Erectile dysfunction has no cure, but with the right treatment, it can be managed or even improved; however, whatever treatment is chosen must be followed consistently to succeed, notes Dr. Christian Isaac Villeda Sandoval, urology specialist at ABC Medical Center.
Mexico’s Ministry of Health reports that erectile dysfunction affects men over 40, with 55% experiencing mild symptoms, 35% moderate symptoms, and 10% severe symptoms.
To choose the right treatment for erectile dysfunction, the doctor will consider three main factors:
- The patient’s needs. Here, the patient shares how often they’d like to be sexually active.
- The patient’s health profile. The doctor will assess whether the patient has other health conditions or specific circumstances that could affect treatment.
- The doctor’s clinical experience. This allows the physician to guide the patient toward the most appropriate treatment option.
Once the doctor gathers this information, they will recommend one of seven possible treatments, which can be either medical or therapeutic in nature, notes Dr. Villeda.
Oral Medications
These medications enhance erections, though the specific effect needed will vary by patient. Some medications last around six hours, while others can last up to 48 hours.
Intramuscular Injections
These medications are injected directly into the penis using a very fine needle, artificially triggering vasodilation. This is a highly effective treatment for achieving a firm erection, though a downside is that the erection typically lasts only 40 to 60 minutes, and it does involve an injection.
Urethral Suppository
A cream applied inside the penis that’s absorbed through the urethra. Once absorbed, it triggers vasodilation; this treatment is often recommended for patients who don’t respond well to oral medications.
Mechanical Devices
Using vacuum pumps, either a mechanical or automatic cylinder, a vacuum is created around the penis to draw blood into it, with a band or latex ring used to keep the blood in place. However, the erection typically lasts only 20 to 30 minutes.
Physical Therapy
This may involve pelvic floor therapy to strengthen the muscles around the penis, helping achieve a firmer erection.
Psychological and Emotional Therapy
This is used for patients dealing with some type of emotional block, helping improve erection quality.
Surgical Intervention
An option for patients who haven’t had good results with other treatments. This typically involves implanting a device in the penis that creates a very natural, high-quality erection. This can be a three-piece prosthesis or a malleable implant.
A urologist is the right specialist to address concerns related to erectile dysfunction; reach out to a specialist to learn about the best treatment option for you, notes Dr. Villeda.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
