Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects many men, but it can be reversed in some cases. Depending on the cause, ED can be cured with the right diagnosis, support, and treatment. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found a 29 percent remission rate after 5 years. The main surgical treatment for ED is the insertion of a penile implant, which has the highest success and satisfaction rates among ED treatment options.
Smoking is strongly associated with ED, and the more you smoke, the more likely it is that ED will occur. Heavy drinkers are also at greater risk of suffering from ED, with up to 70% of heavy drinkers experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Treatment for ED aims to allow a man to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. This can be done through medications such as Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil), or through a pump that creates a low-pressure vacuum around the erectile tissue.
The goal of treatment is to correct or improve erectile function, help circulatory health, and improve a man's quality of life. If ED is the result of an underlying medical condition, treating that condition often reverses ED. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments are also important for treating ED problems from the start. Pelvic floor exercises can be used to help control sexual dysfunction in men who have diabetes and ED.
Although there is no cure for erectile dysfunction, there are a variety of effective ways to treat it. With the right diagnosis, support and treatment, ED may go away without the need for medications. Penile implants are also an option for those who have not been successful with other treatments. These treatments are effective in 80% of men and provide a path to better sexual intercourse while implementing long-term solutions.
