Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects many men worldwide and becomes almost inevitable with age. Fortunately, there are several effective methods available for treating ED. Here are the top five methods commonly used:
Oral medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), are often the first-line treatment for ED. These medications belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection. These medications are typically taken 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity and require sexual stimulation to be effective.
Making certain lifestyle modifications can have a positive impact on ED. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress can also contribute to improved erectile function.
ED can sometimes have psychological or emotional causes, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help address these underlying issues. Counseling sessions can assist individuals in exploring the emotional factors contributing to their ED and developing strategies to manage them effectively.
Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) are non-invasive devices that create a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into the erectile tissues and causing an erection. A constriction band is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. VEDs are generally safe and can be used by individuals who cannot or do not wish to use medication.
For individuals who do not respond to other treatment options, surgical placement of a penile implant may be considered. Penile implants are devices surgically inserted into the penis to enable an erection. There are two main types of penile implants: inflatable implants, which allow for an erection on demand, and malleable implants, which keep the penis firm but can be manually adjusted for sexual activity.
At Happy Valley Clinic, we believe in restoring your body’s ability to create the reactions and sensations you experienced in the past. With that in mind, here are our top 5 ways to treat ED:
Unlike acoustic shockwave therapy, focused shockwave therapy is a painless (non-invasive, drug-free) treatment that works to repair soft tissue and improve blood flow. Our clinic uses a lithotripsy device to break up micro-plaques in existing blood vessels and stimulate the growth of new vessels using ultrasonic waves. This treatment is appropriate across all age groups, even in those with Peyronie’s disease, where it breaks down scar tissue, reducing the curvature of the penis typical of PD.
Bio Electro-Magnetic Regulation Therapy uses a low-level, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) to stimulate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body's tissues, supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Because adequate blood flow is necessary for proper sexual function, by improving microcirculation and increasing blood flow to the genital area, BEMER can enhance the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Red light therapy works by utilizing specific wavelengths of light that have been shown to stimulate cell function. In this case, the light works to increase mitochondrial productivity (the “powerhouse of the cell”). With more energy available, cell productivity is improved, increasing new cell growth and repair work throughout the body. This leads to increased circulation (a fundamental component of treating ED) and decreased cell inflammation. This therapy has been shown to be especially beneficial to those suffering from neuropathy and ED related to diabetes.
A vacuum erection device (VED) is a non-invasive device that creates a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into the erectile tissues and causing an erection. We often recommend that a VED be used In conjunction with our other therapies. Where the therapies listed above focus on repairing existing vasculature and stimulating the growth of new vasculature, a VED exercises and stimulates erectile tissue by flooding that new and repaired vasculature with blood. The end results tend to include increased length, improved sensation (including stronger orgasms), and an improved ability to naturally maintain erections.
Whether you need help balancing hormone levels or increasing your amino acid or nitric oxide intake, our providers will analyze your diet and lab results to determine what, if anything, your body needs to function at its best. Whether it’s hormone therapy, dietary supplements, or antioxidants that your body is craving, we want to make sure you have everything you need to successfully combat ED.
If you’re looking to treat ED, however mild or severe, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to ED medication, to make some lifestyle changes, explore counseling, or avoid a costly, invasive surgical procedure, Happy Valley Clinic is here to help. We will pair you with a licensed physician who will create a customized treatment plan aimed at healing the root cause of your ED, not just the symptoms. Our goal is to help you regain the erectile function you enjoyed in your 20s and 30s, and our treatments are designed to help the body naturally reclaim the responses and sensations often thought to be unrecoverable.
The choices in treatment for ED depend on various factors, including the underlying cause, individual preferences, overall health, and the guidance of a healthcare professional. Schedule a free consult with one of our healthcare providers to begin determining the most suitable treatment option(s) for you.
