Can Erectile Dysfunction be cured?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an ongoing inability to have and maintain an erection that is hard enough for penetration. But it could also be marked by an erection that does not last long enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. 

It is normal for a man to fail to have and maintain an erection once in a while, especially during times of stress. However, a recurrent, bothersome inability to have an erection points to an underlying emotional or medical issue.

Can erectile dysfunction be cured?

All cases of erectile dysfunction can be treated and most can be addressed positively. Some forms of erectile dysfunction have reversible causes. When the underlying causes are reversed, the dysfunction is cured. Such are called curable erectile dysfunction.

However, other forms of erectile dysfunction have irreversible underlying causes. In the more rare cases the causes can only be improved, but never fully resolved. These are called treatable erectile dysfunction.

What is a curable ED?

A curable erectile dysfunction has a reversible underlying cause. When the trigger of the dysfunction is resolved, the condition is cured. 

You can be cured of an erectile dysfunction caused by stress, being overweight, or having relationship difficulties. Also, you can be cured of ED occurring as a side effect of a drug, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.

The quickest way to cure ED is to improve heart and vascular health and to resolve psychological issues. And while doing so is usually difficult, the dysfunction tends to go away when the underlying cause is reversed.

Ways of curing erectile dysfunction include:

1. Lifestyle changes

ED can be cured by adopting an active lifestyle, such as daily exercise of at least 30 minutes, eating a balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins, and losing weight. 

You can also cure the condition by quitting smoking, stopping alcohol use, and avoiding causative drugs, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana, barbiturates, and amphetamines.

2. Address psychological issues

When ED is due to emotional and psychological issues like stress, low self-esteem, and relationship problems, getting mental health support and undergoing counseling can cure the problem.

3. Withdrawal of medications

When withdrawing from medications, always consult a physician. Withdrawal of medications can be an effective cure for ED caused by anti-androgens, antidepressants, antihistamines, appetite suppressants, opioids, ulcer medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, blood pressure medications, or chemotherapy medications.

So if you feel that your ED could be the result of a medication you’re taking, speak with your doctor about it. Your physician may recommend lowering the dose or prescribe an alternative. Just don’t stop using the medication without your doctor’s approval.

What is a treatable ED?

A treatable erectile dysfunction is one caused by a condition, which may not completely resolve, but can improve with treatment. 

For instance, conditions such as hormonal imbalance, anxiety, depression and high cholesterol level can cause ED that improves when the conditions are treated.

Ways of tackling treatable ED include:

1. Treating underlying health conditions

ED may be due to a condition such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, low testosterone, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, Peyronie’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or sleep disorders. 

For such ED, your doctor will recommend treatment for the underlying cause, which in turn will help the condition to improve.

2. Emotional and psychological support

For ED caused by conditions such as anxiety, guilt, depression, and fear of sexual failure, your doctor may recommend you have the issues addressed through mental support and counseling. 

3. Testosterone therapy

When your ED is due to low testosterone level or circulatory and nerve issues, your doctor can prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. With improved testosterone levels, the condition will get better.

4. Oral medications

Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) , such as avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), are oral medications that can help you achieve and maintain an erection, especially if your ED is due to incurable causes.  They work by relaxing the muscles in the penis and encouraging increased blood flow in response to sexual stimulation.

5. Self-injection with Alprostadil

When injected into the penis, Alprostadil causes the penis to fill with blood. It helps to achieve an erection within 5-20 minutes of injection. And the erection can last 30 minutes to an hour. Alprostadil is also available as a topical cream and as a suppository inserted into the urethra.

6. Vacuum pump

Your doctor may prescribe a vacuum pump to help draw blood into your penis and elicit an erection. A vacuum device consists of a plastic tube placed around the penis, a vacuum pump to draw air into the tube, and an elastic ring at the end of the tube. The ring helps to maintain the erection, which can last up to 30 minutes.

7. Surgery

If the other treatments fail, your doctor may recommend surgery. For instance, a procedure can be performed to place an inflatable pump in your penis.  When the pump is pressed, fluid from a reservoir fills the implant and makes your penis longer and wider. 

Another surgical option is the use of malleable implants that are adjusted manually to change the position of the penis.  In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair your arteries to improve blood flow.

Are you struggling with erectile dysfunction? Call St Pete Urology today to schedule your consultation with a urologist who tackles ED on a regular basis. 

We offer a wide array of treatments, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery, and will provide tailored treatment that is right for your condition. For more information on erectile dysfunction and other urological problems, visit the site “St Pete Urology.”