Sexual Weakness: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Characterized by the inability to have or maintain an erection, sexual weakness or erectile dysfunction (ED) is fairly common in men. There are plenty of treatment options available that men can employ in order to cure themselves of this condition. Treatment options vary from simple methods such as oral medications and injections to more complex ones such as surgeries, implants and pumps. However, before a treatment option can be zeroed in on, a doctor will conduct diagnostic tests to find out exactly what's causing the problem. After an analysis of the cause, the most suitable treatment option will be chosen by the doctor with the consent of the patient. That said, the chosen treatment option wil not only vary on the basis of the cause but also the severity of the condition. Patients will be explained the risks and benefits of each of the treatment options so that they can make the best choice with the help of the doctor and know what they are getting into.

A number of oral medications are prescribed for sexual weakness in men. These include sildenafil (viagra), vardenafil and more. They help in increase the blood flow to the penis so that an erection can be maintained in response to sexual stimulation. Some of the other medications prescribed though need to be injected instead of taking orally such as alprostadil, which is injected into the base of the penis with the help of a needle. Another treatment method, known as alprostadil urethral suppository, works by placing a suppository inside the man's penis in the penile urethra with the help of a special applicator. Apart from the above, penis pumps and surgeries are also an option. Penis pumps work by placing the tube of the pump on the penis and using the pump given to suck out air that is present in the tube. The vaccuum created increases blood flow to the penis, thereby helping in gettng an erection. Once the man gets the erection, he is supposed to slip a tension ring on the base of his penis and keep it there to maintain the erection. Lastly, penile implants involves the process of surgically attaching devices on either side of the man's penis. These implants are made up of malleable or inflatable rods. These rods help in controlling the length and duration of an erection. The operation is performed with the help of general or local anethesia.

Sexual issues can affect any man. Below are the causes:

• Erectile dysfunction: This happens when a man cannot get or keep an erection that allows him to take part in sexual intercourse or any other type of sexual activity. Most men experience it at some point of time in their life, and the causes can be psychological or physical.
  • Physical causes: Diabetes, heart disease, and raised blood pressure.
  • Smoking, alcohol and other illegal drugs, and some prescription medicines.
  • Stress, worries about work, money, your relationship, family and not getting an erection can all be factors.
  • Low testosterone level
• Premature ejaculation: This happens when a man ejaculates sooner than he wants to during intercourse. It’s only a problem if it bothers him or his partner. The causes include anxiety about sexual performance, stress, unresolved issues in relationships, or depression.
• Loss of sex drive: Loss of sex drive ( also known as libido) is when a person has reduced interest in sexual activity or sexual thoughts. Losing sex drive is common. It can be linked to a number of factors, including relationship issues, anxiety, stress, and medical conditions.

Summary: If sexual abstinence is involuntary, some people may feel negative effects on their mental health. Sometimes physical causes like diabetes, high blood pressure, or any heart issue also affect sexual life.

Men who suffer from sexual weakness and do not have heart diseases are eligible for medications used to treat sexual weakness. Potential candidates for surgery and penis pumps include those on whom medications did not prove to be effective.

Oral medications should not be taken by men who suffer from heart diseases or chest problems as well as very low blood pressure. To know about who is not eligible for a penile implant, one should consult their doctor.

Different treatment methods for sexual weakness have different side effects. For example, side effects of oral medications include nasal congestion, blurry vision, flushing, stomach upset and backache. Side effects of injections urethral suppository include prolonged erection and mild bleeding as well as pain and formation of fibrous tissues in the penis. The side effects of penile implants include infection, formation of scar tissue, uncontrolled bleeding etc.

Men who take oral medications or those in the form of injections or urethral suppositories need to follow any post treatment guidelines as such although they should consult with their doctors about that. Those who go through penile implants must rest for a couple of days after the operation and should not lift anything heavy either until their doctor allows them to.

Once a man gets an erection with the help of medications (oral or otherwise), they may last for about half an hour after which the penis will go back to its normal flaccid state. Recovery from a penile implant surgery takes about 6 weeks.

Oral medications for sexual weekness cost between Rs. 450 and Rs. 600 for a pack of 10. The Alprostadil self-injection costs roughly Rs. 5,900, while the cost of the penis pump is around Rs. 200 to Rs. 600. A penile implant surgery can set one back by around Rs 1 lakh.

The results of the penile surgery are permanent. The results of medications, injections, suppositories and pumps are temporary and they have to be used again before sex in order to get results.

A good diet can help boost your libido and ensure your body is working well. A poor diet can lead to a host of health issues that may negatively affect your sex life. Food is an important part of your everyday life and overall health.

Changing your eating habits and behaviors may not be a cure-all for sexual issues, but it’s a good place to start.

• Diet and supplements: Eating a well-balanced diet and taking certain supplements may help improve your overall health and sex life. It’s also important to avoid drinking too much alcohol.
• Healthy Diet: Fueling your body with the right kinds of food can help boost your mood and energy levels to support a healthy relationship and sex life.

  For optimum health, eat a nutrient-rich diet that’s low in trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins.

• Zinc: The link between zinc and sexual health isn’t completely understood, but zinc appears to affect your body’s production of testosterone. It’s also necessary for the development of sperm and semen in men.

  Adequate zinc levels may boost male fertility. Zinc and other nutrients, such as folate, may also impact female fertility. Zinc is available in supplement form.

Summary: Diet plays an important role in sexual life as it helps boost your libido and ensure your body is working well. Eating a well-balanced diet can improve your overall health and sex life.

They are plenty of alternative remedies available for sexual weakness. These include exercising, making lifestyle changes, trying out homeopathy or ayurvedic supplments and opting for a testosterone replacement. However, before opting for any of them, one should consult their doctor.