Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a condition in which a man is either unable to get or maintain an erection for a significant period. It is a common condition but people do not talk about it much. Instead of being ashamed, men should discuss this problem with their doctors to get effective solutions. Here is a list of some therapies and treatments for ED.

Therapies

Shockwave therapy: This is a common way to treat ED. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves administering a wand-like device. This device is moved around the penis for 15 minutes and emits gentle pulses. The function of these pulses is to improve blood flow to the area so that an erection can happen. The most common duration for this procedure is twice a week for three weeks, followed by a gap of three weeks, and then three weeks, wherein the therapy again happens twice a week. The duration can be adjusted by the doctor.

Massage therapy: A massage therapy helps by clearing the prostatic duct and improving blood flow to the penis. This therapy can be done in combination with other treatments. Now with the advent of new medicines, this treatment isn’t very popular among men these days.

Treatments

Oral medicines: Medicines are a common way to treat ED. These include Viagra, Cialis, Staxyn, and Stendra. All these medicines enhance the level of nitric oxide inside a man’s body, a chemical that relaxes muscles in the penis. It increases the blood flow and allows for an erection. Just taking one of these won’t cure ED as sexual stimulation is required for them to work. These medicines are not aphrodisiacs and will not arouse a man. Different dosages are recommended by doctors after an examination. Before one takes any medication, they should consult their doctor and get their approval.

Alprostadil self-injections: This requires a person to inject alprostadil into the base of their penis. These injections will give the man an erection that lasts almost an hour. As it is a very fine needle, the pain from the injection is also minimal. Some side-effects can include bleeding, prolonged erection, and formation of fibrous tissues in rare instances.

Testosterone replacement: Sometimes, ED may be complicated due to a low level of testosterone in a man. If that is the case, doctors may recommend a testosterone replacement therapy as the first step in curing the problem. Later on, a combination of therapies might also be suggested.

Penile implants: This procedure involves surgically placing an inflatable rod on both sides of the penis. They allow one to control how long an erection can last. This is considered to be the last resort for ED. For men when medication or therapy hasn’t worked, they have gone for this option and have had satisfactory experiences.

Instead of considering this condition as taboo, men should be aware of the numerous therapies and treatments for ED so they can make better decisions.