Erectile Dysfunction : Awareness about the problem
Ignorance is not at all bliss when you have erectile dysfunction(ED).
Yes, only 25% of the men with ED approach the doctor and take treatment.
You would be surprised to know that 75% of the people who have ED, sometimes knowingly and sometimes unknowingly, ignore Erectile dysfunction and live a compromised life by missing the most beautiful part of life. Sex is not only fulfilling emotionally but also keeps you healthy.
These are the people who are very good at coining reasons to ignore. The most common reasons are
I don’t have time
I do have bigger and important challenges in life
It’s temporary, and I will be fine on my own.
What will people think about me?
I am too shy to talk about my sex life.
I am getting old.
And many more.
These guys are always suffering from performance anxieties. This anxiety also increases the problem and performance in the bedroom. They are always worried about satisfying their sexual partner.
In a few cases, this small treatable condition starts becoming the reason for disturbed family life. Slowly and gradually, these performance anxieties start impacting the self-confidence and self-esteem of a man. Low self-confidence and self-esteem are not the properties that you can restrict up to the bedroom.
Typically, it’s just a matter of time when low self-confidence and low self-esteem spreads in other areas of life including professional life. At times, erectile dysfunction is a part of early symptoms of other vascular problems and chronic diseases. These guys are not able to get timely hints due to their inactions.
Whereas, there are that 25% of people who could overcome their self-denials and inhibitions and take timely action. These guys are not only able to maintain their performance in bed, but also able to improve it further and able to enjoy life the way they used to enjoy 5-10 years back.
Doctors help many in identifying the cardiovascular issues well in time, and they start working on other problems along with fulfilling sexual life.
You are definitely not among those who are and will keep on ignoring Erectile dysfunction.
Before we move ahead, let’s understand what Erectile dysfunction is?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep a penile erection sufficient enough for satisfactory sexual performance.
Psychological problems commonly cause erectile dysfunction because many men experience it during times of stress.
Physical problems also cause erectile dysfunction, which is usually related to the blood supply of the penis.
Finding the right cause of ED will help and treat the problem with overall well-being.
Types of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction is of the following types.
Abnormalities in the penile arteries, veins, or both and the most common cause of ED occur typically in older age. When the problem is arterial, it is usually caused by arteriosclerosis, which is a thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries.
Inability to maintain a firm erection is an early symptom of erectile dysfunction (ED). A person cannot hold a strong erection sufficient enough to perform sex.
The condition is known as a venous leak, in which the real problem is not with the veins but the smooth muscle malfunction. The result is that maintaining a firm erection becomes difficult, which is now believed to be an early sign of atherosclerosis and vascular disease.
Diabetes: It is the most common cause of Erectile Dysfunction. Diabetes can damage the blood supply to the penis and the nerves that control an erection.
Premature and unusually severe hardening of the arteries can be caused by diabetes.
In diabetes, blood sugar levels starting to damage small blood vessels and nerves. These nerves control sexual stimulation, and response can hamper a man’s ability to achieve an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse.
From these damaged blood vessels, blood flow gets reduced, which contributes to ED.
Depression: Sexual desire starts in the brain. The brain generates a special chemical called neurotransmitters, which increases the communication between the brain cells and triggers more blood flow to the sex organs.
Depression cause problem in the brain circuit which communicate using this chemical don’t work correctly. That results in low or no sexual desire.
Some of the antidepressant medications can cause erectile failure.
Neurologic causes: In order to maintain erection your nerve should be functioning correctly. Some of the neurological reasons for erectile dysfunction were.
- Vascular disease
- Endocrine disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage from pelvic operations
Drug-induced ED: Yes, ED can also occur with prescribed drugs, such as
- Blood pressure medications
- Antianxiety and antidepressant medications
- Glaucoma eye drops
- Cancer chemotherapy agents
These are some of the many medications associated with erectile dysfunction.
Hormone-induced ED: Hormonal abnormalities which cause erectile dysfunction, such as
- Increased prolactin (a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland)
- Steroid abuse by bodybuilders
- Too much or too little thyroid hormone
- Hormones administered for prostate cancer
- Low testosterone can contribute to ED
You have premature ejaculation sexual dysfunction if ejaculation occurs within one minute of vaginal penetration consistently.
This induces distress, frustration, and then you start avoiding sexual intimacy.
Premature ejaculation can be divided into the following categories:
- Lifelong premature ejaculation: In this category, the patent experiences premature ejaculation right from the first sexual intercourse and cannot come out of it.
- Acquired premature ejaculation: In this category, the patient had successful sexual encounters lasting more than a minute and recently developed premature ejaculation.
- Performance anxiety: It is a very temporary form of ED and is usually caused due to stress and anxiety.
Erection is a result of emotional, chemical, and physical changes. When a man is sexually excited emotionally, the brain signals the sexual organs in the form of chemicals that start from the brain and flow to the sexual organ.
After that, blood flow increases to the penile arteries and fills two chambers inside the penis. When the chambers are completely filled with blood, the penis grows strong and rigid.
