Can erectile dysfunction be reversed? Best methods
Most males experience at least one episode of being unable to achieve an erection when desired. In extreme cases, they may be unable ever to have or sustain an erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common, affecting an estimated 30 million men in America.
Most cases of ED occur in men who were previously able to sustain an erection. The condition is usually reversible, but the chances of completely curing ED depend on the underlying cause.
Read on to learn about natural and medicinal ways to reverse ED.
Can ED be reversed?
In many cases, yes, erectile dysfunction can be reversed. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found a remission rate of 29 percent after 5 years.
It is important to note that even when ED cannot be cured, the right treatment can reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Doctors have identified two types of ED:
- Primary ED occurs when a man has never been able to have or sustain an erection. This is rare.
- Secondary ED occurs in people who once had regular erectile function. This is the most common type.
Secondary ED can be reversed and is often temporary. Primary ED may require more intensive and medical-based treatments.
ED is usually treatable with medication or surgery. However, a person may be able to treat the underlying cause and reverse symptoms with no medication.
The best treatment may depend on the person. Some find that traditional treatments, such as surgery or medication, do not work. These men may have success using a penis pump, which draws blood into the penis and induces an erection.
The cause of ED may be psychological, and the condition itself may lead to anxiety. Psychological treatments can reduce anxiety, increase self-confidence, and improve relationships with sexual partners.
Also, these changes may increase the odds that other treatments are effective.
Some men find that intense anxiety about sex prevents certain treatments from working. Addressing this anxiety can improve overall results.
Ways to reverse ED
See a doctor to check for any underlying health issues. ED can be the first sign of diabetes-related nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, or a neurological problem.
While the cause of ED may be physical, the condition can still have psychological effects. It may lead to self-consciousness or anxiety, which can make it more difficult to get an erection. A treatment plan may, therefore, include both physical and psychological methods.
A wide range of treatments can reverse ED. These include:
1. Lifestyle changes
Adjusting the lifestyle can improve many issues that cause ED, such as diabetes and clogged arteries. Men with underlying health issues should discuss options with their doctors.
Some men find that alternative and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, help with ED. Preliminary research suggests that some herbal supplements may also help.
A 2018 review found that ginseng preparations significantly improved symptoms of ED in the population studied. Preparations of maritime pine extract, Pinus pinaster, and maca, Lepidium meyenii, also showed promising results, but more research is needed.
Methods of alternative medicine are safest when used under the guidance of a doctor and in conjunction with other treatments.
5. Medication
A wide variety of medications can help with ED. The best-known are drugs, such as tadalafil (Cialis) and Viagra, which increase blood flow to the penis and help to achieve an erection.
These can be effective when that cause of ED is physical, and they also work well when the cause is unknown or related to anxiety.
If an underlying condition, such as diabetes, is causing ED, treating it will often reverse ED or prevent it from worsening.
6. Medication changes
Some medications can make ED worse. Blood pressure medication, for example, may lower blood flow to the penis, making it harder to get an erection.
Anyone who suspects that ED is associated with a medication should tell a doctor. Alternative drugs are often available.
7. Mechanical devices
Penis pumps can draw blood into the penis and induce an erection in most men, including those with severe nerve damage. When there is severe nerve or blood vessel damage, using a ring can help to keep blood in the penis.
Even when serious physical health issues are present, a mechanical device can usually help with getting an erection.
8. Surgery
If other strategies are ineffective, or when there is an anatomical cause of ED, a doctor may recommend surgery. The procedure involves implanting a device that enables immediate erections. Surgery is effective in most cases, and the rate of complications is less than 5 percent.
Outlook
Some people feel frustration about ED. It is important to remember that the condition is treatable.
ED is very common and can usually be reversed by using natural remedies or medications to treat the underlying cause.
Early intervention can often detect a serious medical condition, and determining the cause of ED early may increase the likelihood of reversing it. Speak with a doctor about the best course of treatment.
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