You get an erection when blood fills two chambers known as the corpora cavernosa. This causes your penis to expand and stiffen, much like a balloon as it is filled with water. Impulses from the brain and genital nerves start the process. Anything that blocks these impulses or restricts blood flow to the penis can cause ED.
Other drugs may be used to treat erectile dysfunctions such as self-injections of medication at the base of the penis, hormone replacement for low testosterone, or suppositories.
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Prevention of some of the causes that contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction can decrease the chances of developing the problem. For example, if a person decreases their chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, they will decrease their chances of developing erectile dysfunction. Other things like stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet (heart healthy with adequate vitamin intake), and exercising daily may reduce a person's risk.
These findings suggest that patients who present with ED and CV risk factors should be evaluated for silent CVD and should undergo a thorough CV evaluation.
The nerves that control an erection lie very close to the prostate. These nerves may be injured during treatment. If the surgeon uses nerve-sparing procedures, some men may regain their previous level of erectile function. This typically takes a year or two.
Men with erectile dysfunction should talk with their doctors before trying supplements for erectile dysfunction. They can contain 10 or more ingredients and may complicate other health conditions. Asian ginseng and ginkgo biloba (seen here) are popular, but there isn't a lot of good research on their effectiveness. Some men find that taking a DHEA supplement improves their ability to have an erection. Unfortunately, the long-term safety of DHEA supplements is unknown. Most doctors do not recommend using it.
If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist, a psychiatrist, an andrologist, or an endocrinologist for further tests.
Aetna considers the following therapies for the treatment of erectile dysfunction medically necessary:
Typically, the medication is taken 1-4 hours prior to sexual activity and no more than once per day. Sildenafil and tadalafil are available in generic form, making the pills significantly less expensive than the brand-name versions.
Erectile Dysfunction Test: A Step Towards Sexual WellnessHomeMens HealthErectile Dysfunction Test: A Step Towards Sexual Wellness
PDE5i medications are absolutely not to be taken by men with heart conditions who are taking nitrates such as nitroglycerine or isosorbide (Isordil, Ismo, Imdur). Those with serious heart disease, exertional angina (chest pain), and those taking multiple drugs for high blood pressure are advised to seek the advice of a heart specialist before beginning therapy with sildenafil.
ERECTIONS ∙ 5 minutes read 3 exercises designed to help improve erectile function
In general, there are three main pelvic floor muscles that are used when performing a kegel:
Watch videos of Chesapeake Urology Erectile Dysfunction specialists and testimonials from real patients whose lives were restored thanks to Chesapeake Urology's erectile dysfunction experts.
Adjustment of medications that adversely affect erectile function should be considered whenever possible.
30-50% of hypertensive men also suffer from ED. Hypertension can disrupt erectile tissue function. In addition, some prescriptions for the condition can cause ED. However, there’s evidence that suggests that once adequate blood pressure control is regained – even for those on medication – ED becomes less likely.
It's natural to feel angry or embarrassed when confronted with erectile dysfunction. Remember too that your partner is also affected. Talking openly about erectile dysfunction with your partner will help them understand the diagnosis and treatment options (and will reassure your partner that you haven't lost interest). Zoran Milich/Allsport Concepts Fancy Plush Studios/Digital Vision Thomas Hoeffgen/Stone Brian Evans/Photo Researchers Inc Cristina Prdrazzini/Photo Researchers Inc Altrendo Images Robert Llewllyn/Workbook Stock Jeffrey Hamilton/Photodisc Dream Pictures/The Image Bank Glow Images Jose Luis Pelaez/Blend Images Lew Robertson/Brand X Thierry Dosogne/The Image Bank Corbis Photo Inc/ Age Fotostock Neville Sukhia Photography/Flickr Superstock Inc BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. David Bluffington/Age Fotostock Smneedham/FoodPix DiMaggio, Kalish/Flirt Moodboard Marcus Lund/Cultura Reviews in Urology Journal: "Relationship Between Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction" American Journal of Urology: "Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline." Sept. 2018. NIH: "Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction." July 2017. Maturitas: "Testosterone and sexual function in men." Jun 2018. Sooriyamoorthy, Thushanth and Stephen W. Leslie. StatPearls: "Erectile Dysfunction." Feb. 22, 2021. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information Diseases & Conditions Procedures & Tests RX Drugs & Medications Vitamins & Supplements Diet & Weight Management Exercise & Fitness Nutrition, Food & Recipes Prevention & Wellness Slideshows Quizzes Images MedTerms Medical Dictionary MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. What are yourSYMPTOMS? Privacy Policy About Us Contact Us Terms of Use Advertising Policy