If you smoke or vape you may be wondering if your habit contributes to erectile dysfunction. Smoking has been around for a long time and much is known about how it impacts the body. Vaping is the new kid on the block, so we are only beginning to understand how it effect the body. While there has not been enough time for long term observation and research, we do know that it shares the same key ingredient: nicotine.
By now we know a lot about the effects of smoking and the research is clear that it negatively impacts ED. In fact, smoking is one of the leading risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction. With smoking there is an increased risk of a condition called atherosclerosis, which is a hardening if the arteries. This hardening of the arteries reduces blood flow to the penis which can eventually make it impossible to achieve an erection. ED typically effects older men but smoking can lead to ED even in young otherwise healthy men. E cigarette use or vaping carries some but not all of the same risks as traditional smoking. So you may think you’re dodging the ED bullet by choosing to vape instead of smoke. As it turns out, this is not the case. One of the main reasons why smoking causes ED is due to the nicotine. Nicotine causes the tissues and vessels in the penis to contact, which restricts the flow of blood reducing erection quality. In fact, a 2012 study compared the sexual health of smokers and those who recently quit smoking by using a nicotine patch. The benefits of quitting didn’t really show up until they stopped using the nicotine patch. So as long as there is nicotine inside the body, there will likely be a decrease in erectile function. Fortunately there are options to restore erectile function! The first step is to eliminate the nicotine, so no smoking, vaping or patches. This alone should improve erectile function, though it may take days or weeks for the nicotine to leave your body (hang in there, it’s worth it!). For long term users there may have been more damage to the vessels and tissues of the penis, so erectile function may not return on its own. For these individuals, Pressure Wave Therapy (ESWT, EPAT, Acoustic Wave) is a proven way to restore erectile function. It rejuvenates the tissues and restores blood vessel function in the penis. It does this by sending acoustic or pressure waves into the tissues to stimulate a healing response. Studies show that pressure wave therapy improves blood flow and even stimulates neovascularization, or the growth of new blood vessels. It is considered the only permanent solution to ED. Pressure wave therapy for ED treatment is available at Stronglife Physiotherapy, so if you live in the Provo Orem Utah or surrounding areas come in for a free consultation to see if pressure wave is a solution for you.
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Since Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors became available in the 90’s they have helped millions of men with erectile dysfunction. It has been, without a doubt, a fantastic medication that restores sexual function in those suffering from ED but it is not without its down sides.
PDE5 inhibitors have a host of side effects including: headaches, stomach pain, painful erections, facial flushing, congestion, nausea, diarrhea, color blindness, blurred vision, low blood pressure, dizziness, chest pain, indigestion, back pain and others. Most of these side effects are not serious but for many men they are significant enough that PDE5 inhibitors just aren’t an option. However, many ED sufferers will just put up with it as an unpleasant but necessary evil that has become a part of their intimate time with the woman they love. Fortunately, there is technology that provides a better way! Another problem with PDE5 inhibitors is that they aren’t an option if you have certain health conditions. Men who take nitrates cannot take PDE5 inhibitors because it can cause dangerously low blood pressure and could lead to death. We are now starting to see some negative health consequences associated with the use of these drugs. The most recent of which is an increased risk of malignant melanoma which is a serious and potentially fatal form of skin cancer. The increased risk appears to be small but can be significant especially in those who already have an elevated risk. Another potential problem with this class of drugs is the cost. A months supply of Viagra can set you back hundreds of dollars each month. This is a price many are willing to pay to alleviate their ED but unfortunately puts the drug out of reach for many others. Fortunately it is no longer required to take a pill to enjoy normal erectile function! There is now a very exciting option for ED sufferers in the Provo Orem Utah area! Pressure Wave Therapy (also known as shockwave therapy, ESWT, EPAT or acoustic wave) is a technology that uses acoustic waves to improve the function of blood vessels and nerves in the penis. It has even been shown to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels which means improved erection quality and natural function. This is the only treatment option that can reverse erectile dysfunction! This is something that Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors will never be able to accomplish no matter how long you take them. Another benefit of pressure wave therapy is that those with severe ED who don’t respond to medication for ED will often be able to use these medications after treatment and with continued pressure wave treatment, may be restored to complete, natural erectile function! So if you suffer from ED and live in Utah, please consider coming in to our convenient Orem location for a free consultation to see if pressure wave is right for you! |
AuthorDr. AJ Ludlow, DPT ArchivesCategories |