Suffering from erectile dysfunction? 5 ways to get sex life back

It’s a bedroom issue older men may feel embarrassed about, but it’s actually incredibly common. So, we’ve spoken to doctors, urologists and sexologists on the solutions available.

Erectile dysfunction is very common in men aged 40 and over.

If you’re a man, chances are you’ve heard of some uncomfortable problems that can occur down below later in life.

But although many won’t talk about it, erectile dysfunction is common, affecting more than one in ten men.

We spoke to urologist’s, surgeons, and sexologists on what options are available if you are having issues.

What can cause an ED?

Put simply by Dr Gideon Blecher, a qualified urologist, it is the inability to develop or support an erection.

“It’s simply when a man can’t get or maintain an erection that’s sufficient for sexual purposes,” he said.

There are multiple reasons someone might develop an erectile dysfunction.

Dr Briony Norris, a Melbourne-based urologist, said there were various factors that could lead to an ED.

“It can be vasculogenic, meaning it’s related to the blood vessels, neurogenic (relating to the nervous system) or psychogenic (psychological),” she said.

“Sometimes it can have a hormonal component”.

Dr Blecher said that the development of an ED could be linked to poor blood vessel inflow.

“Like men who develop a build-up of plaque in their blood vessels, which may cause a heart attack … similarly, if you have poor blood flow to the penis, you’ll get an erectile dysfunction,” he said.

What can be done?

Lifestyle changes

Although there are strategies for men to help minimise the impacts of erectile dysfunction, it’s important they also target the root of the issue.

Dr Blecher said that many erectile issues were caused by general lifestyle problems.

“Sugar levels, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol issues should be addressed alongside treatments,” he said.

The blue pill

The most known treatment is also one of the most helpful, medical sexologist Marie Tudor said.

The blue pill, or Viagra, is a prescription medication used to help with erectile issues.

It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for a stronger blood flow to be directed towards developing an erection.

But Dr Tudor said it was important to note although it could be used long term it could cause some harmful side effects.

Viagra is one option for men, but you need to plan an hour in advance.

“The main side effects are headaches, nasal stuffiness, feeling of red cheeks and indigestion,” she said.

Since its release in 1988 the cost of Viagra has decreased significantly, making it more accessible to Australians.

The average cost is $30 for a dozen capsules.

Dr Tudor said it’s a great tool for men whose inability to develop or maintain an erection is taking a toll on their lives.

“It’s much more affordable … and it helps keep a man sexually functional,” she said.

But planning is required, as it needs to be taken about an hour before having sex.

It should also not be taken alongside other ED medication.

Vacuum erection devices

Like Viagra, vacuum erection devices or penis pumps won’t cure an ED, but they can provide short-term relief.

The vacuums work by increasing blood flow to the penis and providing a more stable erection, improving sex ability.

James Georgiou, pharmacist and sex therapist, said that vacuum erection devices were one of the easiest ways to produce an erection.

“As the air comes out of the pump. Blood flows into the penis … then we put a band on it to stop the blood flowing out of it,” he said.

Given its non-invasive nature, vacuums can help maintain erections, however there are still risks involved.

A penis pump is another option for erection issues.

Dr Georgiou said pumps could cause harm if not used correctly.

“Some people get a little bit of bruising from those bought from an adult shop,” he said.

“They can cause quite a lot of bruising and discomfort because they’re not regulated.”

Injections

Although it sounds painful, penile injections are the next step for those who don’t respond to medications, according to Dr Georgiou.

“It’s not something that sounds very enticing, but it’s actually extremely effective and does not cause much discomfort at all,” he said.

Penile injections are a treatment involving a medication being inserted directly into the penis.

“They deliver a high dose of medicine into the penis to increase the blood flow and develop a reasonable erection,” Dr Blecher said.

Injections can also help with erection dysfunction.

However, Dr Georgiou said he was concerned with the lack of education and training for those using penile injections, as if used incorrectly, there were increased risks.

“We need to increase the right education, the right training and the right support, because this is a needle that goes into the penis,” he said.

He said penile injections could cause pain, bruising and swelling.

Additionally, prolonged erections are another side effect.

Those experiencing severe side effects are urged to seek medical attention.

Penile implant surgeries:

For men with moderate-to-severe difficulties achieving an erection, penile implant surgeries can provide a long-lasting solution.

In cases where other treatments have failed, surgeons will implant a device into the penis: a pump in the scrotum, and a reservoir in their abdomen.

This procedure can help men achieve a consistent erection.

Although it is the most reliable in producing consistent erections it should only be used in drastic circumstances as it is the most invasive treatment, according to Dr Blecher.

Dr Tudor said those contemplating surgery should look for alternative routes.

“With surgery, you’ve always got to worry about complications,” she said.

Originally published as Suffering from erectile dysfunction? 5 ways to get sex life back