Schedule an appointment with your doctor. A thorough medical history and physical exam are crucial first steps. Be prepared to discuss any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as these can affect erectile function. Your doctor will assess your overall health and identify potential underlying conditions contributing to ED.
Expect a frank discussion about your sexual history and lifestyle. Factors like stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and alcohol or tobacco use often play a role. Open communication is key to finding effective solutions.
Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, weight management, and a balanced diet, as initial steps to improve overall health and potentially erectile function.
Various treatment options exist. These may include oral medications like phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), or avanafil (Stendra); hormone therapy if hormonal imbalances are detected; vacuum erection devices; penile injections; or surgery as a last resort. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of each option tailored to your individual needs and health status.
| PDE5 Inhibitors | Oral medications that improve blood flow to the penis. | Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, visual disturbances. |
| Hormone Therapy | Replaces deficient hormones, such as testosterone. | Mood changes, increased risk of prostate cancer (with testosterone). |
| Vacuum Erection Devices | Creates a vacuum to draw blood into the penis. | Pain, bruising, scarring. |
| Penile Injections | Injections of medications that relax muscles and improve blood flow. | Pain, bruising, scarring, prolonged erection. |
| Surgery | Surgical procedures to improve penile blood flow or implant penile prosthesis. | Surgical risks, infection, implant failure. |
Follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor treatment progress and address any concerns. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification at every stage of the process. Effective management of ED requires collaboration between you and your healthcare provider.
