Methods and drugs to treat erectile dysfunction

Added: 21-03-2019 | Update: 21-03-2019

Potency problems, which in technical terms are referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED), affect an increasing number of mature men. The issue, however, is not only associated with the aging process, but also with a stressful life, an unhealthy diet, constant exhaustion, a sedentary lifestyle, and the lack of exercise – those are the causes why erectile dysfunction is more and more common among younger males as well.

Potency problems leading to unsatisfactory sexual life may be the cause of numerous frustrations, fears, low self-esteem, bad mood, and even depression. The fastest route to solve the problem seems to be finding the appropriate potency drug, but first of all, a specialist needs to be consulted. The first step is to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction and then start a treatment. It may even turn out that ED pills or even dietary supplements are not necessary and what may be found more helpful are appropriate exercises, honest talk with the partner, or healthier sleep and diet.

Potency – what is it?

What does potency actually mean? In sexology, this term has two meanings. First and foremost, potency is the body’s capability of sexual reactions. It is also defined as an expression of sexual performance, which is the ability to fulfil specific functions, behaviours, and sexual sensations. To put it simply, it is an ability to give and achieve sexual satisfaction.
How potency problems are manifested, then?

Potency problems – erectile dysfunction

We deal with male potency disorders when:

there is no sexual arousal,
there is no erection or sexual readiness alone,
there are ejaculation disorders,
there are difficulties in achieving an orgasm.

ED – what is it?

Erectile dysfunction (according to WHO’s definition) is a condition in which you are unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. From a diagnostic point of view, we deal with erectile dysfunction when the inability to achieve erection occurs in at least 25% of sexual attempts.

Erectile dysfunction, as a sexual disorder, should not be confused with lower sexual activity arising from the age of a man and age-related changes in his body.

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most frequent sexual problems reported by men. Studies indicate that even one in ten men suffers from erectile dysfunction and few of them decides on any treatment.

Erectile dysfunction – causes

Determining the cause of erectile dysfunction without the support of a specialist is practically impossible. Problems with erection have a certain background or arise from a combination of various factors. Men are often afraid to talk about potency problems, which is why they avoid going to a doctor, but it is best to forget about the shame and see whether the problem is minor and easy to eliminate or the sexual dysfunction stems from a more serious disease and a treatment is needed.

Causes of erectile dysfunction may be of psychological or physiological nature, therefore, an appointment with a sexologist, urologist or andrologist will be necessary.

Physiological causes of erectile dysfunction often appear in men over the age of 50, but can also affect younger males. Such causes of potency problems may include the following:

chronic diseases, such as diabetes,
injuries,
post-operative complications, often after prostate surgeries,
blood pressure problems, including hypertension,
neurological disorders, for example caused by Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis,
hormonal disorders,
use of certain drugs,
prostate diseases,
nerve damage.

Erectile dysfunction also very often result from an unhealthy lifestyle and excessive use of harmful substances. This includes:

bad diet,
exhaustion,
excessive consumption of alcohol,
drug use,
smoking,
the lack of physical exercise, a sedentary lifestyle.

Psychological roots of erectile dysfunction are more common among younger males who are just starting sexual life and their lack of experience is the cause of an enormous stress for them. However, this is not the only reason and not the only group of men whose potency problems are psychogenic. The other reasons may include:

stress,
depression, phobias, neuroses, sadness,
low self-esteem,
shyness towards the partner,
the fear of a sexual intercourse,
relationship problems,
small penis complex,
the fear of having a baby or the fear of diseases.

And numerous other reasons that can be diagnosed by a specialist.

Erectile dysfunction – treatment

Erectile dysfunction may only be treated after the roots of the problem are found. If the causes lie in your mental condition, you may turn to a psychotherapist or sexologist to start an individually chosen therapy. It may be:

psychotherapy,
relaxation techniques,
hypnosis,
exercises with the partner,
pharmacological methods, e.g. antidepressants, anxiety medications.

Sometimes a consultation and following advice regarding dietary habits, regular physical exercise, or honest talks with the partner may be sufficient.

If the causes lie in the physical aspects, then a proper doctor will apply an appropriate therapy. A specialist may recommend:

orally-administered potency drugs,
physical therapy,
surgeries,
an injection to the cavernous bodies of the penis.

Potency pills, or some other ways of interfering with the body of a man, may turn out be unnecessary. To start with, it is worthwhile to do away with unhealthy habits, relax, eat more healthy, and have a regular physical exercise. A regular sexual intercourse will definitely be helpful.

Potency pills

There is an increasing number of ED drugs in the market, including over-the-counter tablets. However, it is good to consult a doctor before taking them.

Erection drugs affect the circulatory system and increase the patency of the blood vessels, which helps supply more blood to the penis to get an erection. Remember that potency drugs do not act as aphrodisiacs and do not increase the desire for sex. Therefore, if the cause of erectile dysfunction is different, the drugs will not solve the problem.

Potency medications include:

erection tablets (on prescription and over-the-counter),
dietary supplements for potency,
herbal drugs for potency.

Exercises for erection – male Kegel muscle exercises

Exercises of the pelvic floor muscles, the so-called Kegel muscles, are of great significance when it comes to male sexual performance. The Kegel exercises strengthen an erection, help you to control ejaculation, and make an orgasm more intensive. It is a perfect method to fight the problems with erection.

Read more: Impotence – treatment, causes, and symptoms of male impotence
How to exercise the Kegel muscles?

The exercises are the same in women and in men and they involve tightening and relaxing the muscles. The easiest way is to imagine that you are having a very strong need to urinate and trying to prevent it with all your strength. This is when you tighten your crotch muscles as hard as possible and count 5–10 seconds, then relax the muscles. Do 3 rounds, 10 times each, preferably several times a day.

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