Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a type of penile disorder characterized by the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is the most common sex-related condition that men report, especially as they age. While ED is a common disorder, and it shouldn’t be viewed as embarrassing, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as diabetes or heart disease. For this reason, it is important that you have an honest conversation with your physician when discussing erectile dysfunction. ED can have many causes, including emotional, vascular, neurological, and hormonal disturbances. The best treatment for erectile dysfunction largely depends on the cause and your needs. Keep reading to find out more about the different types of ED treatment available to help you decide which is best for you.
Exercise
Since erectile dysfunction is related to decreased blood flow, daily exercise is a natural solution to help keep things working as they should. Specifically, moderate to vigorous aerobic activities that elevate your heart rate are a viable option for people that have recently identified ED symptoms.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil, or generic Viagra, is one of the most popular prescription ED medications. Sildenafil is available in 20 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg tablets, and the typical direction is to take your dose as needed, about one hour before sexual activity. Stimulation is still required for an erection to form and the drug is typically effective for 4 to 6 hours.
Tadalafil
Commonly known as generic Cialis, tadalafil is an oral ED treatment that is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20mg tablets. Lakeview Pharmacy can also compound tadalafil as a troche (lozenge) that dissolves under the tongue. A 10 mg dose of tadalafil can be taken about 30 minutes before sexual activity on an as-needed basis, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. A lower dose of tadalafil can be taken on a daily basis so man can avoid any disruption to a sexually spontaneous situation. Men who take tadalafil still require sexual stimulation for an erection to form.
Injectable Medications
Some ED treatments can be injected directly into the penis to create an erection. These medications include alprostadil, papaverine, phentolamine, or a combination of two or three of these. Injectable ED medications typically start to work within just 10 minutes and are dosed to create an erection that lasts no more than an hour. An alternative to an injection is an alprostadil urethral suppository, which uses a special applicator to insert the medication into your urethra.
Vacuum Erection Device
A vacuum erection device, also known as a penis pump, is a non-invasive ED treatment that does not involve medication. This device features a hollow tube with a pump. Place the tube over the penis and use the pump to suck out the air. This creates a vacuum, pulling blood into the penis. Once you have an erection, slip a tension ring around the base of your penis to hold the blood in and keep it firm, then remove the vacuum device. This creates a temporary erection that usually lasts long enough for sexual intercourse. However, bruising and restricted ejaculation are possible side effects.
Penile Implant
Surgery is an ED treatment that is generally only considered if other methods have failed. There are two types of penile implants: malleable and inflatable. Malleable implants are bendable rods that are surgically placed in the penis. You manually move your penis into a position suitable for sex, and the rods help keep it erect. Inflatable implants are tubes that are surgically placed in the penis and connected to a squeezable pump in the scrotum. You squeeze this pump to create an erection. Inflatable implants may slightly increase penis size, while malleable implants will not. Once placed, you must always use the penile implant to get an erection.
Psychological Counseling
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by psychological or emotional conditions such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Talking to a counselor can help you manage your conditions and learn how to lower any sex-related stress or anxiety. You can also attend counseling sessions with your partner so they can learn how to support you, allowing you to work through it together. Many people benefit from combining psychological counseling with physical ED treatments.
Talk to Lakeview Pharmacy About Which ED Treatment Is Best for You
These are some of the most common ED treatments that are available to help you manage erectile dysfunction. If you need help deciding which treatment is best for you, please reach out to us at Lakeview Pharmacy. Our knowledgeable team understands that this is a sensitive subject for many, and we want to help you find the best treatment for your specific needs.
