There’s no question that the internet has changed the way we all date, socialize, and consummate relationships. Thanks to the magic of smartphones and social media, our preferences, wants, and needs have become more easily accessible than ever before. For those in search of alternative remedies, however, finding what they’re looking for can be a bit more challenging. That’s where this article comes in. We’ll discuss the various treatments and medications available for erectile dysfunction and how to spot a fad diet or herbal supplement that might be causing your symptoms.
The Many Treatments Available
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) and are looking for a solution. If you’re not sure what ED is or if you suspect you might have it, continue reading. Your life, and the lives of those around you, may depend on it.
ED, commonly known as impotence, is a condition that affects over 150 million men worldwide. In the United States alone, about 20 million men suffer from ED, which is more than any other country in the world. Fortunately, the condition is mostly treatable, and there are a variety of solutions available to help you get back to a healthy sexual life. If you’re reading this, I assume you’re also interested in finding a solution and trying to understand what ED is and how you can treat it. Let’s get into it.
Medications
While dietary supplements and lifestyle changes might help you temporarily, medications are the ultimate solution to curing ED. As the name implies, medications are compounds (often synthesized from natural products) that are manufactured to treat medical conditions. Medications are largely used to treat cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, diabetes, and mental health conditions. In some cases, medications are also prescribed for other conditions that can cause ED, such as liver disease or spinal cord injury.
The primary way that medications work is by affecting the function of the body’s organs. For instance, sildenafil (sold under the trade name Viagra) works by increasing the blood flow to the penis, so that it becomes erectile. This drug is actually a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which prevents the enzyme from breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). As a result, cGMP builds up in the corpus cavernosum, causing blood vessels there to relax and increase blood flow into the member. Sildenafil, therefore, allows for greater arousal during sexual activity and, ultimately, improved sexual satisfaction for men. While sildenafil has been hugely beneficial in helping men with ED, it’s not the only medication used for the condition.
Dapoxetine
Dapoxetine, also known as silodapin or SDZ ADAPTA, is another drug that’s been approved for treating ED. Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that was first approved by the FDA in 2006 as a treatment for depression. In some people, it’s also been found to be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation and hot flashes (a hypersexuality effect). Because of its multiple uses, it’s probably the most prescribed medication for ED in the U.S. today.
Dapoxetine has been found to directly increase the sensitivity of men’s penile nerves so that they can better respond to sexual stimulation. In other words, it acts as a nitric oxide (NO) donor, which allows for enhanced blood flow into the penis during arousal. This particular medication is often used in combination with sildenafil or another PDE5 inhibitor for maximum effectiveness.
PDE5 Inhibitors
Another class of medications that can effectively treat ED is the PDE5 inhibitors. This group of medications relaxes the muscles in the blood vessels, which increases blood flow into the penis. They also work by preventing PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, which allows more of it to stay active in the body. As a result of increased cGMP (and, therefore, blood flow), men are better able to achieve and maintain an erection that lasts longer than usual. They also, generally, experience increased sexual satisfaction.
There are a few different types of PDE5 inhibitors, but the two most prescribed classes are sildenafil and tadalafil (both are sold under the trade name CIALIS). While tadalafil is a bit more expensive, it has a longer half-life, so it requires fewer doses per day. That being said, both sildenafil and tadalafil have been found to be highly effective for treating ED and neither has significant side effects. PDE5 inhibitors are generally well-tolerated and have a low incidence of serious, drug-related side effects. The most common side effect associated with PDE5 inhibitors is headaches, which occur in about 15% of patients taking sildenafil.
L-Arginine
Another less commonly used but effective treatment for ED is L-Arginine, which is a natural amino acid that occurs in the penile tissues. Like the other treatments mentioned thus far, L-Arginine increases blood flow to the penis and improves erectile function. It does this by increasing the blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain, where it helps produce nitric oxide (NO), which is a chemical that helps regulate blood flow in the cardiovascular system.
L-Arginine has been shown to be more effective than placebo in double-blind clinical trials, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in erectile function in men with ED. As a result of increased blood flow to their penis, men who took L-Arginine experienced increases in sexual desire and overall satisfaction. While the treatment has been around for a while, it has been underutilized due to its non-prescription status. Some studies have even suggested that a majority of men with ED might not even know that they have the condition until they try L-Arginine. Since its approval in 2007, the FDA has approved around 30 other drugs, including antibiotics, that utilize L-Arginine’s unique ability to improve erectile function.
Surgery
For those who fail to benefit from the above treatments, surgery is an option. With surgery, the underlying cause of the problem is often corrected, which can result in permanent cures. Penile prosthesis is a common type of surgery used to treat ED, which involves the implantation of a mechanical device into the penis to allow for stronger erections. While surgery can be effective for those who fail to respond to other treatments, it’s a drastic measure that needs to be considered carefully.