If you're having trouble with erectile dysfunction, there are a few steps you can take to try and reverse it. Quitting smoking is a great place to start, as being overweight can worsen the condition. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is also important. If you have any alcohol or drug-related problems, it's essential to get treatment for them.
Testosterone replacement therapy is not usually recommended as the first line of treatment for ED, but your doctor may suggest it in combination with another ED treatment option depending on your individual symptoms. A penile implant is a surgical procedure that takes around 30-45 minutes and places a water-based device in the penis's erection chambers. This allows for reliable control of when and how long an erection lasts, and is considered the closest option to a cure for erectile dysfunction. In many cases, yes, erectile dysfunction can be reversed.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 29 percent of people experienced remission after five years. You can work with a health professional to treat any underlying causes of ED. The Sexual Counseling Association has fact sheets on medications and other treatments for ED. Doctors may also prescribe medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) to treat erectile dysfunction.
For more information on how to diagnose, treat, and overcome ED, read What to Do About Erectile Dysfunction, a special health report from Harvard Medical School. Finally, many people have found that exercises to strengthen the muscles in the area can help reverse erectile dysfunction.