Erectile Dysfunction? Don’t Worry. It’s Treatable!

Most men have occasionally experienced the lack of a morning erection, encountered trouble establishing or maintaining an erection, gaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse, or a loss of sexual desire. These all may be signs of erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence, and can significantly affect the quality of a man’s life.

Researchers found that ED affected 8% of men aged 20-30 years, and the percentage rises to 37% by ages 70-75. However, ED is now well understood, and there are various treatments available.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

• Older age
• Low testosterone
• Stress, anxiety or depression
• Lack of sleep
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Medical conditions, particularly high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?

Treatment for ED will depend on the cause and how serious the condition is. Treatment options can include the following:

• Medication: Medications will increase blood flow and allow you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Most ED medicines take around 30 minutes to start working. Possible side effects include headaches, nasal congestion, flushing, visual changes, etc.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A new treatment option for erectile dysfunction that enables the patient to achieve and maintain sufficient and dependable erections. Shockwave therapy works by enhancing blood circulation and stimulating new blood vessel growth for improved blood flow, ultimately restoring and enhancing sexual function.
• Testosterone Replacement Therapy: For men with low testosterone levels, Testosterone Replacement Therapy has a better track record of restoring a man’s sex drive. The most common forms of testosterone used in testosterone replacement therapy are ‘Cypionate’ and ‘Enanthate’ injections. Another route for testosterone replacement is transdermal cream. Hormones are absorbed from the skin directly into the bloodstream.

However, please think about lifestyle changes because unhealthy habits can affect ED. Remember to exercise regularly, lose extra weight, stop smoking, drink less, avoid foods high in fat, eat healthy foods, and manage and reduce stress. If you seem to have erectile dysfunction, one or more facets of your lifestyle could be contributing to your condition. It’s crucial to consult a specialist to find out the areas that could be improved. The most important thing is not to be shy about your condition. Most cases of ED are easily treatable. 

For more information, please contact
Urology and Men’s Health Center, Vejthani Hospital
Call: (+66)2-734-0000 Ext. 4901
English Hotline: (+66)85-223-8888