Can Erectile Dysfunction be Cured?

Let me start out by rephrasing the question... what most men want to ask is, "Can my erectile dysfunction be cured?"

Unfortunately, the short answer is probably not.

Erectile dysfunction is not a disease... it is a condition that can result from many underlying causes. The prospects for a "cure" depend on the underlying cause.

The most common causes of ED are vascular/circulatory problems, and nerve damage... and neither of these conditions are curable. However, in some cases the effects of ED can be lessened by making lifestyle changes - including exercise and a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.

So for most men, the best approach is to treat the symptoms of ED. Medications like Viagra and Cialis (or the generic equivalents sildenafil and tadalafil) allow the majority of men to achieve an erection.

But in a few cases, ED can actually be cured.

Psychological ED

Erectile dysfunction can sometimes have a psychological cause. Things that can cause ED include stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship issues. A counselor or therapist can often help patients work through those issues.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription medications can actually cause ED. In this case, a doctor may be able to switch the patients to an alternate medication.

Substance Abuse

Abuse of recreational drugs, alcohol, opioids, and even tobacco can cause or contribute to ED. Getting help for substance abuse problems may reverse the effects.

Surgically Correctable Conditions

In a few cases, ED may be caused by damage to blood vessels in the penis, such as an arterial blockage. In these situations, surgery may correct the problem.

Vitamin or Hormone Deficiencies

If your erectile dysfunction is due to a deficiency of a particular vitamin or hormone, supplements may correct the problem. However, it's important to realize that this applies only if you have a deficiency. Taking extra vitamins will not help most men with ED.

New Treatments

There are also new treatments which may correct ED... even ED caused by vascular problems or nerve damage.

One treatment that shows promise if shockwave therapy. Low intensity sound waves have been shown to help regenerate tissues, including blood vessels and nerves. The treatment usually requires 6-8 office visits over a period of several months.

This treatment is not yet approved by the FDA, so it is typically not covered by insurance, and it is expensive: several thousand dollars.

Also, it is not a permanent cure. Studies have shown that the effects of the treatment wear off in 2 to 3 years.

Other new treatments include Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection therapy, gene therapy, and stem-cell therapy. So far, there is not enough clinical evidence to determine if these treatments will be effective.

Talk to Your Doctor!

Finding the best treatment for your erectile dysfunction starts with understanding the cause. It's important to talk to your doctor, because ED can sometimes indicate a serious underlying health problem.

For more information on Curing ED, check out my video: