When Is Erectile Dysfunction Permanent?

Aug 07, 2017 Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects 52% men at some time in their lives.  Recently it is becoming common for younger men to encounter the condition.  

Erectile dysfunction is when the penis either does not become or remain erect for intercourse to take place.  

There are number of reasons as to why it happens including; nerves, stress, intoxication, medical conditions and not finding your partner attractive.  

Most of the time a change in lifestyle can enable normal service to resume. Pfizer has produced a scale of hardness, which helps to determine the level of erectile dysfunction being encountered.  

This can be used when couples visit their doctor to discuss the condition.

1. Penis has increased in size but is not hard.
2. The penis is harder but not hard enough for penetration.
3. The penis is hard enough for penetration but still has a softness to it.
4. The penis is completely hard and rigid. (Source: Independent.co.uk).

Erectile dysfunction can cause anguish and worry in a relationship and panic which can make matters worse.

Lifestyle Reasons

A consultation with your doctor will determine if the way you live your life has caused your erectile dysfunction.  

The following may be reasons; smoking, drinking, stress, fatigue, an unhappy relationship, obesity, depression and some Medication.

The good news is that you are likely to regain your mojo if you address each of these issues either through talk therapy or lifestyle changes.

Physical Reasons

Sometimes impotence is caused by an underlying illness, which changes the body’s response to arousal.  These can include; neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, vascular conditions such as heart disease, hormonal conditions (which can be triggered by hair loss cream) and anatomical conditions - relating to the internal structure of your penis.  These cases are more complicated and require medical intervention.

What Treatments Are Available?

• Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis, Spedra, and Levitra are PDE-5 inhibitors that help with physical problems with erectile dysfunction.  They work by increasing blood flow to the penis allowing an erection to occur.  On average it can take between 30 minutes and an hour for them to take effect.  Only one tablet (every 24 hours) should be taken on an empty stomach. Depending on which treatment you take the effects will last between 8 hours (Sildenafil) and 36 hours (Cialis).  This treatment is prescription only and can only be taken after a doctor has confirmed you are healthy enough to take them.  If you have coronary heart disease or vascular disease they should be taken with caution. PDE-inhibitors must not be taken if you have the following conditions; high blood pressure, recently had a stroke, have unstable angina, have recently had a heart attack or have suffered non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (which is an eye condition that causes loss of vision).  If you are taking medicines containing nitrates then you cannot use this treatment. It is vitally important that you seek your doctor’s advice before taking these treatments.
• If you are unable to use PDE-inhibitors then you have the option of a vacuum pump (‘Full Monty’ fans will have seen, ‘Horse’, trying to work out how to use one.)   A vacuum pump is a tube that draws the blood into your penis making it erect.  A ring is placed at the base of the shaft and a Grade 4 erection should be maintained for 30 minutes.  It does involve practice but is effective when dealing with most causes of ED.
• If your erectile dysfunction is due to the structure of your penis then there a few surgical procedures available to help you to have an erection.  These come in the form of rigid or inflatable implants.
• Hormone treatment is available if your ED is caused by hormonal issues.
• Talk therapy and couples therapy can help erectile dysfunction caused by psychological problems.

If none of these treatments works then sadly your erectile dysfunction may be permanent. 

To review and purchase treatment for erectile dysfunction please click here.

By Birpal Virdee (November 2017)