An erection ends when the muscles contract, and the accumulated blood can flow out through the penile veins.
Normal erectile function can be affected by blood flow, the nervous system, and hormone levels.
Psychological factors also play a role in erectile dysfunction, such as anxiety over sexual performance.
Erectile dysfunction causes both emotional and physical conditions.
Common causes include:
You may have erectile dysfunction if you continuously have:
- Trouble in getting an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activities
- Reduced interest in sex
Other sexual disorders related to ED include:
- Premature ejaculation
- Delayed ejaculation
- Anorgasmia (inability to achieve orgasm after ample stimulation)
Consult with the doctor if the symptoms lasted for three or more months.
Diagnosis and testing for erectile dysfunction can involve various steps, including a physical examination and primarily taking your health and sexual history. If needed to be followed by the tests to determine if an underlying condition causing your symptoms were.
This might include carefully examining your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for sensation.
Blood tests are done to check if your developing or having any signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels, and other health conditions.
Like blood tests, urine tests are done to check for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.
This test is usually performed by a specialist in which a device called a transducer is held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. A video image is created; it will help your doctor understand blood flow problems.
Sometimes tests are combined with an injection of medications into the penis to stimulate blood flow and produce an erection.
In this examination, the doctor will screen for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction by asking some of the questions.
Testosterone improves energy, mood, and bone density, increases muscle mass and weight, and heightens sexual interest.
The testosterone therapy is for males who have deficient testosterone levels.
Testosterone supplementation is not recommended for men with normal testosterone levels for their age group because of probable side effects such as prostate enlargement. This is precisely the reason, nobody should go for self medications.
Doctors prescribe medications and supplements only after analyzing the current levels and then calibrate the dosages, frequency, and duration for the supplements/medications.
Testosterone therapies are available as a cream, gel, solution, skin patch, injectable form, and pellet form placed under the skin.
Shockwave therapy is typically given for men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, which is a blood vessel disorder affecting blood flow to the tissue in the penis.
There is specific equipment that is used to give this therapy which is generally available with Andrologists. Depending upon the need and severity, Shock wave therapy can be prescribed once a week for four to six weeks.
A penis pump called a vacuum erection device is a hollow vacuum tube, either a hand-powered or battery-powered pump.
Penis pumps pull the blood in penis with a suction mechanism. You need to place the tube over your penis, and a pump sucks out the air inside the tube. A vacuum is, therefore, created that essentially pulls blood into your penis.
After getting an erection, you need to slip a tension ring around the base of your penis. This ring helps to hold the blood in the penis and keep it firm.
The erection achieved with a penis pump lasts long enough for a couple to have sex. You need to remove the tension ring after sexual intercourse.
Your doctor might recommend the penis pump and prescribe a specific model if this mechanism is suitable for you. Typically doctors recommend the penis pump for mild ED and sometimes after some procedure such as prostate surgery.
The doctors may recommend the penis pump along with ED pills or other treatments without any additional risk.
These are Surgical procedures where an implant is placed in the erection chambers of the penis. These surgical procedures are recommended when other treatments fail to give desired results.
Surgeons use the following two types of implants:
- Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (3-piece hydraulic pump): A pump and two cylinders are surgically placed within the erection chambers of the penis. The erection is created by releasing a saline solution in the cylinders. The slime solution has to be removed to deflate the penis.
- Semi-rigid Penile Prosthesis: Two semi-rigid and bendable rods are surgically placed in the erection chambers of the penis. The erection is achieved by guiding the rods into an erect or non-erect position.
This is the first and foremost action point one should take to come out from ED symptoms. Since these are only exercises and lifestyle modifications, you can plan to even implement them on your own.
Exercises for erectile dysfunction
1. Basic kegel exercise:
Pelvic floor kegel exercises improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. This exercise help penis to fill with blood during an erection.
2. Yoga Asanas:
Yoga asanas are beneficial for treating erectile dysfunction. Some of the yoga asanas which helps in reversing ED are as follows
- Paschimottanasana
- Uttanasana
- Baddha Konasana
- Janu Sirsasana
- Dhanurasana
- Bhujangasana
3. Some exercises that focus on strengthening abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor
-
- Bridge
- Squat
- Hollow Hold
This exercise is very helpful to stimulate the pelvic muscle and increase the blood flow in the abdominal and pelvic areas.
Please visit the blog to learn how to perform these exercises.
You can take advantage of these herbs as a second stage after implementing exercises and lifestyle changes.
Ayurveda has given many natural herbs to the world: Aphrodisiac (stimulating sexual desire) in nature. These herbs are generally not having much side effects if taken in moderation. However, it’s always better to take these herbs under the guidance of ayurvedic practitioners.
These drugs do give the result, but they are slow in nature. Ayurveda is more focused on solving the root cause and maintain the right balance in the body.
Ayurvedic practitioners typically recommend the following herbs either individually or in combination to the early stage ED patients.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (the botanical name is Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry, is one of the oldest arrows in the quiver of ayurvedic medicine, having been there for thousands of years. It’s the powder with a horse smell.
