Treatments and Preventions
There's a wide range of treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Some are pills, and others are injections or devices that should be used just before sex. There are also treatments involving surgery. Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, maintain a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise, are important in improving erectile dysfunction. Maintaining control of underlying conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, will also help to decrease the occurrence of erectile dysfunction.
Medications for erectile dysfunction include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, prostaglandins and testosterone.
Treatments :
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors: This class of medications includes Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil. They work by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (pde-5), allowing more blood to enter the penis and helping to produce an erection. These medications are often taken before sex and will cause an erection only when the man is sexually stimulated.
The time the dose should be taken and how long the effects last depend on the medication used. The most common side effect of these medications is a headache. However, there is a potential for certain dangerous drug interactions. Anyone prescribed this medication must let his doctor know about any medications he's on, and especially if he's taking nitrates (Nitroglycerin spray, nitroglycerin pills, or nitroglycerin patch) for heart problems.
Prostaglandins (alprostadil): Alprostadil can be injected into the penis or inserted as a pellet through the urethra. It causes an erection without sexual stimulation that usually lasts about 60 minutes.
The danger with this method is that too high a dose can cause Priapism, an erection that won't go away. This condition requires immediate medical attention as it can cause serious bruising, bleeding, pain and permanent penile damage. Once the doctor is sure of the right dose, the man can self-inject at home.
Some doctors may prescribe a combination of Alprostadil with additional ingredients such as Phentolamine to help the medication work more effectively. This mixture is prepared by the pharmacy according to the directions of the prescribing doctor.
It is injected into the penis before sex
Testosterone: This is only useful for people with specific disorders like Hypogonadism that result in lower-than-normal amounts of testosterone in the blood stream.
In this case, supplementing with testosterone may be recommended to help increase erections and interest in sex.
Common non-medication ways of treating erectile dysfunction include vacuum devices and penile implants.
Vacuum devices : This involves placing a tube over the penis, forming an airtight seal around the base. By pumping air out of the tube, blood can be drawn into the penis. Placing a ring around the base of the penis will maintain the erection.
Penile implants: This treatment involves permanent implantation of flexible rods or similar devices into the penis. Simple versions have the disadvantage of giving the user a permanent erection.
The latest (and most expensive) device consists of inflatable rods activated by a tiny pump and switch in the scrotum. Squeezing the scrotum stiffens the penis, whether the person is aroused or not.
The penis itself remains flaccid, however, so the diameter and length are usually less than a natural erection, and hardness is lacking, although it's sufficient for intercourse.
