What is the current state of erectile dysfunction and treatment? More than 30 million men complain about the inability to keep and even get an erection. People who encounter such issues often have erectile dysfunction. ED is a common condition that men develop for many reasons.
You don’t necessarily have erectile dysfunction if you develop an erection problem less than 20% of the time. But, when it progressively and routinely happens or occurs 50% of the time, you should visit a urologist for treatment. You may develop ED for these common reasons:
- The limited blood supply in the penis
- Damaged nerves
- Emotional and stress work and life routine
Also, ED is an early symptom for serious health conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
When you visit the doctor for erectile dysfunction, they will evaluate your overall well-being to find an underlying condition. As a rule, if your heart is healthy and you’re in good physical condition, then your sexual health is good.
Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction
Experts suggest that erectile dysfunction is more common in elder men than younger men. It’s because with growing age, the risks of ED increase. Some studies claim that ED is a common type of sexual dysfunction in men.
In a 2018 review, experts suggest that about a third of men develop erectile dysfunction. Another study about ED, conducted in 2019 found that the current state of ED starts from 3% to 76.5%.
A study, performed by Massachusetts Male Aging experts concluded that about 52% of men undergo erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, about 5% to 15% of men suffer from ED ages between 40 and 70. This indicates that the risk of ED increases with the growing age. That said young men can develop erectile dysfunction as well. Another study, conducted by the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggested that about 26% of men develop ED below 40 years of age.
Considering the above-mentioned studies and others, doctors suggest that ED is a common condition and occurs in a large population of men. But, the statistics may differ because different institutions measure erection issues differently.
However, if you are unable to get or keep your penis erectile 50% of the time, you should visit an experienced urologist. The doctor will evaluate ED and suggest an effective treatment plan.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
You can treat erectile dysfunction by improving your vascular and heart condition. Visit a doctor and share the problems you encounter. They will diagnose the condition and share risk factors, so you can receive proper treatment.
The doctor might ask to increase workouts, stop smoking, and eat healthily. Also, they might ask you to quit the use of alcohol or drugs. They will prescribe alternative and less harmful drugs instead.
Sometimes, emotional problems can cause erectile dysfunction. This happens due to depression, life’s stressors, relationship conflicts, or anxiety. In such conditions, the doctor will ask you to seek emotional support. Once you treat your anxiety or depression, you will cure ED.
The doctor will suggest the treatment depending upon the underlying condition. They will start the treatment process with non-invasive treatments. Most ED treatments are effective and safe. Still, you should ask the urologist about side effects. The common treatments for erectile dysfunction are:
- Oral Drugs such as Levitra, Cialis, Viagra, and Stendra. These prescribed drugs are called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors. These erectile dysfunction treatments are common in the US. These medications improve blood flow to the penis.
- Penile Implants
- Penile Injections such as Intracavernosal Alprostadil or ICI
- Testosterone Therapy, especially when you have low testosterone in the body. The doctor will suggest blood testing to check testosterone levels.
- Vacuum Erection Devices
- Intraurethral medication such as Alprostadil or IU
- Surgery, if you had severe pelvic trauma in your life. This condition helps bypass penile artery damage. Urologists commonly recommend this treatment to young men. Since older men have hardened arteries, this treatment is not suitable for them.
Erectile Dysfunction ED & Treatment: Conclusion
Erectile Dysfunction is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be a symptom of a serious disorder. If you experience erectile dysfunction, you should visit a urologist for diagnosis and treatment. An experienced urologist evaluates the patient for ED to find the actual cause behind the problem. Once a urologist diagnoses the condition, they suggest the best treatment for that underlying problem.
If you need to consult a professional urologist in the New York City area, then call Dr. Yaniv Larish. Dr. Larish is a highly experienced urologist in New York City and provides detail oriented, exceptional, and compassionate urological care to both men and women.
For a consultation or to schedule an appointment, contact us today:
FIFTH AVENUE UROLOGY
Dr. Yaniv Larish
4 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021