For every stage of erectile dysfunction, there is a suitable treatment. Find out which stage you’re in and the best alternative for you
Are you satisfied with your sex life? Does your penis stay hard throughout intercourse? Do you often struggle to keep it hard? Depending on your answers, you might have one of the stages of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty or inability to obtain and maintain an erection in most sexual encounters, hindering penetration. The Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) reports that half of men aged 50 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction.
Ageing is strongly linked to these cases because it increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, hormonal disorders and anatomical changes. Among men aged 70, 70 % present one of the stages of erectile dysfunction.
Regardless of age, any man may face erectile dysfunction since psychological factors—stressful routines, depression or anxiety spikes—can affect erections.
All men experience episodes when the penis simply won’t stay hard. That is normal. If most attempts fail, however, the situation requires evaluation.
What are the stages of erectile dysfunction?
There are three distinct stages of erectile dysfunction:
- Mild: erection ability is slightly reduced or fails only occasionally. Patients often do not seek treatment.
- Moderate: erection ability is moderately affected, leading to frequent dissatisfaction. Concern about performance usually starts here.
- Severe: the patient cannot achieve an erection at any time, severely impairing sexual performance. According to the SBU, 10 % of men aged 50 with erectile dysfunction fall into this stage.
What is mild erectile dysfunction?
Mild cases often get little attention—after all, any man can “fail” once in a while. Yet, once psychological causes are ruled out, occasional dysfunction may stem from more complex health issues being overlooked.
Without medical help, mild problems can progress to moderate or even severe stages of erectile dysfunction over time. Consulting a urologist is key.
Another risk is scar-tissue formation leading to Peyronie’s disease. Even men with mild stages may develop it if the penis is not rigid enough and internal structures are forced.
Treatments recommended for each stage of erectile dysfunction
Thanks to years of research, men have three main treatment lines that restore sexual satisfaction. Therapy must be guided by a urologist and tailored to each patient. If one option fails, the physician can move on to the next.
Oral medication
Tablets are usually the first line for early-stage erectile dysfunction. Drugs such as sildenafil and tadalafil boost blood flow into the corpora cavernosa, stiffening penile tissue. For best results, take on an empty stomach and pair with sexual stimulation.
Should mild cases evolve, the doctor may increase dosage or switch active ingredients.
Penile injections
Penile self-injection is commonly prescribed for moderate stages of erectile dysfunction. The patient injects the physician-set dose of prostaglandin, phentolamine, papaverine or atropine (alone or combined). Blood is drawn directly to the penis, producing an erection in ~15 min alongside stimulation.
Care is essential to avoid tissue injury, fibroses and storage issues (some drugs need refrigeration). Many couples also feel embarrassed performing the injections.
Surgical treatment
When blood flow is highly compromised and/or scar tissue prevents erection, oral drugs and injections seldom work. Severe erectile dysfunction can be corrected with penile prosthesis surgery that restores penetrative capability.
A malleable or inflatable implant is placed inside the penis, giving instant rigidity when positioned or inflated. If Peyronie’s disease is present, penile reconstruction is performed in the same surgery to straighten and restore lost length and girth.
Whichever the stage of erectile dysfunction, the right treatment can transform your sex life—so get in touch and learn what works for you.
Read also
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- Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease: Risks and Recommendations
- Egydio’s Technique: Peyronie Disease Treatment
- Does the Egydio Technique Work for Every Penile Curvature?
- Implante de Prótese Peniana | Dr. Paulo Egydio
- Does Small Penis Exist? Check When Size Is a Concern
- 7 Simple Habits to Prevent Prostate Cancer
- Can People with a Penile Prosthesis Play Sports?
- How to Enlarge the Penis: Understanding the Options
- 6 Causes of Penis Fissures: Treatments and Care Tips
