In this three-part series, we’ve gone more in-depth on the Anatomy of an Erection and 7 Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction. Now, in Part III, we cover various ED treatment options to fit your lifestyle, as well as the potential dangers if ED is untreated (so pay attention)!
5 Alternatives to Prescription Medication
1) Alter Your Lifestyle – Small ways to easily, yet significantly change your lifestyle are to decrease your tobacco/drug intake (100% if you can) and overall be more conscious of the things you are putting in your body. 2) Get Active – Implementing exercise and a proper diet can help not only your erection health, but get your whole body in better shape. Try to exercise at least 3-5 times per week and at least 20-40 minutes in duration. And don’t forget to increase your fruits and vegetable intake! 3) Avoid Unneeded Trauma – Added stress puts you at a greater risk of impotency. 4) Try a Penis Pump – It can temporarily help obtain an erection, but will not cure ED on its own. 5) Look into Sex Therapy– If your physician has ruled out physical causes, seeking a therapist that specializes in sexual intimacy issues could help you work through any psychological causes.
Effective Prescription Medications
**Before starting any sort of medication, talk to a qualified medical provider to get a detailed physical and have a medication review to see which treatment route is right for you.**
The first-line treatment for ED is called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5). This type of medication enhances the effects of Nitric Oxide (which helps with vasodilation/increasing blood flow) to attain/maintain an erection.
Here at nüber-T, we prescribe two medications from this class, sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalifil (Cialis).
Sildenafil is taken 30-180 minutes prior to sexual activity. For the best results, take sildenafil on an empty stomach (doses include 20mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg). Tadalifil, on the other hand, is taken 2 hours prior to sexual activity and can be taken with or without food.
The key difference is that tadalifil can be taken daily and at a lower dose that will allow for sexual activity with a little more spontaneity throughout the day, whereas sildenafil should only be taken once every 24 hours.
Dangers of leaving ED untreated
The main danger associated with untreated ED is psychological. ED can be a very stressful condition on a man and can lead to depression or worsening depression. It can also place a major stressor on a relationship with a spouse/girlfriend/partner.
Without the open communication with your physician and/or significant other, it only continually adds a layer of fear, shame, and embarrassment to the heavy burden of maintaining a “normal” life in society’s eyes.
ED is also sometimes an early sign of atherosclerosis, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks, so leaving an issue like this purposely untreated is essentially asking for more long term problems in the near future.
Does any of the above resonate with you? Not sure which treatment options are best for you? Call us at (404) 480-5229 to schedule a wellness assessment with one of our medical board-certified clinicians. We’ll get you squared away and on your way to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
In good health, nüber-T