Available treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) include medication, external devices, surgery, and psychological counseling. Treatment for your ED will depend on the underlying cause. Your doctor will work with you to determine which treatment options are best for you.

Erectile Dysfunction Medications

The American Urological Association recommends first treating ED with medications such as Sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil hydrochloride (Levitra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Avanafil (Stendra). Most men experience longer lasting and harder erections within an hour of taking ED medications.ED medications should not be taken by men who are taking nitrate drugs for heart disease, as a combination of nitrite drugs and ED meds can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.If you are unable to take ED medications orally, your doctor may recommend Alprostadil, which is injected directly into the penis. Alprostadil increases blood flow to the penis almost immediately. Side effects may include prolonged erections and scarring of the penis. Alprostadil can also be administered by implanting pellets at the tip of the urethra.If your ED stems from low testosterone levels, your doctor may consider giving you testosterone injections, or topical testosterone in gel form.

External Devices for Erectile Dysfunction

The vacuum pump, also known as a vacuum erection device, helps men achieve an erection by using a manual or battery-powered pump over the penis to increase blood flow to the penis. To use the vacuum pump, you will place a plastic tube over the penis and sucking air out of the tube with the pump. A ring placed at the base of the penis help maintain the erection by preventing blood from leaving the penis. This technique works in approximately 80% of men, but some dislike the loss of spontenaity they experience. In addition, some men experience bruising, irritation, or pain with pump use.

Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction

For severe cases of ED which have not responded to other treatments, surgery may be an option.A penile implant, otherwise known as a penile prosthesis, can be surgically implanted into the penis so that sexual intercourse is possible. In this procedure, adjustable rods or inflatable tubes are inserted into the penis. Vascular reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure which attempts to repair the arteries that carry blood to the penis, or blocking veins to prevent blood from leaving during an erection. This procedure is most successful in younger men who have experienced trauma or injury to the penis. Talk to your doctor about the possible side-effects of these procedures.

Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease

Some men experience ED as a precursor to cardiovascular disease. When your cardiovascular health is compromised by conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, blood flow may be reduced to the penis and cause ED. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, lessening alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly as ways to treat your cardiovascular disease, and subsequent ED. Cholesterol lowering medications and blood pressure medications may also help.

Psychological Counseling

If physical cause for your ED cannot be identified, your doctor may recommend psychological counseling. Stress, anxiety and depression can all affect sexual performance. Finding a competent therapist to work with you and your partner may help alleviate performance issues and improve symptoms of ED.

Talk to your doctor about finding the right treatment for you.