Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the condition associated with difficulty or inability in achieving and maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Globally, millions of men are affected by ED. Often, ED is associated with aging, but it can impact men of all ages. In fact, current data show increasing prevalence among men between 20s-30s. Common conditions that are a significant risk in developing ED include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, psychological distress like stress, anxiety, and poor dietary habits, and substance use like smoking or excessive drinking. The prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is increasing globally, including in India. This calls for an immediate treatment option that can combat the problem.
Further, this blog explores the best treatment options available for treating ED.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often referred to as impotence. It can be defined as an inconsistency in achieving or sustaining an adequate erection for satisfying sexual activity. Clinically, ED can be classified as:
- Vascular ED: Blood vessels that are responsible for the blood supply to the penis are compromised.
- Hormonal ED: Hormonal deficiency (testosterone) or excessive secretion (thyroid)
- Neurogenic ED: Communication between the brain and the penis is hindered or disrupted due to nerve issues, impairing the ability to maintain an erection.
- Psychogenic ED: Psychological distress like anxiety, depression, stress, family problems, and relationship problems.
Understanding ED: Causes and Symptoms
Common Causes of ED:
- Physical Causes: cardiovascular conditions, metabolic disorders, obesity, and low testosterone potentially reduce blood flow
- Psychological Causes: Stress, anxiety, depression, under-confidence, and relationship issues interfere with sexual performance. It affects mental health as well as sexual performance
Erectile Dysfunction nerve damage symptoms include:
ED is significantly associated with nerve damage. It disrupts communication between the brain and the penis. Damaged nerves can result in:
- Loss of Sensation: Reduce penile sensitivity
- Impaired Erection: Difficulty/ Inability to achieve or maintain an erection due to compromised nerve signals.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused due to prolonged diabetes
Best Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
ED can be of two types:
- Temporary ED: Caused due to short-term factors like stress, alcohol, or fatigue
- Chronic ED: Progressive condition associated with circulatory or metabolic issues;
*NOTE: Temporary ED is short-term and easier to cure compared with chronic ED.
The Best Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction depends on the root cause of ED, which healthcare professionals will assess before recommending a solution.
Treatment includes:
- Cardiovascular Exercise: Approx. 45 minutes like walking, jogging, or swimming a
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, quit smoking and alcohol use, adequate sleep, manage stress
- Oral Medications: Pills help improve blood flow to the penis.
- Vacuum Constriction Devices (VCDs): Help maintain an erection.
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Gels, patches, injections, or pellets
- Penile Implantation: Surgery to support erections.
- Psychological Counselling: Stress management
- Dietary Intervention: A Balanced diet improves circulation, vascular health, and testosterone levels. Poor diets with high sugar or fat can worsen ED. Some recommended foods: Watermelon, Dark Chocolate, Almonds, Green Leafy Vegetables, Apples and Berries, Garlic, fatty fish, etc.
However, these treatments help in the management of the disease and aren’t curative in case of severe ED.
Stem Cell Therapy for ED
Stem cell therapy incorporates a regenerative approach that targets the root cause of the problem. Stem cells from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) help in the repair or regeneration of damaged nerve cells responsible for neural signalling from brain to penis. MSCs possess both pro-regenerative and immune-modulating properties. The action of stem cell therapy involves several mechanisms. This involves:
- Regeneration: Stem cells help repair damaged penile tissue, prevents scarring (fibrosis) and improves the surrounding environment. Thus, stem cells promotes rapid healing
- Paracrine Effect: Stem cells release growth factors (VEGF, EGFs, and PDGFs) that aid in healing, stimulation of nerve cell regeneration, and reducing inflammation.
- Regulation of Key Mediators: Stem cells support the regulation of intracellular nitric oxide and calcium levels, which are essential for muscle relaxation and optimal erectile function.
- Angiogenesis: Stem cells trigger the formation of new blood vessels, hence improving blood flow. This is crucial for achieving and maintaining an erection.
How to Choose the Best Treatment for ED
Stem cells are evolving as the best treatment for erectile dysfunction in India. Individuals must choose a renowned clinic and an experienced clinician for the treatment purpose. There must be a clear assessment and discussion about the underlying problem and suitable treatment. In the case of opting for Stem Cell Therapy, superior quality stem cell incorporation plays a crucial role. Some erectile dysfunction treatments near Noida include Max Healthcare, Apollo, Dr Agarwal’s Physio Centre, etc.
Advancell, Noida, India, is among the leading research laboratories working on cutting-edge research in stem cells.
Conclusion
Stem cell therapy has revolutionised ED treatment by potentially offering long-term solutions. Key benefits of stem cell therapy include exploiting the body’s intrinsic mechanism for healing and introducing regenerative potential. Additionally, dietary intake has been shown to manage ED, hence can potentially complement the regenerative effects of stem cell therapy.
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