There are a variety of erectile dysfunction treatment options available that have proven to be effective for a great many men. The effectiveness of each of these treatments differs for each man and depends on several factors, including the man’s age, the reason for the erectile dysfunction (i.e., the type of treatment or condition associated with the condition), whether he has had more than one type of erectile dysfunction treatment, a man’s erectile function before treatment, and overall health. A combination of these treatment options can be part of a penile rehabilitation program and you and your doctor need to discuss which approach could work best for you.
Erectile dysfunction treatment options can be used alone or in combination in some cases, and include:
- Drugs: Oral medication using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitor), which include tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes the muscles in the penis. After the muscles are relaxed, blood flow to the penis increases and allows an erection to occur in response to sexual stimulation. Read more on pills and drugs for erectile dysfunction
- Pumps and Other Devices: Mechanical devices, including a venous constriction band or a vacuum constriction pump and band. Both devices utilize a tension band or ring that maintains an erection by retaining blood in the penis. The pump uses external suction pressure to create an erection before the man put on the tension ring. Daily use of a vacuum device provides the penis with oxygenated blood and stretches the penile tissue. Read More on penis pumps, vacuum and other devices for ED
- Intraurethral Suppository (MUSE) containing alprostadil, which dilates the penile blood vessel. The benefits of this approach are questionable and sometimes painful. Read more on MUSE and suppositories for ED
- Intracavernous Injections made directly into the penis, also using alprostadil, but other elements can be added as well. Alprostadil is a synthetic version of a hormone that can relax the muscles in the penis, which improves blood flow necessary for an erection. Read more on injections and penile injections for erectile dysfunction treatment
- Penile Implant is usually reserved for men who clearly have a medical cause for their ED and other ED treatments have failed. Read more on implants and surgery for erectile dysfunction
- Sex Therapy Counseling provided by a professional counselor or psychologist who is familiar with sexual issues can be helpful. Read more on counseling and therapy for erectile dysfunction
- Herbal and Nutritional Supplements can be used in combination with other treatments for erectile problems. Read more on top supplements for erectile dysfunction treatment and sexual health
To get the best results from any erectile dysfunction treatment, men who are faced with this challenge should consult one or more knowledgeable healthcare practitioners, including a urologist and psychologist or sex therapist.
CAUTION:
The advertisements on TV for the major erectile dysfunction pills and drugs always advise you to “seek medical attention if you have an erection lasting longer than 4-hours”. One side effect from drugs to as an erectile dysfunction treatment can be a prolonged erection and pain in the penis (known as priapism; an erection lasting longer than four hours). A prolonged erection may also be caused by other treatments such as injections and MUSE suppositories.
Priapism is a serious medical condition, because the penis is deprived of oxygen, which damages and destroys erectile tissue. These warnings should be taken seriously and medical attention sought immediately. Often times, your doctor may give you an information card similar to the Sloan-Kettering Wallet Card for patients using penile injections. This card details the serious nature of priapism and advises the attending medical professional of erectile dysfunction treatment options and other information.
