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.