Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Your diagnosis came back and the doctor says you have erectile dysfunction. And now it's time to do something about it... but what? There is a wide range of ED treatment options available, depending on the cause and severity of your condition as well as factors like your age, health and lifestyle.

From vacuum pumps to Viagra, from counseling to simple lifestyle changes, chances are there's an ED treatment that will work for you. Your doctor will walk you through the options and help you decide on a course of action. This article is about the treatments out there.

Lifestyle Changes for Erectile Dysfunction

Making some fundamental lifestyle changes can often be an effective way to start tackling erectile dysfunction:

• Stop smoking. Smoking has been shown to cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction, so quitting smoking can sometimes help the problem.
• Drink less alcohol. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can also cause ED. Therefore, drinking in moderation can be one way to treat or reduce erectile dysfunction.
• Don't take recreational drugs. Illegal drugs can impair your ability to achieve an erection.
• Exercise. Among other things, regular exercise improves energy levels, helps you sleep better, is good for your heart and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Since both obesity and heart disease are risk factors for ED, exercise can help you reduce or reverse the effects of erectile dysfunction.
• Don't stress out! Studies have found that stress is a contributing factor in some cases of erectile dysfunction. Managing stress levels can be an effective ED treatment, either alone or in conjunction with other treatment methods.

Psychological Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Sometimes, psychological factors such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or relationship issues may cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. In these cases, men and their partners can turn to a number of psychological treatments for help. Sex therapy and other forms of counseling helps some men address their sexual feelings and expectations and explore other issues (often with their partner) that may be at the root of their ED.

Prescription Drug Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

When the FDA approved Viagra in 1998 for the treatment of ED, it ushered in a new era in the fight against erectile dysfunction. Viagra and the similar erectile dysfunction drugs that followed offer many men with ED a safe, discreet and highly effective treatment for their condition.

These powerful prescription drugs are known as PDE5 inhibitors, and despite having different chemical compositions, they all work by increasing blood flow to the penis. Taken orally in tablet form, the most popular ED drugs have been shown to dramatically improve men's abilities to achieve and sustain an erection during sex.

Despite the popularity of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, it is important that men who are considering taking an oral ED medication first consult with a physician. Your doctor can evaluate your medical history and any other prescription drugs you may be taking to help determine whether and which ED drug may be appropriate for you.

Some men should not take an erectile dysfunction drug at all. In particular, men with low blood pressure, or those who have recently suffered a stroke or heart attack, may not be good candidates for an oral ED drug. In addition, men who are taking any other drug that contains nitrates (including nitroglycerin) should not take any ED pill.

Men who do take an oral erectile dysfunction treatment should be aware of the potential side effects of these drugs. While most men who take ED drugs experience few if any mild side effects, it is important to know what these side effects may be and to discuss them with your physician. While each ED drug has its own potential side effects, the most common side effects of PDE5 inhibitors are: headache, flushing and nasal congestion.

The FDA has approved the following oral erectile dysfunction drugs:

• Viagra. Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, which in 1998 became the first oral erectile dysfunction medicine approved by the FDA. Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer and remains the best-selling ED drug on the market. For more complete information on Viagra, visit the Viagra product information page on ErectileDysfunction.md.
• Levitra. In 2003, Levitra (vardenafil) became the second ED drug to gain FDA approval. Since then, it has become the erectile dysfunction drug of choice for many men who suffer from ED. Levitra is manufactured by Bayer/GlaxoSmithKline. For more complete information on Levitra, visit the Levitra product information page on ErectileDysfunction.md.
• Cialis. Manufactured and marketed by Lilly/ICOS, Cialis is the brand name for tadalafil. Cialis is the third FDA-approved ED medicine to come on the market, in 2003. It differs from both Viagra and Levitra in that a single dose can work for up to 36 hours. For more complete information on Cialis, visit the Cialis product information page on ErectileDysfunction.md.

Other Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

There are a number of other treatments for erectile dysfunction that may be helpful, depending on the cause of the ED and other factors:

• Hormone Therapy. In cases where a man's erectile dysfunction is caused by a deficiency of the sex hormone testosterone, hormone replacement therapy can sometimes help. This treatment is available in a range of forms, including tablet, gel, injection, and patch.
• Vacuum Constriction Device (VCD). This mechanical device is an external pump that draws blood into the penis, which causes it to swell and become erect. A band or tension ring is applied to retain the swelling. Men whose ED is caused by a medical condition such as nerve damage or poor blood flow sometimes benefit from using a vacuum pump.
• Alternative ED Treatments. Some men have turned to alternative treatments to address their erectile dysfunction. Acupuncture, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements are all alternative ED treatments. If you are considering using any of these methods, it is best to inform your doctor, particularly if you're also using another ED treatment or drug.
• Surgical Implant. Penile implants are available to men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Because this is a relatively invasive option, most men consider it only after trying other treatments first. Either inflatable cylinders or silicone rods implanted in the penis enable the man to maintain an erection during sex.
• Vascular Reconstructive Surgery. Very rarely, a physician may recommend vascular reconstructive surgery as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. This may be appropriate in cases where the ED has been caused by a damaged blood vessel or some other trauma to the pelvic area. However, the procedure can be quite expensive and is not always effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Men should make an informed decision about this ED treatment option after careful consideration and consultation with the appropriate specialists and/or surgeons.

Click for the next part in the Erectile Dysfunction Guide: Living & Managing