Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

There are many erectile dysfunction treatment options available. These options include drugs, surgical procedures, and prosthetic implants. It's up to you and your doctor to determine which option is best for your circumstances.

Many people associate Viagra with thoughts of erectile dysfunction. Many ED sufferers have been effectively treated with this type of medication. This is one of three common PDE-5 inhibitors, along with Cialis and Levitra, and was FDA approved in 1998.

These drugs are basically designed to increase the amount of blood that flows to the penis. They each have slightly different dosage recommendations, but they all work in much the same way.

The area of concern is the corpora cavernosa, which is a cylinder of spongy tissue, smooth muscles and blood vessels inside the penis. Nitric oxide is produced in this area during stimulation. This causes the muscles to relax, which allows blood to flow into the tissue. This causes the penis to elongate and stiffen.

This process can be interrupted in a number of different ways. Drugs like Viagra can correct this problem, but there is usually an underlying cause that also requires attention. Many times these drugs are effective erectile dysfunction treatment before the real cause is identified.

There are other erectile dysfunction treatment remedies that involve more than just taking a pill. Sometimes, an injection of alprostadil (prostaglandin) is used to treat the condition. Surprisingly, there is little discomfort involved since the needle is very sharp and small in diameter. Other injections used include papaverine hydrochloride and phentolamine. These are generally very effective, but they do come with certain side effects.

Sometimes, alprostadil can be delivered by inserting it into the urethra through the hole in the end of the penis. This form of erectile dysfunction treatment is called MUSE – Medicated Urethral Suppository for Erection. The downside of this drug is that it can cause pain in the penis and testicles and extremely long lasting erections.

There are other effective treatments that do not require the use of drugs. Blood flow can be stimulated by placing a vacuum pump over the penis. This was one of the earliest forms of ED treatment, and has been relatively effective for some time.

When other forms of erectile dysfunction treatment prove ineffective, it may become necessary to go with a prosthetic implant. Implants come in two basic types, inflatable and malleable. The latter is a process of placing a pair of rods into the corpora cavernosa. Inflatables are made up of a tube that is inserted into the penis with a small pump and holding vessel surgically implanted in the scrotum. This mechanism pumps fluid into the tube, allowing the penis to become erect.

In other cases, it is necessary to treat the underlying condition first. Diabetes may cause blood vessel damage that will prevent erection. It may be necessary to repair these blood vessels in order to achieve proper blood flow to and from the penis.

The best method of erectile dysfunction treatment will depend on your individual situation. The underlying conditions will be the main factor. It may be as simple as making dietary changes and exercising. If the impotence becomes continual or frequent, you should always consult your physician.

Introduction to Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis Tests
What are Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction Causes and ED Treatment
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
What are Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction