Good for you, if you have finally made up your mind to treat erectile dysfunction that has influenced your sexual life. But the fact you’ve arranged an appointment, doesn’t mean you did your job. The process is a durable one and it starts with diagnosing – a very important stage for the right choice of treatment.
How Is ED Diagnosed?
Cases of impotence differ from male to male. And as long as they all are versatile, the approach in diagnosing differs as well. Depending on the trigger and severity of the condition, blood tests may be very helpful; however, they are required far not for every ED patient. In very rare cases the diagnosis is made by the medical history only.
A typical process of diagnosing includes:
- Ultrasound to check the flow of blood to the penile area;
- Functioning of kidneys;
- Cholesterol levels;
- Blood sugar levels;
- Urinalysis (for detecting kidney and bladder infections/abnormalities);
- PSA – prostate-specific antigen for prostate disease checking;
- Erection evaluation during sleep.
Doctors should also check:
- Whether the level of testosterone is low: luteinizing hormone is the pituitary gland hormone that is responsible for testes stimulation for testosterone production;
- Whether testosterone is low and luteinizing hormone is high: if it’s the case, the ED problem is related to the testes. The thing is that luteinizing hormone signals the testes to produce testosterone;
- Whether both testosterone and luteinizing hormone is low: the main problem usually resides in one’s brain (with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland). The testes get no signals for testosterone production.
What Is Done after Diagnosis?
Then the treatment course starts. The variety of treatment options is the main reason why self-treatment is never a wise choice. The therapy depends on the cause and only a healthcare professional can prescribe the right way out.
- Oral medications
They are offered in the vast majority of cases. The list of most known ones includes Viagra and Cialis, Kamagra and Levitra. Though they all are effective PDE5 inhibitors, different males are prescribed different pills. For example, Cialis is a weekend pill for those, who choose spontaneity. Viagra is a classic choice, when no additional health issues are observed. Kamagra is a cheaper Viagra alternative with the same qualities. Levitra is suitable for males with diabetes more than other drugs.
They all have the similar mechanisms of action, but differ in action onset and duration time. As to benefits and side effects, they are similar as well. Only a specialist knows the difference and is sure as to what can be prescribed for your case.
- Injections
Very painful, but very effective – this is how most users characterize penile injections. They are approved medications that are valued for their fast action onset and effectiveness. No one is prescribed this treatment option until he gets appropriate education and training from a healthcare provider.
What’s the core aim of any penile injection? It aims at assisting in achieving erections faster than after meds for a durable and successful intercourse. Special caution should be paid to the amount of medication injected. Proper amounts always minimize risks of penis scaring, priapism and other complications development.
- Vacuum devices
If neither of the above-mentioned treatments is effective, vacuum devices are chosen. Each device has a plastic cylinder that is connected to a pump and a special ring. It may be battery powered to create suction around the penis and bring the blood flow into it.
A vacuum device is allowed to be used for 30 minutes maximum to avoid penile vessels damage. In most cases all experienced side effects are temporary (numbness, bruising, trapping the ejaculate).
- Surgeries
They are intended for the prosthesis placement (a pump with the inflation and deflation mechanism). The satisfaction rates from this intervention are very high, though risks are always present as long as it’s the surgery. In rare cases a prosthesis helps restore the full penile strength.
Home Remedies: Do They Count?
They surely do. It’s just they must become a habit rather than a hobby. If you want to succeed in ED treatment, you need to turn to meds, exercises and home remedies. There are several working suggestions for those, who’ve decided to start:
- No extra weight: if you are overweight and don’t have ED problems, then they are round the corner waiting for a few more pounds to be gained;
- No smoking: turn to nicotine replacement, if you can’t quit. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels. Narrowed blood vessels – no sufficient blood flow – no erection – no sex;
- Exercise more: start with a 15-minute exercising routine daily, make it 30 in several weeks. Let it be one of your habits for a healthy lifestyle and no ED issues;
- Turn to healthy dieting: refuse from fatty foods, choose fresh vegetables and fruits instead. They will add to your overall health in general and ED relief in particular.
The after-diagnosis therapy is a tough and durable process. But after you join it, you’ll feel more confident and definitely much healthier. Will you try?
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