In the US, more than half of men aged 60-69 have reported experiencing some form of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is the number one sexual health problem in the country. The issue is so pervasive that the American Urological Association (UNA) even devoted an entire issue to it in its 2017 annual conference proceedings. But, what are men experiencing that causes such anxiety? Most commonly, ED is caused by problems with blood flow to the penis when aroused. This may be due to increased blood pressure or a deterioration of blood vessels (arterial sclerosis). The result is the same – impotence or poor self-image caused by the inability to perform as a sexually active adult. There is a plethora of reasons why men may develop this issue including, but not limited to, excessive alcohol use, smoking, obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and heart disease.
If you’re one of the millions of men suffering from erectile dysfunction, you may be wondering how to get help. You’re in luck because there are a multitude of treatment options available including, but not limited to, medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Which of these is right for you? That’s what we’re going to discuss in this article.
Medication Options
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already aware of the amazing benefits of taking medication for various illnesses and conditions. The same goes for erectile dysfunction. There are numerous FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat ED. These prescription drugs work by targeting specific organs, tissues, or glands (i.e. the liver) to raise nitric oxide levels (NO). Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring substance that functions as a chemical messenger in the human body. When there’s excess NO in the body, it can lead to various positive health effects including, but not limited to, improved mood and mental function, increased blood flow to various body parts (i.e. the brain, genitals), and suppression of the immune system.
The two most common medications used to treat erectile dysfunction are Viagra and Levitra (the generic for Viagra). These drugs are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (i.e. PDE-5 inhibitors) which, as the name suggests, reduce the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When this happens, sildenafil (i.e. Viagra) and vardenafil (i.e. Levitra) can help to maintain an erection for longer periods of time. Additionally, these medications may be prescribed for pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the arteries become weakened and prone to rupture.
The major downside to these medications is the cost. A 30-day supply of Viagra will set you back $274.95, and a 30-day supply of Levitra is priced at $249.95. It’s also important to note that not all men will be able to benefit from these medications. Specifically, those who have experienced a pulmonary embolism within the past six months, or who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) should not take PDE-5 inhibitors. The risk of these drugs is significantly higher in these individuals. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way of knowing which medications are safe to take and which ones you should avoid.
Surgery Options
Another viable option for men with erectile dysfunction is surgery. Specifically, there is a type of surgery known as vascular surgery that can be used to treat ED and improve blood flow to the penis. It involves the correction of various abnormalities or weaknesses in the vessels that supply blood to the organ. This type of surgery is not without risk however, and for that reason, it should only be considered as a last resort.
Luckily, there are still several options to choose from depending on your particular situation. For example, if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), then you may be a candidate for a procedure known as selective angiotomography (SAG). This procedure, which can be performed using x-rays or computer tomography (CT) scans, allows for the non-invasive diagnosis of erectile dysfunction and helps to determine the underlying cause. SAG is a minimally invasive surgery that requires only local anesthesia and is relatively painless. The benefits of this procedure include the ability to assess the condition of the vasculature and perform exact surgical corrections when needed. Additionally, repeated SAG procedures over time may help to maintain better erectile function. The procedure is also reversible so you don’t have to live with the fear of the organ failing you completely.
Lifestyle Changes
Last but not least, we have the option of changing our lifestyles. If you’re reading this, you may already be aware that there are plenty of things you can do to improve your sexual health. Some of the steps you may want to take include losing weight, getting more exercise, and cutting back on your alcohol intake. If these recommendations sound familiar, you may also want to consider reading our review of the best sports bras for women interested in enhancing their figures. There’s also the option of treating your erectile dysfunction with various supplements like ginkgo biloba, yohimbe, or horny goat weed. These natural remedies may help to increase blood flow to the penis and relieve ED symptoms. It’s also a good idea to learn how to perform oral sex and practice with a dental clamp or ball-peen hammer to improve your oral dexterity. Being able to stimulate yourself manually may also be a way of helping to achieve climax and prevent premature ejaculation (see also our guide on how to delay ejaculation).
Unfortunately, there’s no substitute for a healthy sexual life. Being unable to perform as a sexually active adult can have a profound effect on the quality of your life. Thankfully, there are numerous treatment options available ranging from medication to surgery. Ultimately, it’s a matter of finding the right blend of medications or surgical procedures for you and your doctor to determine the best course of treatment. But until then, you may want to try some of the things we’ve mentioned here to at least feel better about yourself. Good luck!