Sparking Confidence: Electrical Stimulation and Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to half of men in the UK at some point in their lives. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. But, whether it’s occasional or ongoing, struggling to get or keep an erection can knock your confidence and affect your relationships. But the good news? There are more options than ever to treat it.

You might already know about the usual ED treatments, such as tablets or gels, but a new treatment has entered the conversation. Electrical stimulation? Sounds shocking, right? But electrical stimulation as a treatment for ED is gaining attention. So, how does it work, and most importantly, how effective it is?

What is Electrical Stimulation?

Electrical stimulation is a treatment that uses small electrical pulses to stimulate muscles or nerves. In the case of ED, the goal is to improve blood flow, help strengthen pelvic muscles, and possibly ‘wake up’ the nerves involved in getting an erection.

These small pulses are usually painless and have been used in other area of medicine for many years. In areas of treatment such as physio or nerve pain. In recent years people have started to wonder if this same treatment can help other area of healthcare; such as erectile dysfunction.

Does It Actually Help?

Research into electrical therapies is still quite new yet have found promising results. One study found that a small sample group of men who used electrical stimulation saw drastic improvements in their ability to get and keep an erection compared to a test group who just did regular exercise. An overall effectiveness rate of 68%, meaning more than two-thirds saw a meaningful benefit.

Another trial found that those who received electrical stimulation showed significant improvement in their ED. They also reported improved sexual performance. This was in a comparison to a placebo group and an aerobic exercise group.

However, both studies were small, and more research would need to be done to find a conclusive answer on how well it works, how long results last, and if it more effective in a certain demographic (eg. older or younger men).

Is Electrical Stimulation Safe?

Generally, yes. The treatments are low-risk and side effects are rare. Most people report a mild tingling or buzzing feeling, and some might get slight skin irritation. But there are a few cases where it might not be recommended. For example, if you have a pacemaker or certain health conditions then you should probably give this treatment a miss.

Devices and treatment options are still under development and not currently licenced for treatment of erectile dysfunction in the UK. If you’re curious about electrical stimulation, it’s best to talk to your GP as trials are still taking place within control settings.

Available Tried and Tested ED Treatments

While electrical stimulation may be something promising for the future of treatment, currently effective treatment is found in the form of tablets and gels. Treatments such as a group of tablets belonging to a group called PDE-5 inhibitors are the ‘gold-standard’ when it comes to ED treatment. Working by boosting blood flow to the penis and widely available throughout the UK on prescription or over the counter.

If tablets are not for you, then topical gels are also available as another proven treatment. Applied directly to the skin, these gels are simply to apply, discreet and effective. Examples include Vitaros Gel, which works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis to encourage blood flow; or Eroxon Stimgel which is a non-drug approach which provides a rapid cooling-warming sensation to trigger the erection reflex. Here at The Family Chemist, we are always looking into novel ways to help our patients. With new treatments being developed, we try to stay on top of the best options available.

The Bottom Line

Erectile dysfunction can feel frustrating or embarrassing, but it’s one of the most treatable health issues for men, with new treatments constantly in development. While electrical stimulation is just beginning its journey as a new treatment option for ED, the results are promising. Yet, while we wait for the research to come along more, trusted options such as tablets or gels are already available quickly and easily to help aid with ED.

Because feeling confident again shouldn’t be complicated.