Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Treatments

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

There are a number of erectile dysfunction treatments available, from medication to implants. Dr Chabert will discuss the best option for your unique situation.

Phosodiesterase Inhibitors

Medications form the first line therapy for erectile dysfunction treatments. These agents work by causing a dilatation of blood vessels which supply the penis, facilitating an increase in length and girth in the context of sexual stimulation.

These medications are relatively well tolerated in the majority of men, there are however, some common side effects. These include headache, flushing, visual changes, indigestion and back and leg pain. These erectile dysfunction treatment drugs need to be taken between one to several hours prior to planned sexual activity.

Although efficacious in many, there will still be around 20-30% of men in whom there will be no or an inadequate response.

Intracavernosal Injection Therapy

The patient or his partner uses a needle to inject medication directly into the base of the penis. The relaxation of muscle tissue allows blood to flow into the penis, creating an erection. This treatment can be more effective than oral medicines but can be associated with painful erections which may result in many men discontinuing use within the first year.

Surgical Treatments: Penile Implants

If drug erectile dysfunction treatments, injections and other non-surgical therapies are not successful, and psychological causes are not suspected, the next erectile dysfunction treatment option includes penile implant surgery. Penile implants have helped many men return to an active sex life, and studies show high satisfaction among patients and their partners.

A penile implant (also called a penile prosthesis) is concealed entirely within the body, and requires a degree of manipulation before and after intercourse to make the penis erect or flaccid. There are different types of implants based on the manner of operation, naturalness of the erection and the number of components implanted. In choosing a penile implant as a erectile dysfunction treatment, considerations include medical condition, lifestyle, personal preference and cost.

Penile implants can provide a natural appearing erection and greater flaccidity than two-piece or malleable implants. These advanced, three-part prostheses are inflatable implants available in a variety of models and sizes for a custom fit. Each consists of a reservoir implanted in the abdomen, a pump placed in the scrotum and a pair of cylinders implanted in the penis. The entire device is totally concealed in the body.