Erectile Dysfunction
The occasional difficulty in getting or keeping an erection is normal. It starts to become a problem when you’re regularly having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection — to the extent that you’re purposefully avoiding intimate moments with your partner.
Erectile dysfunction takes many forms. Some guys with ED are unable to achieve an erection under any circumstances, while others can occasionally become erect. You can also suffer from ED if you have no trouble getting an erection, but can’t consistently sustain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual intercourse.
ED is not normal and is by no means an inevitable consequence of aging. In fact, most men with ED still have the ability to have an orgasm and father a child, but often have difficulty doing these things because they can’t get or sustain an erection.
What Causes ED?
To start with, ED is NOT all in your head. You can’t simply will yourself to get an erection, no matter how much you try. Studies show that only 20% of the causes for ED are due to a psychological problem or disorder. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are common causes. Even a perfectly healthy man can develop ED after a brain or spinal cord injury. ED can be a side effect of certain medications, too.
ED Treatment Options
Since no two men are alike, the best ED treatment plan will depend on what’s causing your problem. That’s why it’s important to put aside embarrassment and make an appointment to visit a qualified doctor who specializes in Men’s Health and is dedicated to helping guys get back to enjoying their time with their spouses or partners to the fullest. You’ll be relieved to talk to someone who understands and has solutions.
Pills are usually the first treatment option that men try, but they don’t work for everyone. Some guys find they cause bothersome headaches or persistent stomach troubles. Some have serious side effects such as chest pain and vision or hearing changes. It’s estimated that 30-35% of men don’t respond to the medication at all. Erectile dysfunction medication can also take from 30 minutes to 2 hours before they take effect which can affect romantic spontaneity.
Penile Implants
When pills don’t work, an ED implant offers hope. Penile implants are custom-fitted devices that are surgically implanted to allow you to obtain an erection when desired. They are undetectable to the naked eye, so no one will know you have one unless you tell them. Titan penile implant is designed to mimic the look and performance of a natural erection.
ED Affects Partners Too
Men aren’t the only ones who suffer with ED. Spouses and partners experience their own emotional challenges. Those emotions can range from confusion, anxiety, fear, and even sadness.
If you have a partner who is struggling with ED treatment, you can talk to someone who knows exactly what you’re going through — and can help. The Coloplast Partner Support Network offers a free, confidential connection with the spouses or partners of men who’ve been treated with a penile implant. They will listen to your questions and concerns, and share their own knowledge and experiences of how to keep your relationship strong during this challenging time.