1. Factors Affecting Treatment Duration
1. Causes
(1) Psychological factors: Psychological issues such as anxiety, tension, excessive stress, and depression can lead to erectile dysfunction, with a relatively short treatment duration. Through psychological counseling and sexual psychotherapy, patients may see significant improvement within weeks or months. Generally, after a few sessions with a professional psychologist, combined with the patient’s own positive adjustments, good results may be achieved in about 1 to 3 months.
(2) Physiological factors: Vascular reasons: This includes insufficient arterial blood supply and venous leakage, among others. For mild vascular issues, treatment through medications and lifestyle adjustments may take several months.
Using vasodilators in conjunction with appropriate exercise and a healthy diet, improvements may be seen in about 3 to 6 months. However, if the vascular issues are more severe, surgical treatment may be required, extending the treatment duration to six months or even longer.
(3) Neurological reasons: Such as nerve damage. Treatment for neurogenic erectile dysfunction is relatively complex, and recovery time is longer. Various approaches, including physical therapy, medication, and rehabilitation training, may be needed, with treatment cycles often exceeding six months, possibly taking a year or longer.
(4) Endocrine causes: Such as low androgen levels. Treatment by supplementing the corresponding hormones typically requires several months to adjust hormone levels and observe treatment effects. Notable changes may usually be seen within 3 to 6 months.
2. Individual Differences Among Patients
(1) Age: Generally speaking, younger patients tend to have stronger recovery capabilities, leading to a relatively shorter treatment duration. Older patients, whose bodily functions decline, may have slower recovery rates, extending the treatment duration.
(2) Lifestyle: If patients can maintain a healthy lifestyle during treatment, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and regular schedules, it will help shorten the treatment duration. Conversely, if patients continue to maintain unhealthy habits, treatment effects may be negatively impacted, lengthening the treatment period.
(3) Compliance: Patient compliance with treatment is also an important factor influencing treatment duration. If patients strictly adhere to doctors’ instructions, take medications on time, and regularly follow up, actively cooperating with all treatment measures, treatment effects will be better, and the treatment duration may be shortened. In contrast, if patients disregard medical advice, arbitrarily stop medications or change treatment plans, treatment effects will significantly decline, and treatment duration will extend.
2. Precautions During Treatment
1. Maintain a Positive Attitude: The treatment of erectile dysfunction is a long-term process, and patients may encounter various problems and setbacks during the treatment. Therefore, maintaining a positive attitude is very important. Patients should believe they can overcome the disease and actively cooperate with the doctor’s treatment.
2. Maintain Close Communication with the Doctor: During treatment, patients should keep in close contact with their doctors, providing timely feedback on treatment effects and physical conditions. Doctors will adjust the treatment plan based on the patient’s specific situation to achieve the best treatment outcomes.
3. Avoid Self-Medication: Some patients may self-purchase so-called “aphrodisiacs” for treatment, which is very dangerous. Self-medication may not only fail to achieve the desired treatment effects but may also cause serious harm to the body. Therefore, patients must undergo treatment under medical guidance.
In summary, the treatment duration for erectile dysfunction varies due to individual differences, causes, and treatment methods. Generally, treatment durations for psychological factors leading to erectile dysfunction are relatively short, while those due to physiological factors tend to be longer.
Patients should maintain a positive attitude during treatment, communicate closely with their doctors, adhere strictly to medical instructions, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to shorten treatment durations and improve treatment outcomes.
