Are you eligible for ED treatment?

Are you able to get a spontaneous erection (morning wood)? If you answer no to this key question, you are eligible for treatment.

Eligibility for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider specializing in sexual health. Factors such as age, overall health status, presence of underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease), medication use, psychological factors, and lifestyle habits are considered. Generally, individuals experiencing persistent difficulties in achieving or maintaining erections sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance may be candidates for treatment. Treatments for ED vary and may include oral medications, such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), lifestyle modifications, psychological counseling, hormone therapy, or other interventions. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of ED, its severity, and individual preferences.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can manifest in various ways, often depending on its underlying causes.

Five types of erectile dysfunction:

• Organic Erectile Dysfunction: This type of ED is caused by physical factors, such as vascular disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, or anatomical abnormalities that interfere with the blood flow or nerve impulses necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.
• Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, or relationship problems, can lead to psychogenic ED. In this type, the erection difficulty is primarily due to emotional or mental factors rather than physical issues.
• Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Neurogenic ED is caused by conditions that affect the nervous system, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or nerve damage from surgery or trauma. These conditions disrupt the transmission of nerve signals involved in achieving and sustaining erections.
• Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction: Hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels (hypogonadism), can contribute to erectile difficulties. Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating libido and the physiological processes necessary for achieving erections. Other hormonal issues, such as thyroid disorders or adrenal gland abnormalities, can also affect erectile function.
• Vascular Erectile Dysfunction: Vascular ED is primarily caused by problems with blood flow to the penis. Conditions that affect blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, or smoking, can impair the ability of the penis to fill with blood during arousal, resulting in difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.

These types of erectile dysfunction may overlap, and individuals can experience a combination of physical and psychological factors contributing to their ED. Effective management often involves identifying and addressing the specific underlying causes through a combination of medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and psychological support.