So you think you have it... Now what?

               As previously discussed, erectile dysfunction is not uncommon. It is important to find the underlying causes of ED and seek a healthcare provider to find the best treatment options. Upon a doctor’s visit, prepare to answer questions regarding general health and the history of the erection problem. The healthcare provider may give a physical exam, order blood tests, referral to get an ultrasound, or recommend an overnight erection test.

                Don’t fret; ED is a treatable condition. Depending on the underlying causes of certain ED cases, treatment often ranges from lifestyle changes to counseling to drugs to surgery, if necessary. It is important to be honest when talking to healthcare professionals. Doctors will present the risks and benefits of treatment options and will try to accommodate preferences. It is also important to consider partner’s preferences, as well.

                Oral medications are common and successful for treatment of ED. The four most common drugs include Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra) and Avanafil (Stendra). A common aspect of each medication is that they all enhance the effects of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide naturally occurs in the body and relaxes muscles in the penis. By enhancing the effects of this chemical, there is an increase of blood flow, which allows the penis to erect. Nevertheless, nitric oxide is released from penile nerves during stimulation, so, sexual stimulation is needed for the medications to work effectively. This form of treatment may not work immediately. It is important to communicate with healthcare professionals to find the right medication and dosage for each case.

                Because oral medications require stimulation, other medications are utilized to trigger an automatic erection. For example, these other forms of treatment include self-injections or alprostadil urethral suppository. Self-injections utilize a fine needle and the goal is to produce an erection that lasts twenty to forty minutes. These medications widen the blood vessels, which results in longer erection times. Alprostadil urethral suppository consists of inserting a small suppository of alprostadil in the penile urethra. This erection lasts for thirty to sixty minutes.

                If medications are neither effective nor practical for certain patients, other options, such as penis pumps, implants or surgery, are available. Penis pumps are a type of vacuum device, which pulls blood into the penis and causes an erection. These devices are generally hand or battery-powered. Once the erection is formed, a tension ring is placed around the base of the penis to hold in the blood. The erection generally lasts long enough for a couple to engage in sexual intercourse. Once complete, the tension ring is removed. Lastly, if none of the above treatments are suitable, surgery is an option, as well.  Urologists can perform surgery to implant a device to make the penis erect or reconstruct arteries to increase blood flow to the penis. Surgical treatments are uncommon and not recommended until a variety of other treatments have been tried first.

                Although it may be embarrassing to discuss ED, it is important for your health and emotional well-being to consult a doctor and take action in the treatment process.

Penis Pump (Vacuum)

Popular Oral Medications

 
                                                        

References:

"Erectile Dysfunction Treatments and Drugs." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2017. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/basics/treatment/con-20034244>.

"Erectile Dysfunction | NIDDK." National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2017. <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction>.

"Best Erection Dysfunction Drug | Australian Drugs Online Information – Cialis, Viagra, Levitra : Brand and Generics." Australian Drugs Online Information Cialis Viagra Levitra Brand and Generics. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2017. <https://www.australia-drugs.net/best-erection-dysfunction-drug-2.html>.