Is Erectile Dysfunction Curable?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability of the male genitalia to produce or maintain an erection to engage in or complete sexual intercourse – and nobody likes it. Unfortunately, the question of whether it’s curable isn’t a simple yes or no. While an erection may have once seemed like a simple part of life, there are many factors that control a man’s ability to sustain firm, consistent erections and perform until orgasm. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by many different physical or psychological factors, causing additional physical and psychological distress. As a result, some instances of ED may be curable, and others may have symptoms that cannot be improved. The physiological mechanics that go into creating a healthy erection are complex, and with all of those “moving parts,” it can be difficult to pinpoint whether ED is the result of a hormone imbalance, vascular or muscular dysfunction, an underlying condition, or just a bad day at the office. 

There are as many magic ED pills as there are magic weight loss pills. Men also use vacuum pumps, constriction devices, injections, or even opt for surgical implants in their search for satisfaction. But before trying remedies with harrowing side-effects or painful procedures, the best way to get to the root of erectile dysfunction is by understanding and addressing the other thing that makes you a man- male sex hormones! At the Hamlet Clinic, Dr Grant Hamlet offers hormone replacement therapy as a solution to erectile dysfunction. If you’re interested in restoring your virility and your sex life, hormone replacement therapy may be a solution. Call The Hamlet Clinic in London at 0207 127 4377 to schedule a discreet personal consultation with Dr Hamlet.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

What you do out of bed can have a big impact on what does or doesn’t happen in bed (or wherever the mood strikes you). A healthy lifestyle can ensure that you’re up for the task. But it’s important to consider your daily habits and general state of health when pursuing treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Common causes of ED include:

Unfortunately, medical conditions beyond your control can also hamper romantic activity:

 If you’re feeling troubled, this can also impact your ability to produce an erection. Psychological health has far-reaching consequences. Often, erectile dysfunction due to physical conditions also involves an emotional component, which only imposes further negative effects on mood and quality of life. ⁽²⁾

Contributing symptoms may include:

About Erections

Getting an erection is a complex process that involves neurotransmitters, biochemical reactions, and vascular and muscle responses. When a man experiences sexual desire, the cells lining blood vessels produce nitric oxide that serves to relax the smooth muscle of the penis and allows an influx of blood. The body then compresses the outgoing blood veins, trapping blood to engorge the penis and cause an erection.

But only half of your erection is in your pants. There are two major aspects of the male erection: the reflex erection and psychogenic erection. The reflex erection is achieved by physical contact with the penis and is controlled by the peripheral nerves and the lower parts of the spinal cord. The psychogenic erection is achieved by erotic or emotional stimuli and uses the limbic system of the brain. ⁽²⁾ However, a hormone imbalance affects both of these aspects of an erection. Testosterone contributes to sex drive and allows for the necessary blood flow to the penis to produce an erection. ⁽³⁾

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy can improve both the libido and the body’s ability to physically achieve an erection. The Hamlet Clinic offers two forms of hormone therapy that can help men effectively express sexual desire.

Human Growth Hormone

This therapy improves: 

Men who aren’t feeling well can have a difficult time feeling amorous. And, because ED is often a multifaceted condition, overall wellness can promote a successful erection. For example, a man who is fatigued can become overweight and have low energy levels that make sexual activity strenuous. This mindset will lower the sex drive and can result in ED. Human Growth Hormone(HGH) therapy often helps patients lose weight and gain energy and confidence, resulting in a positive feedback loop that can improve his performance in the bedroom. This simple change can have a dramatic effect on ED symptoms and quality of life.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is a vital sex hormone in men and also contributes to women’s libido. When testosterone levels are low, men experience decreased sex drive, low sperm count, and erectile dysfunction. As men age, their levels of testosterone decrease. Testosterone replacement therapy will restore low levels and assist in sexual function. Rebalancing male hormones benefits bone density, muscle mass, the cardiovascular system. It also targets the central nervous system, which can improve libido and boosts mood. ⁽¹⁾

Consequences of Hormone Deficiencies

We all know that getting older is not always fun. For men, lower levels of male sex hormones lead to detrimental physiological changes in the body and its functions. In younger adult men, however, these symptoms can be positively influenced by testosterone replacement. ⁽²⁾

Among the changes seen with age are: 

Candidates

Unfortunately, there’s no “maybe” about an erectile dysfunction diagnosis. If you’re suffering from ED, you’ve got nothing to lose by getting your hormones back in balance and more than just the obvious to gain. Men who are experiencing a decrease in sex drive, interest in sex, and who are unable to produce and maintain an erection during sex are excellent candidates. But hormone replacement therapy can help more than just your sex life. Both human growth hormone and testosterone replacement therapy can improve mood, energy, mental clarity, and the quality of sleep that you get every night. Schedule a consultation with Dr Hamlet to learn how hormone therapy can improve your overall wellness and sexual ability.

Personal Consultation

During your Personal Consultation, Dr Hamlet will check your hormone levels and review your medical history. While having ED can be troublesome enough, it can also be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. Left undiagnosed and untreated, this could further reduce the quality and shorten your life. ED can signal complications such as coronary artery disease or other deadly degenerative illnesses. Dr Grant Hamlet will be able to recommend further medical advice if necessary. But, if adjusting your hormones is a viable solution to your ED, he’ll be able to explain the best treatment for you and get you started on your way to enjoying sexual prowess once again.

Procedure

Human growth hormone and testosterone replacement therapy are both administered via regularly scheduled injections. HGH is self-administered in the form of a shallow injection each night before bed. You’ll be properly trained on how to perform this simple injection, and what to expect during the process before you leave the clinic. If you and Dr Hamlet have determined that TRT is the best treatment for your erectile dysfunction, you’ll visit the clinic weekly to receive your injection. In both cases, you’ll receive blood tests every six months to monitor your levels and see whether adjustments to your doses need to be made.

FAQ

References

1. Tenover JL. Testosterone replacement therapy in older adult men. International Journal of Andrology. 1999;22(5):300-306. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2605.1999.00184.x
2. Yafi FA, Jenkins L, Albersen M, et al. Erectile dysfunction. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16003. Published 2016 Feb 4. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.3
3. Mikhail N. Does testosterone have a role in erectile function? The American Journal of Medicine. 2006;119(5):373-382. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.07.042