Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, and sexual health is no different. It is also a common denominator in the treatment of all sexual disorders. Erectile dysfunction, specifically, affects millions of men worldwide, and the treatment involves the use of modern-day technology.
In this blog, we will discuss the role of technology in treatment strategies, and understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of the same.
Erectile Dysfunction – What should you know?
Erectile dysfunction remains a common problem faced by men, and more often, they do not take the required treatment.Â
It impacts their lives on every front, and it can be devastating to live with it. Additionally, it disturbs the relationship dynamics and is almost impossible to be unaffected by the chaos it creates.
Most men cannot get hold of the reason it happens, and that is why they need a medical opinion. It could range from a chronic disease to obesity or even psychological illness. It is crucial for the one suffering from ED to talk to an expert and find out the exact reason behind the inability to have an erection.
As far as the treatment part is concerned, the old-school treatment consisted of lifestyle changes, pills, or other therapeutic interventions. These streams still hold their value to some extent, but now technology has taken over the space and there is way more that can help patients.
Role of Technology in Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
Technology has helped the common man reach a sexologist from the comfort of his home and get diagnosed by:
Telemedicine and Online Consultations:
Technology enables men to consult sexologists via telemedicine platforms or Online Consultations for sexual health concerns. It has given several men the courage to speak about their woes and get the required treatment.
Online Questionnaires and Apps: Men can now use online platforms and simple mobile applications to fill out questionnaires and provide information related to their symptoms. This data further assists sexologists in deciphering their symptoms and making an accurate diagnosis.
Imaging: Recent advancements in imaging have helped experts take a detailed look at the problematic areas. Advanced technologies like various types of MRIs now aid in pointing out the defects more precisely, which further helps in planning a customized treatment approach.
Role of Technology in Monitoring and Management of Erectile Dysfunction
The latest technology aids in regular monitoring as well as guides towards the management of sexual disorders. It does it by:
- Wearable Devices: Some wearable devices now can monitor physical activity, sleep patterns, and overall health on a daily basis. This information is a gold mine and can be valuable in understanding several things, including lifestyle factors that may contribute to ED.
- Mobile Apps for Lifestyle Changes: There is a plethora of apps that can help users make lifestyle changes. These apps suggest healthier alternatives to eat throughout the day along with various exercises you can try.
Furthermore, it can help you sleep better with various strategies which can be life-changing. It not only helps men with erectile dysfunction but is great for overall well-being.
- Telehealth Follow-ups: You can talk to a sexologist and also be on the roll and monitor the progress of ED treatment. It can help you adopt new changes or treatments whenever required.
Role of Technology in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
The roadmap to the treatment of sexual disorders has majorly changed due to the advent of various technical equipment and methods given below:
- Phosphodiesterase Type 9 (PDE9) Inhibitors: The common medications on the market use Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) Inhibitors.
They do not work for everyone and have many side effects. PDE9 Inhibitors on the other hand are showing promising results and are more focused on their action.
- Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs): VEDs now use technology to create a vacuum around the penis, with electricity-controlled or battery-operated devices. They are made of advanced materials and provide pressure settings that can help you adjust the pressure exerted on the penis. Moreover, they come with safety features and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Penile Implants: Surgical interventions involving the implantation of penile prostheses have also been upgraded and are made of biocompatible materials. Moreover, there is a reduced risk of infection due to antimicrobial coatings and the procedure itself is less invasive.
- Shockwave Therapy: Another non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity acoustic waves to improve localized blood flow to the penis. The therapy promotes the growth of new blood vessels thereby increasing blood circulation and is showing promising results in the treatment of ED.
- Gene Therapy: Gene therapy is one of the latest technologies that can treat erectile dysfunction. It works by introducing genetic material into the body via viral vectors. By changing the genetic composition one can rectify the psychological processes that hinder the process of erection.
However, the therapy is in the experimental stage and would need more research to become a regular treatment protocol.
- Stem Cell Therapy – Another cutting-edge therapy that is becoming excessively popular due to its high claims. The stem cells supposedly have the unique ability to transform into different cell types, and therefore, can replace any defective cells in the body.
By utilizing this approach, it has also entered the world of ED treatment by improving blood flow and neural signals. This is the beginning, and we are yet to see some more research on humans in the field.
- Education and Awareness: Technology enables access to information about ED through websites, videos, and educational platforms. This helps raise awareness about the latest erectile dysfunction treatments available, decrease stigma, and encourage men to seek help. Some of them end up getting the treatment or at least understand a few methods they can adapt to get better.
Drawbacks of Technological advancements
Technology has undeniably revolutionized the quality and scope of treatment for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. However, there are a few limitations that you should consider.
Quality of Information: – Not every mobile app or blog on the internet provides accurate information. A lot of them promote gimmicks and fake information to get more downloads. Users should be cautious about relying solely on app content and should seek information from reliable sources.
Lack of Personal touch: While the internet or apps may offer general advice, they cannot replace the care provided by healthcare professionals. Personalized treatment plans often require a comprehensive assessment, which might be limited in a digital environment.
Data Security and Privacy Concerns: One should be aware of the privacy policies of the apps or telehealth platforms they use. Sharing sensitive health information digitally raises concerns about data security and the potential for unauthorized access.
Overreliance – It is easy to be over-reliant on technological advancements and forget about traditional methods like open communication or lifestyle modifications that can resolve sexual issues. There has to be a balance when it comes to using various channels for treating sexual disorders.
These are a few drawbacks that come along with technological advancements in the field.
Bottom Line
While we need to mind the drawbacks, technology undoubtedly has helped many men reach a healthcare professional. Also, there are a lot of changes happening in the field that are improving the quality of erectile dysfunction treatment strategies. Therefore, we need to strike a balance and learn to draw boundaries while adapting to the new changes and reaping the benefits.