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Is ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION Reversible?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as persistent difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection sufficient to have sex. Causes are usually medical but can also be psychological. Organic causes are usually the result of an underlying medical condition affecting the blood vessels or nerves supplying the penis.

How long can the average man stay erect?

According to a 2005 Journal of Sexual Medicine study of 500 couples across Europe and the US, the average erection during sex lasts 5.4 minutes. But “normal” erections can last anywhere from a few minutes to hours or even longer.

Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Permanent ?

Erectile dysfunction is reversible with proper treatment, However, some particular problems may lead to permanent ED problems. For instance, pelvic surgeries are among the most common causes of organic sexual dysfunction in men. As with any surgery, possible injury to surrounding nerves and or blood vessels may result.

Test Takes For Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction

•Physical exam. This might include careful examination of your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for sensation.

•Blood tests. A sample of your blood might be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health conditions.

•Urine tests (urinalysis). Like blood tests, urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.

•Ultrasound. This test is usually performed by a specialist in an office. It involves using a wandlike device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. It creates a video image to let your doctor see if you have blood flow problems.

This test is sometimes done in combination with an injection of medications into the penis to stimulate blood flow and produce an erection.

•Psychological exam. Your doctor might ask questions to screen for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

What Are Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction ?

Oral medications

•Sildenafil (Viagra)

•Tadalafil (AdcircOrala, Cialis)

•Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)

•Avanafil (Stendra)

All four medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide — a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Other medications

•Alprostadil self-injection. With this method, you use a fine needle to inject alprostadil (Caverject Impulse, Edex) into the base or side of your penis.

•Alprostadil urethral suppository. Alprostadil intraurethral (Muse) therapy involves placing a tiny alprostadil suppository inside your penis in the penile urethra.

•Testosterone replacement. Some men have erectile dysfunction that might be complicated by low levels of the hormone testosterone. In this case, testosterone replacement therapy might be recommended as the first step or given in combination with other therapies.

Penis Pumps And Implants

•A penis pump (vacuum erection device) is a hollow tube with a hand-powered or battery-powered pump. The tube is placed over your penis, and then the pump is used to suck out the air inside the tube. This creates a vacuum that pulls blood into your penis.

Once you get an erection, you slip a tension ring around the base of your penis to hold in the blood and keep it firm. You then remove the vacuum device.

•Penile implants. This treatment involves surgically placing devices into both sides of the penis. These implants consist of either inflatable or malleable (bendable) rods. Inflatable devices allow you to control when and how long you have an erection. The malleable rods keep your penis firm but bendable.

Tips To Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

•Watch what you eat

•Maintain a healthy weight

•Avoid high blood pressure and high cholesterol

•Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all

•Exercise regularly

•Avoid anabolic steroids

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