Erectile dysfunction is a condition that every man tends to go through from time to time. But when it gets to the point where you consistently are not able to maintain an erection long enough to have sex, it can cause problems with relationships and self esteem. In order to get an erection, there are several steps you can take. They involve both conventional and natural treatments.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about an oral medication. Tadalafil, vardenafil hydrochloride and sildenafil are all types of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. These prescription medications can help you achieve an erection by relaxing muscles in your penis that are responsible for blood flow.
Step 2
Use a synthetic form of a hormone. Prostaglandin E is a hormone in the body that causes an erection by relaxing penile muscle tissue that promotes blood flow. A synthetic version of prostaglandin E called "alprostadil" can be used two different ways to treat erectile dysfunction. You can inject it into the base of your penis with a fine needle or you can insert a tiny suppository into your urethra.
Step 3
Get testosterone therapy. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is also responsible for muscle and bone strength. If you are suffering from hypogonadism, where your body is not releasing normal amounts of testosterone, you can suffer from erectile dysfunction. Talk to your doctor about getting hormone-replacement therapy if this is the case.
Step 4
Relax your mind. Psychological factors, such as fear of sexual failure, guilt, depression, stress and anxiety, can contribute to erectile dysfunction. To become more relaxed, partake in mind and body activities like tai chi, yoga or muscle relaxation.
Step 5
Get an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of tiny needles into various meridian points on your body to treat symptoms of an underlying condition. According to the "International Journal of Impotence Research," acupuncture can be an effective treatment option in more than two-thirds of patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Talk to a local acupuncturist to get this treatment done.
Step 6
Give up smoking. Smoking is well known for the damage it can cause to your lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, men who smoke cigarettes are much more likely to develop erectile dysfunction because it causes blood in the veins and arteries to become restricted. If you currently smoke, give it up.
Step 7
Seek the help of a counselor. You can undergo sex therapy alone or you can go with your partner. You will talk to a therapist who can help you create realistic sexual expectations, reduce tension and improve sexual communication with your partner.
