Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a rare condition that affects young and elderly men in a lot of ways. This type of sexual disorder, also known as impotence, can have a significant impact on the person’s personal life and in their relationship with their partner/spouse, as well.
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat erectile dysfunction in males which often include medication drugs, supplements, foods, therapies, natural remedies, and more. The most commonly followed treatment for ED is by administering drugs like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Staxyn, Vardenafil, Stendra, etc. These and other medication drugs are often prescribed by doctors to their patients that help in improving their condition, thus, allowing men to produce penile erection and engage in sexual activity with partner/spouse.
However, there is also an alternate approach to treating ED in men, which is using peptides that are found in most dietary supplements and cosmetic products. They are available at various over-the-counter (OTC) and retail stores.
Here, we’re going to take a quick look at how peptides can be useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction occurring in males. Apart from the peptides, garlic, clove, and fenugreek also help to boost the sex drive. Avoid the food that causes erectile dysfunction, and natural healthy food in your diet.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are a class of chemical and biological polymers that are somewhat like proteins and are made up of small chains of amino acids. Both peptides and proteins are made up of amino acids, however, peptides contain fewer amino acids than proteins. They are naturally present in foods.
These peptides are often included as essential properties in medicinal products that can offer benefits when used in treating medical conditions in people.
Peptides are used for various purposes. For example, ‘collagen peptides’ are generally used in skin health and anti-aging procedures. Another type of peptide is called the ‘creatine peptide’, which is used as a supplement that helps enhance athletic performance in individuals and for building muscle strength and mass for those who work at gyms.
Benefits of Peptides
Most foods that are derived from plants and animals as sources of protein contain peptides which are also used in supplements. Thus, commonly available foods like eggs, milk, oats, wheat, soy, beans, lentils, flaxseed, hemp seeds, meat, fish, shellfish, etc., are good sources of protein.
Peptides can offer health benefits such as:
- Slow down the aging process
- Improve skin health
- Reduce stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Boost immunity
- Reduce inflammation
- Destroy microbes and help build strength and muscle mass
- Enhance vigor and mood
- Boost sexual desire (libido) and sex drive
Also, given the health benefits of peptides, they are used in various supplements, either in the form of food or synthetic edible products that are manufactured for consumers.
Best Peptides for Treating Erectile Dysfunction in Men
Mentioned below are a few known peptides that may be useful in treating erectile dysfunction in males.
Peptide Therapy or PT-141
Peptide therapy, also known as PT-141, is a prescription-only medication that can help treat sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction and hypoactive sexual desire disorder occurring in males. King Pharmaceuticals company used to manufacture PT-141 products before it was acquired in 2010 by Pfizer, a company known for its Viagra pills for ED. The medication is available in the form of injection liquid and nasal spray. Bear in mind that this medication is not fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a synthetic peptide medication that is developed from the Melanotan-2 hormone. The Melanotan type 2 hormone is commonly used to lighten or darken skin pigmentation in individuals. They are often available at various tanning salons. The Bremelanotide family of peptides enhances mood and vigour in individuals.
The PT-141 medication is available in dosage strengths of 4 mg and 6 mg for injection liquid, while the dosage strengths for the nasal spray come in 7 mg and 20 mg, respectively.
A similar variant of this medication called Vyleesi, a brand name, is available for women and helps treat hypoactive sexual disorders in females. It also does the same function, i.e., increase arousal in women.
How Does Peptide Therapy for ED Work?
Though PT-141 is not approved by the FDA for treating ED, however, there may be substantial evidence of the benefits this therapy can offer to men experiencing sexual disorders.
PT-141 peptide in medication can be used for increasing sexual arousal in men allowing them to show interest in sexual intercourse with a partner/spouse. Men who are administered PT-141 medication may be able to achieve and maintain penile erections for a longer duration.
This therapy involves the process of subcutaneously injecting liquid in the person’s body for it to work effectively. The medication is administered at least 1 hour before sexual activity. The effect of the medication can last up to 3 hours in the person’s body.
PT-141 medication functions on the brain instead of the circulatory system. Thus, it may serve quite well as a substitute ED medication for men with blood pressure or cardiovascular problems that prevent them from taking PDE-5 inhibitors such as Viagra, etc., to improve their sexual function.
Typical PDE-5 inhibitors allow the widening of the blood vessels, which is great for regulating the flow of blood to the penis to get firm erections. However, it also lowers blood pressure enough that doctors require a recent blood pressure reading before prescribing such inhibitors to patients.
Side Effects of Using Peptides for Treating ED
PT-141 medication for ED is likely to cause a few adverse effects which include:
- Headache
- Somnolence (excessive drowsiness)
- High blood pressure
- Backache
- Itchiness in certain parts of the body
- Yellowed skin and eyes
- Dark urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Flushing
The dose of peptide medications and supplements may vary depending on the type and brand. Always follow the package instructions when taking peptide supplements or using topical peptide creams or lotions. Never exceed the recommended serving size. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if adverse reactions occur.
Conclusion
Using products that are derived from or that contain peptides can offer good results when treating erectile dysfunction in males. This may further help men overcome anxiety, depression, and embarrassment caused by their sexual disorder.