Currently, oral medications that regulate the erectile mechanism are primarily used for this purpose. Additionally, it is important to remember that erectile dysfunction often coexists with cardiovascular diseases and hormonal disorders, and is also linked to psychological factors. For this reason, effective and appropriate treatment is only possible after a thorough diagnosis of each patient with erectile dysfunction.
How long does it take to see results from erectile dysfunction treatment?
Modern medical advances in the treatment of erectile dysfunction allow for noticeable results after taking one or several doses of medication. It should be noted that there is a group of patients who may require adjustments to other medications they are taking or the restoration of physical balance (e.g., stabilizing blood glucose levels in diabetes or blood pressure, weight loss, or treatment of hormonal disorders). In such cases, medications used to improve erections may achieve full efficacy or may eventually be discontinued.
When erectile dysfunction is primarily caused by psychological factors, medications are often used in the initial phase of treatment, alongside psychotherapeutic interventions, which form the basis of therapy in such cases.
What are the most common mistakes made by patients/men with erectile problems?
The most common mistake is delaying a visit to a specialist, i.e., a sexologist. Some men downplay the problem or try to rationalize it until it leads to relationship conflicts caused by frustration over an unsatisfying sex life and mutual blame between partners.
Many men seek solutions available on the market without consulting a doctor, purchasing over-the-counter products or black-market drugs, e.g., through online sales. The former lack efficacy confirmed by reliable studies, while the latter may pose significant health risks or even be life-threatening. Furthermore, delaying a visit to a specialist often results in the late detection of diseases that may be the cause of erectile dysfunction.
Author: Michał Lew-Starowicz, MD, PhD
