How to Reverse Erectile Dysfunction without Medication
May 26, 2022
Can erectile dysfunction be reversed without medication?
Although the best treatment option for ED will vary based on individual diagnosis, a five-year study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that sexual dysfunction is a dynamic disorder that can be reversed in some men by focusing on modifiable factors and not just relying on prescription medications. Remedies for physical causes of ED include lifestyle changes as well as physical treatment options like extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Psychological causes, including depression, stress, relationship issues, guilt, mental illness, poor self-image, and performance anxiety can all lead to sexual performance issues. Although aging can play a role, there are many older men who may never experience difficulty in having or maintaining an erection. According to Harvard Medical School, ED continues to be the greatest obstacle to a satisfying sex life for both men and their partners, but it doesn’t have to be.
Since an erection is a neurovascular event, neurologic or vascular disturbances are common physical causes of erectile dysfunction. The cavernous nerve is the main autonomic nerve that regulates penile erection and is involved in the voiding by innervating the anterior aspect of a man’s prostate gland. In most cases, the diagnosis of physical conditions that affect genital blood flow are generally the same in adult men of all ages.
Physical Risk Factors for ED
Getting and maintaining an erection mainly involves the blood vessels. Thus, the most common causes of erectile dysfunction in adult men are related to medical conditions or trauma-related events that block the normal flow of blood to the penis. Some common non-psychological risk factors for erectile dysfunction can include:
- Overweight to Obese – In a recent review, it was noted that men who suffered with ED tended to be heavier (overweight or obese) and, when compared with participants of normal weight, had larger waists than those who did not suffer from erectile dysfunction.
- Consumption of Alcohol – Long-term risks for developing erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and loss of sexual desire has been directly linked to alcohol dependence or the chronic heavy use of alcohol in men.
- Obstructive Sleep – Recent studies have shown a spike in complaints about erectile dysfunction among those who suffer from an obstructive sleep disorder or apnea. Both the quantity and quality of sleep are known to affect testosterone production and release.
- Metabolic Syndrome – This includes several chronic health conditions that often occur together, such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, and excess body fat around the waist. These increase a man’s risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
- Limited Blood Flow – Since blood flow is the most important aspect of getting and maintaining an erection, poor circulation or anything that obstructs blood flow to the penis can cause erectile dysfunction, including plaque, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Peripheral Neuropathy – This is the medical term for the type of nerve damage most often associated with erectile dysfunction. Neurological conditions like a stroke, trauma from spinal cord injuries, and chronic medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease can cause ED.
- Prostate Disease – A severe case of prostatitis or an enlarged prostate can cause erectile dysfunction. Early-stage prostate cancer does not cause ED. However, advanced forms of prostate disease as well as prostate surgery to remove tumors can cause nerve damage that results in poor blood flow.
At some point in their life, most men will experience erectile difficulty or the inability to stay firm enough for normal sexual performance. If you are wondering at what age ED happens, the answer doesn’t exist as there are men in their 20’s who experience ED and men in the 90’s who have never had an erectile issues. Although more study is needed, an interesting review in Medical News Today reported a higher rate of ED in gay men but lower odds of premature ejaculation than in heterosexual males.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Treating ED
Any man who experiences persistent erectile problems or other performance issues should consult a doctor who specializes in male sexual health. A professional diagnosis can help address any underlying medical issues, so sexual difficulties can be resolved and a man’s confidence in the bedroom restored. Moreover, there are numerous medications that are commonly prescribed to treat other issues that can also cause erectile problems. The good news is there are many treatment options for managing ED and most men are able to find a solution that works.
Men suffering with symptoms of ED are often prescribed the “little blue pill” that they have to remember to take 30 minutes to an hour before sex. These belong to a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. Although they are considered to be a relatively safe ED treatment, men with heart, kidney or liver conditions may be at higher risks. Many discover that repeatedly having to take ED medicines can be cumbersome and expensive. PDE5 inhibitors may cause dizziness, vision changes, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Common side effects include flushing, runny nose, headaches, stomach discomfort, back pain, and indigestion.
Repairing Damaged Penile Tissue
Plaque and scar tissue are common physical causes of ED that can block the natural flow of blood to the penis as well as cause blood to leave the penis too quickly causing the man to lose an erection. However, due to the complex function and structure of the penis, repairing damaged penile tissue has been a challenge. A 2019 review and meta-analysis concluded that erectile function was significantly improved using low-intensity shockwave therapy in men with vasculogenic ED. Doctors had previously used this non-invasive treatment process for decades to treat for everything from kidney stones to musculoskeletal disorders.
“Any man over the age of 30 can experience the advantages of shockwave therapy for treating erectile dysfunction,” says Dr. Earl Eye*. “GAINSWave Jacksonville offers a non-invasive, drug-free, and surgery-free alternative that can help a man achieve stronger and more resilient erections for better sexual performance.” Low-intensity shockwave therapy breaks up plaque formation in blood vessels and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the penis. This can increase blood flow and activate the growth of new nerve tissue in the penis. Regenerated nerve tissue (neurogenesis) can enhance sensitivity and improve sexual pleasure.
Non-invasive treatments using low-intensity shockwave therapy have proven effective in breaking up plaque formation to treat ED. If the little blue pill isn’t working for you or you would like to discuss any mens health issue with an experienced professional, call GAINSWave Jacksonville today at (904) 500-5500.
*Earl Eye, M.D., FACCP, is a men’s healthcare physician with multiple medical specialties and over forty years of experience in treating male patients. At his Jacksonville practice, he conducts a thorough exam to identify the most probable cause of your performance issues and recommends the best treatment options based on your specific medical problem. He is experienced in helping men manage many organic etiologies like vascular issues, painful penile curvature, neurogenic problems, side effects from medical treatments and medications as well as endocrinological issues, such as diabetes.
