For many people, a physical exam and answering questions (medical history) is enough for a doctor to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend treatment. You need further tests or advice from a specialist.
Tests For Underlying Medical Conditions May Include:
Physical Exam
This may involve a careful examination of your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for sensation.
Blood Test
A blood sample may be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone, and other conditions.
Urine Test
Like blood tests, urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.
This test is usually performed by a specialist in a doctor’s office. It uses a wand-like device (transducer) that is placed over the blood vessels that supply the penile. It creates a video image so your doctor can see if you have circulatory problems. This test is sometimes done in combination with an injection of medication into the penis to increase blood flow and produce an erection.
Psychological Examination
Your doctor may ask you questions to look for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
Treatment
The first thing your doctor will do is make sure you get the right treatment for any health issues that could be causing or aggravating your erectile dysfunction.
Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and any underlying health issues, you may have multiple treatment options available to you. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and will take your preferences into account. Your partner’s preferences can also influence your treatment options.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men. They include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
All four drugs increase the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical your body makes that relaxes the muscles in your penile. This increases blood flow, allowing you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
Taking one of these tablets does not automatically lead to an erection. Sexual stimulation is first required to induce the release of nitric oxide from the nerves of the penis. These drugs amplify this signal and allow normal penile function in some people. Oral erectile dysfunction medications are not aphrodisiacs, do not cause arousal, and are not necessary for people with normal erections.
Side Effects
Medications vary in dosage, duration of action, and side effects. Possible side effects include hot flashes, nasal congestion, headaches, blurred vision, back pain, and upset stomach. Your doctor will consider your particular situation to determine which drug works best. These medicines may not treat your erectile dysfunction right away. You may need to work with your doctor to find the right medication and dosage for you.
Get your doctor’s approval before taking any medication for erectile dysfunction, including over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies. Medications for erectile dysfunction do not work for everyone and may be less effective in certain conditions, such as: after prostate surgery or if you suffer from diabetes. Some medicines can also be dangerous if you, do consult your doctor before you take any. Some of them might have allergic reactions.
Latest Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction
If medications are not effective or appropriate for you, your doctor may recommend another treatment.
Other Treatments Include
Penile Pumps
A Penile pump (vacuum erection device) is a hollow tube with a manual or battery-powered pump. The tube is placed over your penis and then the pump is used to suck the air into the tube. This creates a vacuum that draws blood into your Penile. Once he gets an erection, he slides a constriction ring around the base of his penis to hold back the blood and keep it firm. Then remove the vacuum device.
The erection usually lasts long enough for a couple to have intercourse. The tension ring is removed after intercourse. Penile bruising is a possible side effect, and the band restricts ejaculation. Your penile may feel cold. If a penis pump is a good treatment option for you, your doctor can recommend or prescribe a specific model. This way you can be sure that it will meet your needs and that it is made by a trusted manufacturer.
Penile Implants
This treatment involves the surgical placement of devices on either side of the penis. These implants consist of inflatable or malleable (flexible) rods. Inflatable devices allow you to control when and how long you have an erection. The malleable rods hold your penis tight yet flexible.
Penile implants are generally not recommended until other methods have been tried. Implants have a high level of satisfaction among those who have tried and failed more conservative therapies. As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications such as infection. Penile implant surgery is not recommended if you currently have a urinary tract infection.
Exercise
Recent studies have found that exercise, especially moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, can improve erectile dysfunction.
Even less strenuous, regular exercise might reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Increasing your level of activity might also further reduce your risk.
Discuss an exercise plan with your doctor.
Psychological Counselling
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety, or depression — or the condition is creating stress and relationship tension — your doctor might suggest that you, or you and your partner, visit a psychologist or counselor.
Lifestyle And Home Remedies
For many people, erectile dysfunction is caused or aggravated by lifestyle choices. Here are some steps that can help:
If You Smoke, Stop
If you are having trouble quitting, get help. Try nicotine replacements, like over-the-counter gum or lozenges, or ask your doctor about a prescription drug that can help you quit.
Lose Excess Weight
Being overweight can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Build Physical Activity Into Your Daily Routine
Routine Exercise can help with the underlying conditions that play a role in erectile dysfunction in a several ways, including reducing stress, losing weight, and increasing blood flow. Get treatment for alcohol or drug problems. Drinking too much alcohol or using certain illegal drugs can directly aggravate erectile dysfunction or cause long-term health problems
Solve Relationship Problems
Consider couples therapy if you are having trouble improving communication with your partner or solving problems on your own.
Alternative Medicine
Before Using Any Dietary Supplement, Ask Your Doctor If It Is Safe For You, Especially If You Have A chronic health condition. Some alternative products that claim to treat erectile dysfunction can be dangerous. Warnings on various types of herbal Viagra because they contain potentially harmful drugs not listed on the label. Doses may also be unknown or contaminated during formulation. Some of these drugs can interact with prescription drugs and cause dangerously low blood pressure. These products are especially dangerous for anyone taking nitrates.
Coping And Support
Whether the cause is physical, psychological, or a combination of both, erectile dysfunction can be a source of mental and emotional distress for you and your partner. Here are some steps you can take: Don’t assume you’re in a long-term relationship. Output.
Do not see occasional erection problems as a sign of your health or masculinity and do not automatically expect that the next time you have the sex you will have erection problems again. This can lead to anxiety, which could make erectile dysfunction worse.
Include Your Sexual Partner
Your partner may see your inability to get an erection as a sign of decreased sexual interest.
Your assurance that this is not the case can help. honest about your condition. Treatment may be more successful for you if your partner is involved. Do not ignore stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Talk to your doctor or see a mental health provider to resolve these issues.
Preparing For Your Appointment
You probably start by seeing your GP. Depending on your specific health problem, you can go directly to a specialist, e.g. to a doctor who specializes in male genital problems (urologist) or a doctor who specializes in hormone systems (endocrinologist).
Because appointments can be short and there is often a lot to do, it is a good idea to be well prepared. Here’s information to help you prepare and what to expect from your doctor.
What You Can Do
Follow these steps to prepare for your appointment:
Ask ahead of time what you need to do. When making an appointment, be sure to ask if there is anything you need to do beforehand. For example, your doctor might ask you not to eat before a blood test
Write down any symptoms you’ve had, including those unrelated to erectile dysfunction. Jot down key personal information, including any major stressors or recent changes in your life
Make a list of all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. If possible, bring your partner with you. Your partner can help you remember something you missed or forgot about during the date. Write down the doubts to discuss with your doctor.
