Erectile dysfunction can be very detrimental to men. It can damage a relationship or affect it significantly. It can cause negative feelings such as guilt, embarrassment and depression. It can break a marriage and destroy one’s life. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that should be treated or managed as soon as possible. It should be addressed immediately to prevent the worst possible damage to a man’s life.

Effects of Erectile Dysfunction

One effect of erectile dysfunction is intimacy issue. Closeness as well as trust gets affected. The partner may interpret it the wrong way and think that the man is losing interest in her.

On the part of the man, he might have difficulty accepting his condition. He may become frustrated with the situation and may find it humiliating to open up about his condition. He may fee insufficient for not being able to satisfy his partner.

The condition affects the man’s self-esteem as well. His confidence may suffer. Consequently, it can also affect his work and social relationships. Work productivity decreases. Financial stability may also possibly be affected as well.

Drug Treatments

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological factors. Medical conditions, substance abuse and psychological issues can cause erectile dysfunction or impotence. Patients are given medications that help increase blood flow to the penis. Here are three of the most common drugs prescribed:

• Viagra
• Levitra
• Cialis

Among the common side effects include headache, blurring of vision, upset stomach and congestion. Aside from oral medications, injections and hormone therapy may also be prescribed. Side effects include breast enlargement, acne, aching in the penis, scarring and increased urination.

• Testosterone replacement therapy

If the condition is due to an illness, doctors will treat the primary conditions first. Management may include:

• Medications to treat the primary disease
• Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, and cessation of smoking and drinking alcohol.

 

Natural Treatments

Aside from drug medications, many natural treatments are now being offered in the market. Here are some of them:

• Panax Ginseng

Also known as red ginseng, panax ginseng has been tested and proven to improve the condition of men with impotence. Seven studies proved the effectiveness of red ginseng. The recommended dosage falls between 600 and 1,000 mg taken thrice daily.

• DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone, popularly referred to as DHEA, is hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. The hormone can be obtained from soy and wild yam as well. It can be converted to testosterone and estrogen.  Since previous studies showed that men with impotence have low levels of DHEA, the supplement has been recommended to patients.

• L-arginine

L-arginine releases nitric oxide which is needed to relax and dilate blood vessels. Taking L-arginine can help relax and dilate blood vessels, thus increasing the blood supply to the penile area.

• Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodioloa rosea or rose root is popular in Russia and the Scandinavian area. This medicinal plant is found to be effective in improving erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. In addition, it also increases ketosteroids in urine and normalizes prostatic fluid.

 

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