The Three Ss Of Reversing Erectile Dysfunction

Last updated on : February 18 2023

A. Is Erectile Dysfunction Reversible? 

Yes. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, can usually be reversed. Through surgery, sustenance and lifestyle changes, and medications like sildenafil. However, if an underlying medical condition causes ED, you need to treat the root cause to cure the ED completely.

You cannot cure ED in some cases, but the symptoms can be reduced or eliminated with the right treatment. Currently, there are several treatment options for men with ED to achieve or maintain an erection. 

B. What Is Erectile Dysfunction? 

We define erectile dysfunction as the inability to form and keep an erection for sex. 

To get an erection, nerves in the penis signal the brain to let the blood flow into the open spaces of the penis. Because of this, one of the primary reasons behind the ED is a problem in blood flow. 

There are two types of ED identified by doctors: 

● Primary ED—happens when a patient has never been able to achieve or maintain an erection. This type of ED is rare.

● Secondary ED—happens when a patient used to have a normal erectile function. This type of ED is the most common.

Secondary ED is often reversible, while primary may require intensive medical treatment to reverse. If a health issue causes the ED, you need to treat the underlying condition first to reverse ED or alleviate the symptoms. 

C. Is Erectile Dysfunction A Common Occurrence?

According to a study, 52 percent of men in the US with ages 40 to 70 have some degree of ED.  

Among those who are married or in long-term relationships, ED may lead to loss of intimacy. It can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem to those in the relationship.

In most cases of men with ED, the cause is physical. A few factors that cause ED in men include a previous injury, diabetes, obesity, sleep disorders, or low testosterone levels. In some cases, men who drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, or abuse drugs have a higher risk of having ED. 

The good news is that ED is usually not permanent. Again, you can mostly reverse it.

D. Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction

Traditional treatments for erectile dysfunction include surgery and medication. Still, alternative short-term therapies, such as vacuum erection devices, help many men with ED maintain sexual intimacy with their partners.

Here are the three Ss of ED treatment and reversal.

1. Surgery

The surgery of choice for erectile dysfunction is penile prosthesis placement. Another surgical method that has been effective in treating ED is arterial revascularization or venous surgery. In either of the two, the risk of surgery includes infection, blood clot formation, or swelling. 

However, doctors recommend surgery for one of two reasons. One, medications no longer work. Two, physical trauma or cancer causes erectile dysfunction.

With newer penile prosthesis implants, surgery is highly effective. The advantages of surgery include a natural appearance and the ability to increase the width of the penis upon activation. Some disadvantages include being effective for less than two years, the possibility of painful erections, and penile numbness.

Aside from surgery, other useful products, like vacuum pumps, stimulate blood flow to the penis. 

2. Sustenance and lifestyle changes 

With the right sustenance or proper nutrition (i.e., adopting a clean diet by eating fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains), improved blood flow or vascular health may decrease the incidence of ED. 

For this reason, targeting some factors that reduce blood flow may improve erection. Some illnesses, food, medications, and activities can make blood flow sluggish. As a result, the penis can't get to or keep an erection.

Some illnesses that affect blood flow are diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Avoiding foods that worsen these illnesses is one solution.

Another solution is to consume foods that promote blood flow. Foods like pomegranate, citrus fruits, and cayenne pepper have high antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and allow blood to flow more easily.

Eating leafy greens doesn't only fill up a person quickly, leading to weight loss. It's also a good source of nitrates, which improve blood flow.

While proper nutrition or sustenance helps, committing to lifestyle changes such as exercising, quitting smoking, not abusing drugs, and reducing weight can help too. 

3. Sildenafil

A popular medication that stimulates blood flow to the penis is Viagra. The generic name, sildenafil, is the most commonly prescribed medication in websites selling products online for erectile dysfunction.

How does sildenafil work?

Let's go back to how an erection happens. When we stimulate nerves in the penis, it sends signals to the brain, which relaxes the penis and allows more blood to flow inside it. 

The problem with erectile dysfunction is that the nerves don't send signals properly, or blood flows slowly. These conditions are when sildenafil may work—it helps to relax the walls of blood vessels, resulting in an erection faster.

When people are young, they feel superhuman. They don't think much of the consequences. As they grow older, the result of all their decisions—however small those may be—leads to where they are now. However, it's not too late to make changes. 

