How could this be happening to me? Everything seemed to be fine before, but now I worry every time there may be an intimate moment. I avoid intimacy because I might not be able to perform. According to the Cleveland Clinic, by age 40, 40% of men have difficulty with erectile dysfunction (ED). By age 70, it is up to an astonishing 70% of the population. For years we have been searching for methods for erectile dysfunction and andropause treatment because both of these issues have a profound effect on men’s health.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
The inability to obtain or maintain an erection can lead to unfulfilled sex life. This can lead to depression and a lack of self-esteem as it places a great strain on relationships with your partner.
So to have a better understanding of treatment options for erectile dysfunction, it is important to have an understanding of what the root of the problem may be. The more common reasons for ED may be:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Low testosterone
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Treatments & surgeries for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication, or other concerns
What Causes Andropause?
Andropause occurs in older men and is caused by hormone reduction, specifically testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. Symptoms of this issue include:
- Mood swings and irritability.
- A loss of muscle mass and decreased ability to exercise.
- Fat redistribution, such as developing a large belly or gynaecomastia.
- Low mood and lack of energy.
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or increased tiredness.
- Poor concentration and a hard time remembering things.
Treatment Options
After consideration of your potential causes, your ED clinic provider can better assess what will be the best way to help you improve your condition. There are over-the-counter ED meds that are considered supplements as they are NOT regulated by the FDA, such as Ginseng, DHEA, Yohimbe, and L-Arginine.
FDA-approved ED medications include oral sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), avanafil (Stendra), and vardenafil (Levitra). Injectable ED medications include Tri-mix, Bi-Mix, and Papaverine. There is also the option of a urethral suppository. All of these ED medications work by increasing the flow of blood into the penis to produce an erection.
Devices for Treating ED
There are devices to help ED as well, which for some, may be an effective treatment. A Vacuum Erection Device (VED), also known as a penis pump, creates negative pressure around the penis, drawing in blood to create an erection. The erection is then maintained by applying a restrictive band to the base of the penis. Also known as erectile dysfunction bands, cock rings, penis rings, and constriction bands, these can be used alone or with the VED. The ED ring traps any blood that flows into the penis and prevents it from escaping back into the body, thus maintaining the erection.
Low testosterone levels can have an impact on overall male health. This is especially true if there is a sense of low libido or low interest in sexual activity. Low testosterone (hypogonadism) is also correlated with erectile dysfunction and Andropause. Your level should be checked, and if you are a proper candidate with low T, hormone replacement options include creams, patches, injections, and implantable pellets.
PRP Shots
One method to improve blood flow into the penis is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) which is also known as the penis shot. This works by taking a blood sample, as you would for an ordinary blood test, then using a centrifuge device, the portion of the blood that has healing powers is extracted to be injected back into the penis. These repair signals, in turn, stimulate the generation of new micro-blood vessels that allow improved flow into the penis. Le Papillon will offer these shots in the future.
Schedule Men’s Health Treatments in Pullman, WA
If you’re a man struggling with sexual dysfunction, we can help. At Le Papillon, we offer men’s health services to help you get back on track. Get in touch by filling out and submitting the form below or calling (208) 425-BHRT.
