Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Available Options and Prevention

When you and your partner are trying to get intimate, erectile dysfunction (ED) can feel like an unexpected obstacle. You may be wondering what’s causing it, whether it can be remedied, and how to approach the issue without feeling embarrassed.

Fortunately, ED is treatable. Various treatment options are available, ranging from oral medications to counselling and preventive care to help you regain confidence and improve your sexual well-being.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough during sexual activity. It’s a common condition that can affect men at any age, though it becomes more frequent as they get older.

However, ED isn’t just a normal part of ageing; it can be linked to underlying health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or psychological stress. While occasional erection difficulties are common, ongoing or recurring ED should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosing and treating ED

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. The process often includes:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination

• Assessment of cardiovascular health, hormonal levels, and current medications

• Evaluation of psychological well-being

• Additional tests such as blood work, imaging, or nocturnal penile tumescence tests

Treatment is tailored based on the underlying cause and severity of ED. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend oral medications, injectable options, or hormone therapy. In some cases, lifestyle changes and counselling are also important parts of a thorough treatment plan.

Oral medications

Oral medications, known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, are often the most accessible and effective first-line treatment option for ED. They enhance blood flow to the penis, helping you to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. The main types of PDE5 inhibitors include:

Avanafil 

Avanafil is a more recent PDE5 inhibitor that acts quickly and lasts for a shorter time. It can start working in as little as 15 to 30 minutes after being consumed.

Sildenafil 

Sildenafil was the first widely available oral ED medication. It usually takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts around four hours. For best results, it should be taken on an empty stomach and timed before sexual activity.

Tadalafil 

Tadalafil is unique for its longer duration, lasting up to 36 hours, which has earned it the nickname "the weekend pill". It can be taken daily in low doses or as needed, providing more flexibility in planning sexual activity.

Vardenafil

Vardenafil works similarly to sildenafil but may be preferred by some men due to differences in side-effect profiles or individual response. It usually takes effect within an hour and lasts several hours.

If you're unsure which medication is right for your condition, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical to discuss your options. Our specialists can assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Injectable medications and suppositories

For men who cannot take or don’t respond to oral medications, other treatment options are available. These methods work by directly increasing blood flow to the penis, producing an erection within minutes. Though effective, they require guidance from a doctor to ensure safe and proper use.

Common options include:

• Penile injections:

  • Medication (such as alprostadil) is injected into the base or side of the penis using a very fine needle. The drug relaxes blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to the penis to support an erection.

• Urethral suppositories:

  • A small pellet of medication is inserted into the urethra (the opening at the tip of the penis) using a special applicator. It dissolves and increases blood flow locally to help achieve an erection.

Hormone replacement therapy

Addressing hormone imbalances can play an important role in improving erectile function. Low testosterone is one of the most common hormonal causes of ED, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help boost libido and sexual performance in men with confirmed low testosterone levels.

Treatment should always be supervised by a healthcare provider, with regular monitoring of hormone levels and possible side effects.

Surgical options

Surgery is usually considered when other methods don’t provide results. In these cases, options such as penile implants or vascular surgery may be recommended.

Penile implants can provide reliable erections for men with severe ED, while vascular procedures aim to restore or improve blood flow to the penis. However, surgery is performed only when less invasive treatments haven’t been effective.

Counseling and psychological support

Mental and emotional health can have a strong impact on erectile function. Factors such as performance anxiety, stress, or relationship difficulties can contribute to ED.

Counselling – either individually or with a partner – can help address these issues and improve confidence and communication. Combining mental support with medical treatment often leads to better overall outcomes, especially for men whose ED is associated with emotional or psychological factors.

Prevention for erectile dysfunction

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits plays a key role in both improving and preventing ED. Consider making these small, consistent changes to support your sexual performance and overall wellbeing:

• Maintain a balanced diet and stay active to promote healthy blood flow and hormone balance.

• Manage stress and get sufficient rest to support mental and emotional health.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake to protect vascular function.

• Schedule regular health screenings to track cardiovascular and hormonal health.

• Keep open communication with your partner to strengthen emotional connection and confidence.

• Control underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity

Together, these habits can help improve erectile function and reduce the risk of developing ED over time.

If you're looking to take proactive steps in preventing erectile dysfunction, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our team can help you develop a personalised prevention plan tailored to your health profile and lifestyle.

FAQ

Does sudden ED go away?

How long does it take to fix erectile dysfunction?

What causes a weak erection?

Can you still get hard with ED?

How can I test for erectile dysfunction at home?

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The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.