Erectile Dysfunction (ED) 101 Guide : What Is It And How To Get It Treated In Hong Kong

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability or difficulty to get or maintain an erection, even when aroused. ED occurs when there is an insufficient amount of blood flowing to the penis, when the penis is unable to trap the blood and produce an erection, or when the brain is unable to send signals and reach the penis. ED can have different levels of severity and can be caused by a variety of physiological or psychological factors.

ED is one of the most common sexual dysfunction issues in men, affect 1 out of 10 men throughout their lives. The occurrence of ED increases as men age and can negatively affect men's relationships, self-esteem and quality of life.

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

- Trouble getting an erection

- Not being able to keep the erection for long
- Experiencing a reduced desire for sexual activities

ED can be safely and effectively treated with medication, therapy or surgery.

At What Age Should You Start To Seek ED Treatment?

It is true that the risk of experiencing ED increases with age. In a study conducted in 2017¹, researchers found that men in their 40s had a 40% chance of developing ED. This risk then increases by about 10% for every subsequent decade.

However, it is important to note that age itself does not primarily cause ED. Instead, as men age, they are more likely to develop medical conditions that increase the likelihood of ED, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Obesity

Youth doesn't necessarily prevent younger men from experiencing ED. Research shows that ED affects 8% of men in their 20s and 11% of men in their 30s.

If you begin to experience symptoms of ED which start to affect your sexual life and your confidence in the bedroom, you should consider seeking treatment for it.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options Available In Hong Kong

Here are some of the most common ED treatments available in Hong Kong:

1. Prescription Oral Medication

Oral medication like Viagra, Spedra and Cialis are often prescribed by doctors as the first line of treatment for ED.

These medications fall under a class of medications called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors). They restrict the amount of phosphodiesterase-5, an enzyme that degrades cGMP (a molecule that relaxes muscle tissue). By suppressing PDE5, these medications relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls. This improves the blood flow to your penis and makes it easier for you to achieve an erection.

Contrary to popular belief, ED medication won't increase your libido or cause random long-lasting erections when you take it. In order the medication to work, you will still need to be sexually aroused. However with the use of ED medication, it makes it much easier for men to get an erection.

It is possible that ED medication can cause mild side effects like:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chest Pains
• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal Congestion
  

Unfortunately, you will not be able to purchase any oral ED medication over-the-counter in Hong Kong. You will need to see a doctor for a prescription.

2. Penile Injections

If you find that ED medication is not working for you, you can consider alprostadil injections. Administered directly into the penis, they work by expanding the blood vessels and increasing the blood flow to the penis.

Once injected, they can produce an erection quickly which can last up to an hour.

Potential side effects of alprostadil injections are priapism (prolonged erections), mild bleeding, and in rare cases, the development of fibrous tissues near the injection site.

3. Penile Implants

If other ED treatments don't seem to be working for you, you might be recommended by your doctor to get penile implants.

Penile implants work by surgically inserting a small tube on both sides of the penis. They are pumped with air which helps to erect your penis.

4. Suppositories

Alprostadil urethral suppository is inserted into the tip of the penis. Absorbed by the urethral wall, the medication produces an erection that can last up to an hour.

Potential side effects can include pain, a burning sensation in the penis and minor bleeding.

5. Vacuum Restriction Devices (Penis Pump)

Also known as a penis pump, vacuum restriction devices can be prescribed as an ED treatment. A hollow tube is placed over the penis and connected to either a hand-operated or battery-operated pump.

The user pumps the device, causing blood to flow towards the penis. In order to keep the blood within the penis, a tension rubber ring is put around the base of the penis. This allows an erection to be had for up to 30 minutes.

6. Talk Therapy

While ED medications like Viagra and Cialis are able to treat the physiological causes of ED, they are unable to treat potential psychological causes like stress, anxiety or depression.  

In order to treat those, your doctor might suggest undergoing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), conducted by a therapist. You can also try breathing exercises, meditation or guided imagery to help relieve some of the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments In Hong Kong FAQ

FAQ #1: Does Erectile Dysfunction Completely Go Away After Treatment?

It is possible that some forms of EDs can be cured but it depends on the cause. There are "reversible" causes of ED (like obesity, stress, and alcohol); this form of ED will go away once the underlying issue is treated.

There are also "treatable" causes of ED (like high cholesterol and hormonal imbalances); once treated you will see your ED improve.

FAQ #2: Can My Erectile Dysfunction Be Cured?

While some forms of ED can be cured, this is depending on the root cause of the ED.

"Reversible" causes of ED include stress, alcohol use and obesity. Once these conditions are treated, the ED will be cured.

"Treatable" causes of ED include high cholesterol and hormonal imbalances. Once treated, you will see symptoms of your ED improve.

FAQ #3: What Is The Best ED Treatment?

Unfortunately there is no definitive ED treatment that can be used by all.

Different causes of ED require different treatment. As mentioned earlier, it is possible that by treating the underlying issue, you can effectively treat your ED.

It is recommended that you consult with a doctor to determine the root cause of your ED before deciding on treatment.

FAQ #4: What Are The Side Effects Of ED Treatments

While on ED medication, it is possible that you might experience mild side effects like headaches, dizziness, nasal congestion, nausea and flushing. Most of these side effects will eventually wear off after a few hours.