Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
A wide variety of options exist for the erectile dysfunction treatment. Treatment options include everything from medications, simple mechanical devices, surgery, and psychological counseling. The cause and severity for each Individual’s condition are important factors in determining the best treatment, or combination of treatments available. It is wise to consider with your doctor how much money you’re willing to spend, and the personal preferences of you and your partner. Should erectile dysfunction be a result of a medical condition, the cost of treatment may be covered by your medical insurance provider.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Solutions Available
– Psychological Counseling
– Medications (Sildenafil, Alprostadil)
– Self-Administered Intraurethral Therapy
– Mechanical Devices (Vacuum Devices)
– Hormonal Therapy
– Surgery (Vascular surgery, Penile Prosthesis)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil (Viagra) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, becoming the first oral medication for erectile dysfunction on the market. Since then, doctors have written millions of prescriptions for the blue, diamond-shaped tablets. Drugs for treating ED can be taken orally, injected directly into the penis, or inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis. In August 2003, the FDA gave approval to a second oral medicine, vardenafil hydrochloride (Levitra). Following Levitra, Cialis (tadalafil) was the approved in November 2003 by the FDA.
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Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil (Viagra) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, becoming the first oral medication for erectile dysfunction on the market. Since then, doctors have written millions of prescriptions for the blue, diamond-shaped tablets. Drugs for treating ED can be taken orally, injected directly into the penis, or inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis. In August 2003, the FDA gave approval to a second oral medicine, vardenafil hydrochloride (Levitra). Following Levitra, Cialis (tadalafil) was the approved in November 2003 by the FDA.
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Prostaglandin E (Alprostadil)
Alternatives to sildenafil exist. Two treatments involve the use of a drug called alprostadil (al-PROS-tuh-dil). Alprostadil is a synthetic version of the hormone prostaglandin E. The hormone helps relax the smooth muscle tissue in the penis, which enhances the blood flow needed for an erection.
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Prostaglandin E (Alprostadil)
Alternatives to sildenafil exist. Two treatments involve the use of a drug called alprostadil (al-PROS-tuh-dil). Alprostadil is a synthetic version of the hormone prostaglandin E. The hormone helps relax the smooth muscle tissue in the penis, which enhances the blood flow needed for an erection.
- Read More..
Self-Administered Intraurethral Therapy
This method’s trade name is Medicated Urethral System for Erection (Muse). It involves using a disposable applicator to insert a tiny suppository, about half the size of a grain of rice, into the tip of your penis. The suppository, placed about 2 inches into your urethra, and is absorbed by erectile tissue in your penis, increasing the blood flow that causes an erection. Although needles aren’t involved, you may still find this method painful or uncomfortable. Side effects may include pain, minor bleeding in the urethra, dizziness and formation of fibrous tissue.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
For the small number of men who have a testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended.
Vacuum Devices
This treatment involves the use of an external vacuum and one, or more, rubber bands (tension rings). To begin, a hollow plastic tube is placed, (available by prescription), over the penis. A hand pump is then used to create a vacuum in the tube, pulling blood into the penis. Once an adequate erection has been achieved, a tension ring is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection. The vacuum device is then removed. Erection achieved by this method typically lasts long enough for a couple to have adequate sexual relations.
Penile Implants
This treatment involves surgically placing a device into the two erectile bodies of the penis, allowing an erection to occur as often, and for as long as desired. These implants consist of an inflatable device or semi-rigid rods made from silicone or polyurethane. Surgical implants are often expensive and are usually not recommended until other methods have been considered or have been unsuccessful. As with any surgery, there is a small risk of complications such as infection.
Psychological Counseling
Should stress, anxiety or depression be the cause of your erectile dysfunction, your doctor may suggest that you, or you and your partner, visit a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating sexual problems.
When to Seek Medical Advice for ED?
IF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION LASTS LONGER THAN 2 MONTHS OR IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR A PHYSICAL EXAM OR FOR A REFERRAL TO A DOCTOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN ERECTILE PROBLEMS. YOUR OWN DOCTOR OR A SPECIALIST CAN HELP TO DETERMINE THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OR CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND GUIDE YOU TOWARDS FINDING THE RIGHT TYPE OF TREATMENT.
Although you might view erectile dysfunction as a personal or embarrassing problem, it’s important to seek treatment, especially if a physical cause might be developing. In many cases, erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated. Also, see your doctor if the therapy or medication prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction isn’t working for you. Don’t try to combine medications or therapies on your own or deviate from prescribed doses and do not your symptoms as they could be one of Erectile Dysfunction Causes.