According to Abraham Maslow, sex is a basic human need alongside water, sleep, and breathing. Contrary to popular opinion, chocolates are not better than sex. What's better than this activity is when consenting individuals practice responsible sex.

4. Other Treatments

Aside from traditional routes, there are now new treatments to help people with ED achieve normal erectile function and have a fulfilling sex life.

Penis Pumps 

Penis pumps, medically known as vacuum erection devices, work by drawing blood into the penis. The blood fills the blood vessels in the penis, causing the organ to grow erect. A constriction ring worn on the base of the penis keeps the blood inside the organ and maintains the erection.

Vacuum erection devices work for most people, but using penis pumps is not recommended for some:

● People who have blood disorders

● People who have a history of blood clots

● People who take blood thinners

The possible side effects of using vacuum erection devices include the following: 

● Burst blood vessels

● Unnatural-feeling erection

● Pain and bruising in the penis

● Lack of firmness in the base of the penis

● The feeling of a trapped penis or painful ejaculation

● Numbness, slight tingling, discoloration on the skin 

For the most part, penis pumps are safe as long as you use them properly. The effect can last for around 30 minutes. Vacuum erection devices also work for maintaining erectile function after prostate surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer. 

Alternative Medicine

You can also use acupuncture therapy and herbal supplements to treat erectile dysfunction. Some men find that acupuncture helps with ED. New studies have shown that acupuncture can improve erectile function to some extent.

Herbal supplements, particularly ginseng preparations, have shown to significantly improve symptoms of ED in the participants of a 2018 study. However, its best that you take alternative and complementary treatments under the guidance of a doctor for the patient's safety.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels are usually recommended for women, especially pregnant women, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and prevent specific health issues, such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. However, men can also benefit from incorporating pelvic floor exercises in their workout routines.

Pelvic floor exercises can help treat erectile dysfunction and prevent premature ejaculation. A 2010 study found that pelvic floor exercises may help men with diabetes achieve and sustain an erection. Pelvic floor exercise may also increase a person's orgasm's intensity, making sex more fantastic for the person and their partner. 

E. Key Takeaways

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem among men. Around 30 million men in the United States have some degree of ED. There is no shame in having ED or talking about it. The more you know about the condition, the less anxious and embarrassed you feel about it. 

Here are the critical facts about ED you should keep in mind: 

● There are two types of ED: primary ED and secondary ED.

● Primary ED is rare and requires intensive medical treatment to cure. Even when you cannot cure ED, the right treatments can alleviate or eliminate the symptoms.

● Secondary ED is the most common type. It is usually reversible and temporary.

● Erectile dysfunction is usually reversible through surgery, medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments.

● Penis pumps or vacuum erection devices are effective in achieving and maintaining an erection. They're a short-term treatment for ED that helps many men maintain sexual intimacy with their partners.

● Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal supplements, show promise in treating ED, but you should consult your doctor before trying new therapies.

F. Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions most frequently asked by our readers.

1. What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a condition in which a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

2. What causes ED?

ED can be caused by various factors, including physical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, as well as psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Is ED reversible?

ED is a treatable condition in many cases and can be reversed with the right treatment plan. The specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.

4. What are the treatment options for ED?

Treatment options for ED include lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly, as well as medication, hormone therapy, and surgery. Counseling and therapy may also be recommended for psychological factors contributing to the condition.

5. Can ED be prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent ED, living a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic health conditions can help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

6. Is ED a common occurrence?

ED is a relatively common condition that affects millions of men worldwide. While it is more commonly associated with aging, it can affect men of all ages.

7. How can I talk to my partner about ED?

Talking to your partner about ED can be difficult, but it's essential to be honest and open about the situation.

You can start the conversation by explaining that you're experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection and that you'd like to work together to find a solution.

Be sure to approach the conversation with sensitivity and respect, and remember that ED is a medical condition, not a personal failure.

8. Are there any natural remedies or supplements that can help with ED?

While there are a variety of natural remedies and supplements marketed as treatments for ED, the effectiveness and safety of these options still need to be well studied.

Some natural remedies may interact with prescription medications or have harmful side effects, so you must speak with your doctor before trying any new supplements or remedies.

Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet can help improve overall sexual health and may have a positive impact on ED.

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