Ashwagandha is Indian Ginseng and a very well-known anti-aging herb. Ashwagandha powder not only boosts testosterone production but also reduces the production of cortisol or stress hormones. Higher levels of cortisol hormones indicate your stress levels. So Ashwagandha helps you improve the vitality and reduce the stress level along with its anti-aging properties and, therefore, is very helpful in reversing Erectile dysfunction.
Ashwagandha is very readily available in natural powder form, capsule form, and tablet form. All forms are good; however, the powder is the most natural form.
Safed Musli
Safed Musli (the botanical name is Chlorophytum Borivilianum) is a rare Indian herb used in traditional and alternative medicine, including Ayurveda, Unani, and homeopathy.
Safed Musli helps in managing erectile dysfunction as well as stress-induced sexual problems. It also helps in improving the quality and quantity of sperms due to its spermatogenic, anti-stress, and antioxidant properties.
Safed Musli powder (or churna) can be consumed with lukewarm milk once or twice a day.
Kaunch Powder
Kaunch Powder is prepared from the seeds of Kaunch (Botonical name – Mucuna pruriens). The Kaunch powder acts as an aphrodisiac and thus helps in increasing sexual desire.
It further helps to improve sperm count and motility.
It also helps to increase the production and quantity of semen.
Apart from this, Kaunch beej helps reduce physiological stress and improves semen quality. This is due to its antioxidant property.
Some studies also state that Kaunch beej improves sexual performance by delaying the time of ejaculation.
Gokhru Powder
Gokhru is known to deal with kidney and urinary problems and is also a sexual libido enhancer. It is also considered an aphrodisiac and sexual libido-enhancer.
For more information do visit Ayurvedic treatment for erectile dysfunction
Stem cell therapies are in advanced treatment option categories. The research on stem cell therapies and their applicabilities in different diseases is continuously going on in India and developed countries.
Stem cells are actually the basic building blocks of the body, and they do have the capabilities to convert them into specific cells.
If you’re new to stem cell therapies, please do visit the page what are stem cells.
Stem Cells, based on their basic fundamental characteristics, have the capability to reverse the disease.
Stem cell therapy is the process in which stem cells are extracted from your body and then processed and multiplied in sophisticated stem cell labs and reinjected in the impacted part of the body.
The stem cells regenerate themselves and start converting into specific cells and tissues that the deteriorating body badly needs.
The new cells then start replacing the old and damaged cells and start reversing the condition.
These Stem cell therapies are often clubbed with oxygen and ozone therapies to stimulate the newly injected stem cells for better and quicker results.
There are some cases in which stem cell experts may tell you they might require embryonic stem cells for the treatment. However, stem cell experts give priority to the autologous (your own) adult stem cells.
If you have tried everything, then stem cells are a new ray of hope for you.
For more details please visit stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction.
Stem cells are extracted from bone marrow through an injection using local anaesthesia. The extracted bone marrow is then processed in the Stem cells lab, where the stem cells are segregated from other tissues and further multiplied in the lab environment.
After that, the Stem cells are injected back into the body through the Intravenous route. The stem cells reach the organ which needs the repair and starts converting themselves into the cells of desired functionality. These new cells start the healing process of the organ.
There might be multiple cycles of stem cell therapies based on the severity of the disease and other factors like comorbidities, age, and the patient’s current symptoms.
What to expects outcomes of stem cell therapy for Erectile Dysfunction in India
You should start expecting the results from the therapy in one to 3 months after the therapy.
However, based on your clinical history, your stem cell doctor would tell you the expected results along with the number of cycles that may be required.
Stem cell Erectile Dysfunction treatment cost in India
India is one of the most affordable and result-oriented destinations to choose to undergo stem cell therapy.
With the availability of state-of-the-art hospitals, the best stem cell experts, and excellent infrastructure, which is at par with international standards, you also get cost-effectiveness and trustworthiness.
The stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction treatment in India is based on the patient’s requirements and medical condition.
The cost of stem cell therapy in India starts from USD 2000 per cycle, depending on the patient’s current condition, treating doctor, and suggested treatment protocol.
Frequently asked questions and patient concerns:
1. Is erectile dysfunction is curable?
Yes, definitely ED is curable.
It is very important to know the root cause of the ED and then the treatment is chosen accordingly.
You can check the treatment in the above treatment section.
2. What is the best exercise for erectile dysfunction?
The exercise which is good for ED focused on strengthening the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor.
Some of the exercises include
- Kegel exercise
- Yoga asanas
- Abdominal and pelvic exercise
You can go through the below link to check the exercise for erectile dysfunction
3. What is the current status of Stem cell therapy from the regulatory framework?
The stem cell-based therapy is in the research phase and not yet formally approved by ICMR. However, the application of stem cells, popularly known as bone marrow transplants, in blood-related disorders is approved by ICMR.
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Author Bio
Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee is a molecular oncologist with experience working with genomic profiles. He has several years of experience in scientific writing. He takes a strong interest in making people aware of different treatment approaches in cancer, and acute and chronic diseases. He also has an interest in innovative approaches for treating different mental and physical illnesses. View all posts by Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee
