Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder that causes men to be unable to attain or sustain an erection during sexual intercourse. Cardiac ailments, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, multiple sclerosis, stress, and trauma are some of the factors that can lead to this condition. Doctors diagnose erectile dysfunction through physical examination, blood tests, psychological analysis, and ultrasound examination. Timely diagnosis and the treatment can help one lead a healthy conjugal life .

Treatment options for erectile dysfunction
The treatment options for erectile dysfunction depend on the causes and severity of the condition, and doctors also consider the sexual preference of a patient before deciding on a suitable therapy. Here are some common treatment methods for the condition:

1. Oral medication acting on nitric oxide
   Oral medications are one of the prevalent treatment options for erectile dysfunction .  Doctors prescribe medications to influence the effects of nitric oxide on the penile muscles. Nitric oxide is naturally present in the human body and works toward relaxing the muscles. This, in turn, improves the blood flow and helps patients sustain an erection for longer. 
2. Penile injection
   Doctors also prescribe alprostadil- and phentolamine-based penile injections for sustaining an erection. It comes with a very fine needle so that patients do not feel any pain while the injection is administered, and these compounds can help one in attaining an erection for up to one hour. However, there have been reports of side effects, including bleeding from the injection site, the rare formation of fibrous tissue, and prolonged erection.
3. Urethral suppository
   Urethral suppositories are also common treatment options for erectile dysfunction. They contain alprostadil-based compounds, which patients insert into the penile urethra with the help of an applicator. This treatment should be administered approximately ten minutes before engaging in sexual intercourse. In most cases, the erection lasts for around 30 to 60 minutes with the use of this suppository.
4. Penis pumps
   If medications or injections do not provide desirable results, doctors may also advocate the use of penile pumps for treating erectile dysfunction. It is a battery-powered device consisting of a hollow tube that a patient places over the penis to suck out the air from the area. It creates a vacuum, which helps in holding the blood in the penis and producing an erection.
5. Penile implants
   These days, doctors even recommend the use of penile implants for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is a surgical procedure wherein surgeons insert implants (inflatable or malleable rods) on both sides of the penis. However, since it is an invasive procedure, there are chances of complications, like post-operative inflammations and urinary tract infections.

If one notices any symptoms of erectile dysfunction, they should approach a doctor at the earliest for further examination. The common treatment options can be helpful in enabling patients to overcome the symptoms.