If you think you have ED, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor. The treatment you require will depend on what is causing it. Some of the mild symptoms of ED may resolve with simple lifestyle changes, like losing weight, drinking less alcohol, or quitting smoking. However, some men having Erectile Dysfunction may have to go through treatments, such as:
- Counseling
- Medications
- Pumps
- Surgery
Counseling
If stress or depression is causing your ED, the best approach is to talk to a professional therapist.
Life problems or even everyday mental strain can trigger erectile dysfunction. Talking about your emotions with a licensed therapist can ease sexual anxiety and help you feel more confident in your relationship.
Medications
ED medicines can be oral tablets, drugs inserted into the tip of the penis, or injections. The first line of treatment doctors usually prescribe for erectile dysfunction are pills like:
They are usually taken anywhere from 15 minutes to 36 hours before having sex, depending on the drug. These pills work for about 80% of men but can also cause mild to severe side effects, which include:
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Muscle ache
- Blurry Vision
You shouldn’t take these more than once in 24 hours. Avoid taking these pills if you are taking nitrate drugs for heart disease. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements as they may interact with ED medications.
Be Aware of Counterfeit Medications
In recent years, the FDA has seized many over-the-counter products for male sex problems because they contained dangerous or undeclared ingredients. Tests have proven that these ingredients are contained in nearly 300 products.
A lot of over-the-counter products have been marketed as all-natural ways to treat ED, but it may not all be true. The FDA warns that some of these products may contain harmful substances or active ingredients in some prescription medications.
Some of these products have been found to contain sildenafil or a substance similar to Vardenafil. These products can be dangerous for people who take nitrates to treat chest pain or heart disease. Therefore, all these drugs must be taken only after thorough consultation with a doctor.