Almost all men have difficulty achieving an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. However, when this occurs on a recurrent basis, we speak of erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence.
Erectile dysfunction is a multifactorial problem that can diminish self-confidence and damage the relationship with a partner. In addition, it can be a sign of a medical condition that needs treatment before it becomes a cardiovascular health risk.
Fortunately, erectile dysfunction is treatable, so it is possible to regain both function and libido for sexual health and a fulfilling life as a couple.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction
Treatment for ED depends on the root causes of the problem. The most common are:
Medications
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor drugs such as sildenafil, vardenafil, avanafil and tadafil are prescribed to relax the smooth muscle of the penis, which promotes blood flow and thus erection upon sexual stimulation. It is very important not to self-medicate, as they may interact with other drugs.
Vacuum erection devices
These are mechanical devices that create a vacuum to draw blood into the penis and create a firm erection. There are different vacuum pumps that can be accompanied by lubricant to enhance the experience.
Injections
Penile injection therapy involves administering medications such as Trimix, Bimix, EDEX and Caverject. It is recommended in patients who are not candidates for PDE5 such as sildenafil, the patient injects himself from home and firm and longer erections are obtained.
Implants
Penile implants are mechanical devices that are surgically grafted to achieve erection when other treatments did not work. These implants can be:
- Semirigid. They are implants of flexible rods that are grafted into the penis, leaving it in a state of semi-erection. It is a simple, long-lasting option with few risks, although it may show a little on clothes.
- Inflatables. These are devices that use inflatable cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir in the abdomen that carries a saline solution. When the fluid is pumped, it is transferred to the cylinders causing a firm erection.
Psychosexual therapy
Therapy is an effective treatment option for psychogenic erectile dysfunction in which cognitive-behavioral approaches are used to identify and modify negative thought patterns, learn to better manage stress and anxiety.
Therapy can be provided individually or as a couple to help improve communication, intimacy and find ways to express love beyond sexuality.
Stem cell therapy
Conventional treatments for ED do not always have the desired results, especially when advanced disease is already present. Fortunately, the benefits of stem cells have been proven to improve overall health.
Stem cell therapy is used to stimulate cell regeneration mechanisms in patients with diabetes, nerve damage, as well as in patients with hypertension to improve blood circulation in the cavernous tissue that contributes to penile muscle tone and turgor.
This treatment uses the patient’s own stem cells, which are extracted from bone marrow or subcutaneous abdominal fat. They are then treated to concentrate them and reintroduce them by intravenous infusion and injection into the penis to improve vascular response.
Among the benefits of stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction we find:
- Repair of damaged tissues that impede blood flow to the penis.
- Improvement in systemic diseases, such as atherosclerosis or thickening of the arteries that causes hypertension.
- Nerve repair for better transmission of erection signals.
- No risk of side effects from medications or uncomfortable penile injections.
Long-lasting results that can last for several years if the patient improves his life habits.
Symptoms and causes of ED
The most obvious symptom of erectile dysfunction is difficulty in achieving an erection before intercourse. Some men achieve erection, but are unable to maintain it and experience loss of firmness during intercourse.
Many men begin to feel less interest in sexual intercourse, either because of a drop in libido or fear of not pleasing their partner.
Depending on the causes of ED, erections may awaken without erection or fail to achieve firm erections with masturbation, although they may still have normal orgasms and ejaculations.
The most common causes of ED are:
Metabolic diseases
Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, insulin resistance or hypertension are directly related to ED because of damage to nerves and blood vessels, as well as elevated blood glucose levels.
Achieving an erection requires the teamwork of blood vessels, nerves and hormones. Blood circulation is essential to fill the erectile tissues of the penis and achieve an erection.
In addition, lipid disorders, or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, are also directly related to ED because they contribute to the formation of atheroma plaques in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the entire body, including the penis.
On the other hand, nerve damage can interfere with the brain’s ability to send messages to the nerve endings in the penis, which are responsible for erection.
Hormonal imbalances
While hormonal imbalances are also associated with metabolic conditions, they deserve a separate point.
Testosterone plays a very important role in male sexual response, but it is not the only hormone related to ED, there is also hyperprolactinemia, thyroid hormone and estradiol disturbances.
Medications
Some medications affect blood flow, hormone levels or the central nervous system, so they may be associated with ED. Some of these are beta-blockers, antidepressants, antihypertensives, among others.
Psychological
Many men have problems achieving or maintaining an erection due to psychological causes, also called psychogenic dysfunction. The most common are anxiety, stress, depression and traumatic events.
In addition, relationship problems cause loss of desire towards the partner, so they do not achieve an erection to maintain a sexual relationship, but do not have a problem with other people, or with self-stimulation.
Tests and diagnosis for erectile dysfunction
The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is made by physical examination and blood tests. The physician should take a detailed medical history of family history, current and past illnesses, measurement of weight, height, blood pressure, among other signs.
In addition, the doctor will probably examine the penis and inquire about lifestyle habits: alcohol, tobacco, drugs or over-the-counter drugs.
To detect the possible cause of ED, the physician may require:
- Urine test
- Blood biometry
- Blood chemistry
- Thyroid profile
- Male hormone profile
Once the diagnosis of ED is confirmed, the specialist may require additional tests, for example:
- Nocturnal penile tumescence test. The NPT is a device that is used at home for at least two nights in a row to check for normal erections during sleep. In addition, this device records the number, duration and frequency of erections. If the NTP test indicates nocturnal erections, it is likely that the cause of ED is psychological rather than physical or systemic.
- Intracavernous injection test. This test involves the injection of a drug to produce erection and measure the duration and degree of erection the patient achieves.
- Doppler ultrasound. An ultrasound is used to visualize the blood flow to the penis to achieve an erection.
Recommendations
For best results, treatment for ED should be comprehensive and encompass:
- Healthy eating. Diet is the foundation of health, so it is key to control diabetes, avoiding high cholesterol levels and getting the nutrients the body needs to improve sexual function.
- Regular exercise. At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day of the week.
- Smoking cessation. Quitting or reducing the number of cigarettes a day is one of the best alternatives to improve erectile function, but it also helps to increase stamina.
- Limited alcohol consumption. Alcohol also impairs erectile function, so limiting its consumption significantly improves sexual response.
- Sleep quality. Sleep is part of health because sleep activates cell regeneration mechanisms and hormonal balance. In addition, sleeping between 7 and 9 hours a night is important to improve mood.
Improve your sexual health at Cell Regen Clinic
At CRC we are a clinic with more than 15 years of experience offering stem cell therapy for various conditions. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction and want to improve your general health it will help you to improve your general health and recover your sexual life. Schedule your appointment through the contact form, we will gladly assist you.
Also, if you’re looking for additional treatments, CRC also offers advanced stem cell therapies, including stem cell for knees, stem cell back treatment, stem cell joint therapy, and stem cell shoulder therapy. Explore all our services and discover how our treatments can help improve your health and well-being.
