Struggling with erectile dysfunction can be a frustrating and embarrassing experience for many men. It can impact your self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. However, the good news is that there are effective treatments available to help you get your erection back and restore your sexual confidence.
This Special Health Report, Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond, will take you through the stages of sexual response and explain how aging affects each. You’ll also learn how chronic illnesses, common medications, and emotional issues can influence your sexual capabilities. Finally, you’ll find a detailed discussion of various medical treatments, counseling, and self-help techniques to address the most common types of sexual problems. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
This is because they strengthen the muscles needed to get hard, but the true key is aerobic activity. Understanding exactly what causes an erection and how it works may be especially beneficial for people with a penis. Instead, the penis is composed of three sponge-like cylindrical chambers, which gradually fill with blood when you feel aroused. I felt this program gave me the tools to better deal with my thoughts and emotions by staying ‘in the moment’. This first pill-free experience with my partner was a success. It was a great experience for both of us, which returned itself over and over since.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
You don’t have to try to deal with them alone and in silence. See your doctor if your symptoms last for more than a couple of days or are severe. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and advise you on any next steps. Although researchers have studied penile extension devices, it’s still unclear how well they might work. Consistency is key to maintaining either of these purported effects. It’s important to remember that much of the evidence around penis stretching is anecdotal.
Some people with ED can get an erection, but it may not last long enough for sex, and they may not be able to get an erection every time they want to have sex. Follow your doctor’s orders regarding when and how to take these drugs. If you experience any side effects, let them know immediately. There are several self-care strategies you can use to get harder erections. They may help you feel more comfortable with your penis size and appearance. Traction devices have been used to treat Peyronie’s disease, but more research is needed to determine how effective they are.
They can tailor a plan to meet your individual needs and educate you on topics such as meal planning, blood glucose management, diabetes medications, insulin injections, and more. Using a small needle (about half an inch long, the same size as those used to inject insulin), a man can inject one or more prescription drugs into the side of the penis. The injected drugs all work by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue of the penis and allowing blood to flow into the erectile tissue. Given the many benefits of sexual activity, and the possibility that the Finns are right about sex helping to prevent ED, urologists say there’s every reason to stay in the game. Keep your partner informed about your erection problems and treatment. If you have erections in the morning or while sleeping, the problem probably isn’t physical.
In fact, any disease that affects hormone levels, smooth muscle tissue, or the nerves or arteries of the penis can contribute to ED. Research also shows that practicing mindfulness provides long-term results, as the brain’s structure changes after only 8 weeks of daily practice. As mindfulness has so many benefits, professional sex-therapists and psychologists use and recommend this method for helping men overcome sexual performance anxiety. I wholeheartedly endorse Between Us Clinic’s Performance Anxiety program as a means to helping men overcome sexual performance anxiety. For that reason and many others, I highly recommend that men who want to overcome sexual performance anxiety try the Between Us Clinic’s Performance Anxiety mindfulness program.
- Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Poor lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive drinking, or lack of exercise
- Psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression
- Side effects of certain medications
Treatment Options
There are several ways to treat ED and get your erection back, including:
- Medications: Prescription medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra can help improve blood flow to the penis and enable you to achieve an erection.
- Therapies: Therapies such as counseling, sex therapy, or couples therapy can address psychological issues contributing to ED.
- Lifestyle Changes: Making healthier choices like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can improve your overall health and sexual function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any natural remedies for erectile dysfunction?
A: Some men find success with natural remedies like ginseng, L-arginine, or DHEA supplements, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.
Q: How long does it take for ED medications to work?
A: ED medications typically start working within 30 minutes to an hour and can last up to four hours, depending on the medication.
Q: Will I have to take ED medications forever?
A: The duration of ED treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your condition. In some cases, lifestyle changes or therapies may help you eventually stop taking medications.
