How Long Does it Take to Cure Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection. The time it takes to cure ED depends on the cause.

There are treatments for all cases of ED, but the duration of the cure depends on the cause. The question you should ask is how to cure ED in your specific situation.

Permanent solutions take longer as they require addressing underlying problems. Long-term lifestyle changes or treatment for underlying conditions may be necessary to restore natural erections.

Temporary solutions are available that work quickly, such as mechanical devices or prescription medications that provide immediate results.

In extreme cases, surgery is an option, but keep in mind that it has a lengthy recovery time and doesn’t restore natural erections.

ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection when desired.

It’s a common condition, affecting more than 50% of men aged 40 to 70.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

ED can have physical or psychological causes.

Psychological causes can arise at any time and may be related to depression, anxiety, work stress, home life stress, guilt, fear of intimacy, performance anxiety, or low self-esteem.

Physical causes may result from lifestyle choices, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.

Lifestyle causes include smoking, drug use, excess alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of exercise.

Medical conditions that can cause ED include atherosclerosis (hardening and blockage of blood vessels), type 2 diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer treatments, multiple sclerosis, Peyronie’s disease, and injury to the genitals or nearby areas.

Medications that can cause ED include antiandrogens, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, sedatives, ulcer medication, and appetite suppressants.

If your medications are causing ED, discuss alternative options with your doctor.

Medical Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Oral and self-injected medications can be used to treat ED while underlying conditions are addressed.

Oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed and are effective in 65% to 70% of people with ED.

If oral medications don’t work, alprostadil can be tried. It can be inserted into the urethra or injected into the penis shortly before sexual activity.

Seek medical help if you experience negative side effects from these medications, such as a prolonged erection.

Non-Medication ED Treatments

Medication is not always necessary to cure ED. Lifestyle changes, therapy, counseling, and mechanical devices are alternative options.

Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reducing smoking, drinking, and drug use can improve erectile function.

Therapy and counseling can address psychological causes of ED and help manage stress and worries.

Mechanical devices such as vacuum devices and elastic rings can assist in achieving and maintaining an erection.

Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction

Surgery is a permanent solution when other treatments fail.

A penile prosthesis can be implanted, eliminating the need for natural erections. Discuss the options with your doctor to determine the best type of implant for you.

The success rate of this surgery is over 95%, and the chance of infection or malfunction is less than 5%. Recovery time is typically eight weeks.

Natural Cures for Erectile Dysfunction

Many products claim to be natural cures for ED, but none have FDA approval.

Some studies suggest ginseng may help restore natural erections, but more research is needed. Other natural remedies have inconclusive results.

Consult your doctor before trying any natural remedies, as they may interact with other medications.

When to Seek Medical Help

Some causes of ED are life-threatening if left untreated. Seek medical help when you notice persistent symptoms.

Remember that a healthy sex life is important at any age. Get medical help if ED affects your quality of life.

Sources: American Urological Association, Drugs, European Urology Focus, Merck Manual Professional Version, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Urology Care Foundation