Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Comprehensive solutions for erectile dysfunction: From lifestyle modifications to advanced medical therapies and surgical interventions.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It affects over 50% of men aged 40-70 to some degree and can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease.
Key Statistics
- Affects 30 million men in the US
- Prevalence increases with age: 40% at 40, 70% at 70
- 80% of cases have physical causes
- 95% of cases can be successfully treated
Causes & Risk Factors
Vascular Causes
- • Atherosclerosis
- • Hypertension
- • Diabetes-related damage
- • Peripheral vascular disease
Neurological Causes
- • Spinal cord injury
- • Multiple sclerosis
- • Parkinson's disease
- • Stroke
Hormonal Imbalances
- • Low testosterone
- • Thyroid disorders
- • Prolactin abnormalities
- • Adrenal insufficiency
Psychological Factors
- • Depression and anxiety
- • Stress and fatigue
- • Relationship problems
- • Performance anxiety
Medications
- • Antidepressants
- • Blood pressure medications
- • Antiandrogens
- • Antihistamines
Lifestyle Factors
- • Smoking
- • Excessive alcohol
- • Obesity
- • Sedentary lifestyle
Comprehensive Treatment Options
First-Line Treatments
PDE5 Inhibitors
Oral medications taken as needed
- • Sildenafil (Viagra)
- • Tadalafil (Cialis)
- • Vardenafil (Levitra)
- • Avanafil (Stendra)
- • 70-85% effectiveness
Lifestyle Modifications
Foundational improvements
- • Smoking cessation
- • Weight loss
- • Regular exercise
- • Mediterranean diet
- • Stress reduction
Testosterone Therapy
For confirmed low testosterone
- • Gels and creams
- • Injections
- • Pellets
- • Effective in 80% of hypogonadal men
Second-Line Therapies
Vacuum Erection Devices
Mechanical pumps
- • 90% effectiveness
- • Non-invasive
- • No drug interactions
- • Satisfaction rate: 70-80%
Intracavernosal Injections
Self-administered injections
- • Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex)
- • Bimix/Trimix compounds
- • 80-90% effectiveness
- • Onset in 5-15 minutes
Intraurethral Therapy
Medicated pellets
- • Alprostadil (MUSE)
- • 40-60% effectiveness
- • Less invasive than injections
- • Onset in 5-10 minutes
Low-Intensity Shockwave
Regenerative therapy
- • 6-12 sessions
- • Improves blood flow
- • 60-70% effectiveness
- • Lasting 1-2 years
Surgical Treatments
Penile Implants
Permanent solution
- • Inflatable (most common)
- • Malleable (semi-rigid)
- • 95-98% effectiveness
- • Patient satisfaction: 90-95%
- • 10-15 year lifespan
Vascular Surgery
For specific vascular issues
- • Venous ligation
- • Arterial bypass
- • Best for young men with trauma
- • 50-70% long-term success
Comprehensive ED Care at DAARA
- Multidisciplinary approach: Urologists, endocrinologists, psychologists
- Advanced diagnostics: Doppler ultrasound, nocturnal testing
- Personalized treatment plans
- State-of-the-art shockwave therapy
- Penile implant expertise
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Discreet, compassionate care
- Partnership with sexual health therapists
Take the first step toward better sexual health. Our ED specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation, identify the underlying causes, and recommend the most effective treatment options for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ED medications safe for men with heart disease?
PDE5 inhibitors are generally safe for most men with stable cardiovascular disease. However, they are absolutely contraindicated with nitrate medications due to potentially dangerous drops in blood pressure. Men with recent heart attack, stroke, or severe heart failure should be evaluated by a cardiologist before use.
Can lifestyle changes really improve erectile function?
Yes. Studies show that lifestyle modifications can be as effective as medications for mild to moderate ED. Key changes include quitting smoking, regular aerobic exercise, Mediterranean-style diet, weight loss, limiting alcohol, and stress reduction. These improve vascular health and hormone balance.
When should I consider penile implants?
Penile implants are typically considered when other treatments have failed or aren't tolerated, with significant scarring from Peyronie's disease, after prostate cancer treatment with nerve damage, or for men who desire a permanent solution. Modern inflatable implants provide natural-looking erections with high satisfaction rates.
Does insurance cover ED treatments?
Coverage varies by plan. Most insurance covers diagnostic testing and first-line oral medications. Second-line treatments may have limited coverage. Penile implants are typically covered when medically necessary. Our financial counselors will help you understand your benefits.
Can psychological counseling help with ED?
Absolutely. For men with psychologically-based ED or those experiencing performance anxiety, counseling can be highly effective. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, sex therapy, and couples counseling have success rates of 60-80% for psychogenic ED. We often combine counseling with medical treatments for comprehensive care.