Treatments and drugs
Before starting any treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), any other underlying health problems should be well identified and treated, some of the health problems cannot be completely treated and need to be continuous treatment, if the ED problem is not treated with the previous step, it will be the time to start the treatments of the ED firstly by identifying the causes of the ED, then making sure that the person taking the right treatment and discussing the effects of these treatments on the erectile dysfunction with the doctor. In some cases, many treatments of the underlying health problems can give the same results, so it is the responsibility of the doctor to choose the combination of treatments that are compatible with each other.
For treating the ED, there are many options that depend on the underlying health condition and the difficulty of the ED condition; these conditions play a role in determining the treatment choice. Next, we explain some of these options.
Oral medications
Oral medications is the most known way for erectile dysfunction treatment, it makes a good improvements for the majority of men. It is preferred because of its easiness since it can be taken as tablets. There are three widespread types of the oral medication: Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vardenafil (Levitra). These medications are called drugs since they enhance the effects of nitric oxide which is responsible of relaxing the muscles in the penis. As the erection depends on the flow of the blood inside the penis, relaxing (or drugging) the muscles will let the blood better flow inside it to give a good erection, but it is important to note that beside taking this medication there should be enough sexual stimulation for the man to give the effect.
However the three medications have the same way of working, they differ in the length of time they last, doses and side effects. Anyway, these medications should be taken on the recommendation of the doctor. Sometimes they may not work or may be dangerous, for example, if the person:
• Take nitrate drugs for angina, such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur) and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
• Take a blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medication, alpha blockers for enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or high blood pressure medications
• Have heart disease or heart failure
• Have had a stroke
• Have very low blood pressure (hypotension) or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Have uncontrolled diabetes
Alprostadil self-injection
In this way, alprostadil (Alprostadil, Caverject Impulse, Edex) is injected into the base or side of the penis by a fine needle
With this method, you use a fine needle to inject alprostadil (Alprostadil, Caverject Impulse, Edex) into the base or side of your penis, its effect starts after approximately 20 minutes and last about an hour. The side effects of this option are the short time of erection, bleeding from the injection and formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site.
Alprostadil penis suppository
In this way, a tiny alprostadil suppository is placed about two inches down inside the penis by a special applicator. The side effects are pain, bleeding from urethra, dizziness and formation of fibrous tissue inside the penis.
Testosterone replacement
Testosterone replacement therapy is done for men that suffer from low levels of the hormone testosterone which causes erectile dysfunction.
Penis pumps
In this way, the penis is put inside a tube, then, a pump is used to suck out the air inside the tube, the blood is pulled into the penis, and the base of the penis is bind by a ring to prevent blood from going back, finally, the tube is removed. After having sex, the ring will be removed.
Blood vessel surgery
Surgery is necessary to repair any leaking blood vessel that can cause erectile dysfunction.
Psychological counseling
Sometimes erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety or depression. Psychologist or counselor may be necessary in these cases.
