil also carries similar risks of side effects and interactions as other PDE-5 inhibitors. In addition to OTC antihistamines, prescription antihistamines like Phenergan (promethazine) and Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are also linked to ED.
Proper research and medical consultation are key to finding a successful ED treatment. Combination therapy for ED is possible in certain cases, but it does not apply to every treatment. While it may seem like an uncomfortable suggestion, having open lines of communication with your sexual partner can be very important. A penile implant is an inflatable rod that’s inserted into your penis. When you press the pump, the implant fills with saline to give you an erection. Looking to learn more about online telehealth services for ED?
Mental health treatments and relationship counseling can help. Determining its cause can help people find the most appropriate treatments. It is not uncommon to experience problems with erections occasionally. However, if it happens routinely and disrupts a person’s life, they can try various treatments. Still, feel free to discuss any treatment options you’re curious about with your doctor.