How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Being unable to get or keep an erection is a frustrating problem a lot of men live with. Having erectile dysfunction is not only frustrating, but it can also lead to anxiety and depression. Commonly thought of as a problem only “old men” experience, erectile dysfunction can happen to men of all ages and can be caused by a variety of emotional and physical conditions. Even though ED is not a dangerous condition, it definitely takes a toll on a patient’s sex life and confidence.
If you are living with occasional or chronic erectile dysfunction and would like to understand the condition, keep on reading. This article will also talk about common treatments for this condition as well as the latest and most advanced treatment that provides patients a long-term solution for ED.
What are the symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
Having trouble getting an erection or losing an erection occasionally is completely normal and is not an indication of erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, you should consider seeing a doctor for erectile dysfunction if you are experiencing the following:
- Constant trouble getting an erection
- Constant trouble keeping an erection
- Loss of sexual desire that impacts your ability to get an erection
- Are unable to get an erection as a result of an injury or accident
- Are taking medication that can prevent you from having an erection
What causes Erectile Dysfunction
When it comes to erectile dysfunction, the most important thing to remember is that no two patients are the same. There are many possible causes for erectile dysfunction, some can be as simple as stress or as complex as an underlying issue with the nervous system. Some of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction are:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Tobacco, drug or alcohol use
- Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
- Certain medications
If you suspect you have erectile dysfunction or have been living with it for a while, it’s important to visit a certified urologist who can assess the causes. A urologist will go over your medical history, including your problems getting and maintaining an erection and determine if there are any other underlying health issues that need to be treated.
Is Erectile Dysfunction curable?
Yes, erectile dysfunction can be managed and controlled. Visiting a certified urologist will not only help you determine the cause of your erectile dysfunction but also design a treatment plan to alleviate or cure the symptoms.
With the right approach, patients can see great improvements in a matter of weeks. Treatments vary from medications to lifestyle changes and surgery.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
The most common treatments for erectile dysfunction are:
- Oral drugs, such as Viagra or Cialis
- Testosterone Therapy if low testosterone is the cause of ED
- Penile Injections
If these treatments don’t work, your urologist may suggest a surgical approach like penile prosthesis. Each one of these treatment options presents advantages and disadvantages, the latter usually being how short term the effect is (for pills) or having an invasive procedure.
Traditionally, treatment options stopped there, but certified urologists are now able to offer a non-invasive treatment option that is just as efficient: low intensity shockwave therapy.
For years, patients dealing with ED had little choice for treatment if they didn’t want to take pills before having intercourse and didn’t want to have surgery or couldn’t afford it. It’s easy to see the disadvantages: taking a pill before sex, while effective, can be really disruptive for patients’ intimacy. It’s important to note that even though medications are a safe solution for erectile dysfunction in healthy men, they might not be the long-term cure patients need.
If you are looking for a treatment option that will not require a pill before intercourse, you’ll be happy to learn more about this new non-invasive shockwave therapy treatment available at VIDA.
Linear Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
This is a painless shockwave therapy treatment for erectile dysfunction that is incredibly effective and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Patients notice an improvement in their performance and ability to maintain an erection just weeks after starting the treatment. That is why, when patients ask what’s the best treatment for erectile dysfunction, we recommend they learn more about shockwave therapy.
How does shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction work?
Linear Shockwave Therapy works with linear low-intensity shock waves that are applied directly to the base of the penis. It is known as a revascularization treatment because of how the penis reacts to shockwave therapy. By applying them to the base of the penis, this therapy stimulates the generation of new blood vessels, increasing the blood supply to the penis and improving erectile function.
The treatment consists of 4 weekly sessions, each one lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The best part about this Linear Shockwave Therapy is that it doesn’t hurt, requires no anesthesia or downtime and results can be noticed after the third week of treatment. Another key factor that sets this therapy apart from other ED treatment options is that the effects last up to one year, meaning, you don’t have to worry about erectile dysfunction (or taking pills) for 12 months straight.
How much does shockwave therapy for ED cost
The Linear Shockwave Therapy used in VIDA costs $2,600 USD for the whole treatment. This cost includes personalized attention by a certified urologist, who will administer the treatment.
Learn More About Shockwave Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
If you would like to learn more about erectile dysfunction treatment options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Lira today by calling (619) 738-2144 from the USA or (664) 608-6461 from Mexico. Erectile dysfunction is not something you and your partner should have to live with.
Dr. Alejandro Quiroz
Dr. Quiroz is our board-certified Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Neck lift, Buttock Augmentation, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and more. He is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the Mexican Society of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Mexican Council of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, to mention a few.