What should men do if they have erectile dysfunction?

Male erectile dysfunction can be improved through lifestyle adjustments, psychological intervention, oral drugs, device-assisted and surgical treatments. It is usually caused by vascular lesions, nerve damage, hormone imbalance, psychological factors and drug side effects.

1. Lifestyle adjustment:

Improve the diet structure, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and increase the intake of deep-sea fish, nuts and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Perform regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking and swimming, for at least 150 minutes a week. Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, avoid staying up late, and keep your weight within a normal range. These measures can help improve vascular endothelial function and increase testosterone levels.

2. Psychological intervention:

Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression account for about 40% of the causes of erectile dysfunction. Stress can be relieved through cognitive behavioral therapy, and having a partner in therapy can ease tension. Avoid paying too much attention to erection performance and establish a benign sexual and psychological feedback mechanism. Severe psychological disorders require professional psychological counseling or antidepressant drug intervention.

3. Oral drugs:

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors are the drugs of choice, including sildenafil, tadalafil, etc., which improve erection by enhancing blood flow to the penis. It needs to be used under the guidance of a doctor. It is contraindicated to take it with nitrate drugs. Androgen replacement therapy is suitable for people with low testosterone levels, but is contraindicated in patients with prostate cancer.

4. Instrument assistance:

The vacuum negative pressure device induces erection through physical means and is suitable for patients with drug contraindications. Penile injection therapy uses vasoactive drugs such as alprostadil, which works quickly but can cause pain. Intraurethral drug delivery systems place drug suppositories into the urethra, which have lower absorption efficiency but less trauma than injection therapy.

5. Surgical treatment:

Vascular reconstruction is suitable for young patients with clear arterial stenosis, with a success rate of about 60%. Penile prosthesis implantation is divided into expandable and semi-rigid types, and the postoperative satisfaction rate reaches more than 90%. The cardiovascular status needs to be comprehensively assessed before surgery, and complications such as infection need to be prevented after surgery.

It is recommended to regularly monitor basic indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids to control chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Increase arginine-rich foods such as oysters and pumpkin seeds to supplement zinc and vitamin E. Maintain a moderate sexual frequency and avoid excessive masturbation. Partners should provide full understanding and support and participate in the treatment process together. Men over the age of 40 are recommended to test their testosterone levels every year. If they have persistent erection difficulties, they should promptly visit a urology department or andrology department to rule out potential risks such as cardiovascular disease.