Erectile Dysfunction: Diagnosis and Treatment

Published: 2021-08-02

Updated: 2024-12-20

4 mins

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to gain or sustain an erection. While it's most common among older men, it can happen to men of all ages.

Men may have the inability to get an erection or have a weak erection occasionally, but consistent problems may indicate ED. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if the problem is getting in the way of sexual activity. They can help you figure out how to best treat ED.

Diagnosis

Penile function is connected to other parts of the body including the nervous system, neurologic system, and the circulatory sytem (heart and blood vessels). Unlike a condition like high blood pressure which can be diagnosed by simply taking a blood pressure measurement, erectile dysfunction can have one or more factors that contribute.

Erectile dysfunction can present as men who can't get fully hard, while other guys can't get an erection at all. A healthcare provider may first ask you questions about the kind of ED you're experiencing. This process can feel daunting for many men who find it difficult to vocalize ED issues out loud. Instead of talking to you directly, a healthcare provider may provide you with a questionnaire.

What health conditions may cause ED?

A licensed healthcare professional will also ask you questions about your medical history before offering you a treatment plan. Certain health cnditions may affect blood flow to the penis needed for an erection.

The following medications may contribute to ED:

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• High cholesterol

• Chronic kidney disease

• Heart disease

• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Many medications can also cause erectile dysfunction. There is a history of high blood pressure medications leading to ED in some men. If this is the case, a healthcare provider may offer alternative forms of medication for ED treatment.

Treatment

Before receiving a prescription medication, there are steps you can take in your daily life that may help you prevent ED symptoms. A lack of nutrients in your diet may negatively affect your circulatory system over time.

Consider following a well-balanced diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise daily to prevent ED. Health experts also recommend cutting back on alcohol consumption and smoking tobacco.

It's also important to manage stress as best as you can. Men who experience stress excessively are more at risk for erectile dysfunction.

What medications can treat ED?

If changing your lifestyle is not enough, there are ED medications you can take for treatment. Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) are all prescription medications that can help men with ED achieve an erection. Each of these medications improve blood flow to the penis to prevent erectile dysfunction (ED).

Assistive devices

In cases where medications are not viable due to your health situation, a physician may recommend an assistive device like a penis pump or penis ring. 

Penis pumps work by placing a vacuum chamber around the shaft to increase blood flow to the penis. A penis ring works to help maintain an erection by stopping a reduction of blood flow from the penis typically responsible for the reduction of an erection.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend these devices in conjuction with ED medication.

Surgery

A surgical ED procedure generally involves the addition of an inflatable implant to the shaft and the placement of a reservoir within the scrotum. This allows for the patient to reach an erection at any time. This option is most often suggested for men who do not find success with assisted devices or medication.

How Rex MD Can Help

The diagnosis and treatment of ED is not always a clear and concise process. However, a healthcare provider can give you plenty of options on how to best manage your symptoms. At Rex MD, we offer access to generic ED medications at affordable prices.

Get started today on treating your ED and taking control of your health.