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Erectile Dysfunction
Causes of Erectile
Dysfunction
Diagnosing
Erectile Dysfunction
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
There are a number of options available for the treatment of
erectile dysfunction. These include medications, psychological
counseling, surgery and the use of mechanical devices to aid
erection.
1) Medications
a) Sildenafil (Viagra)
The approval by the FDA of Sildenafil (Viagra) in 1998
provided the first oral medication for the treatment of
erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil enhances the effects of
nitric oxide, which is a chemical that relaxes the muscles in
the penis during sexual stimulation. The result is enhanced
blood flow to the penis, enabling the ability to get and
maintain an erection. Millions of men have benefited from this
medication which is taken orally 30-60 minutes prior to sexual
activity.
There are potential side effects for some men. As well,
Sildenafil can interact negatively with some other
medications. Your doctor will assess your condition prior to
writing a prescription for Viagra. Viagra should be taken only
once a day, in the correct dosage as determined by a
physician.
b) Prostaglandin E (Alprostadil)
Alprostadil is a synthetic version of the hormone
prostaglandin E. Prostaglandin E acts by aiding the relaxation
of smooth muscle tissue in the penis. This, in turn, enhances
blood flow to the penis, enabling an individual to get and
maintain erection.
Alprostadil is taken in two ways. The first, needle injection
therapy, uses a very fine needle to inject Alprostadil into
the base or side of the penis. This injection is carried out
shortly before sexual activity and lasts for approximately an
hour in most men. Certain side effects can occur, such as the
formation of fibrous tissue at or near the injection site and
prolonged erection. The second, called self administered intraurethra therapy (medicated urethral system for erection -
MUSE), involves the use of a disposable applicator to insert a
very tiny suppository into the tip of the penis. The
suppository is absorbed by the erectile tissue in the penis,
increasing blood flow and causing erection. Side effects can
include minor bleeding, formation of fibrous tissue and
dizziness.
2) Hormone replacement therapy
This treatment is effective for those who present testosterone
deficiency.
3) Vascular surgery
This treatment is commonly used to treat men who have blocked
or hampered blood flow to the penis as a result of pelvic or
penis injury, or to clear vascular blockages. The goal of this
surgery is to enable blood flow to the penis to occur
naturally.
4) Penile implants
Penile implants are inflatable devices or semi rigid rods made
of silicone that are placed into two sides of the penis. The
outcome is an ability to get and maintain an erection as often
or for as long as desired. This method of treating erectile
dysfunction is usually only offered as a last resort when
other methods have failed.
5) Vacuum devices
External vacuums and tension rings (similar to rubber bands)
can be used to achieve an erection. A hollow, plastic tube is
placed over the penis and a hand pump is used to create a
vacuum within the tube, pulling blood into the penis. Once the
penis becomes erect, the tension ring is placed around the
base of the penis in order to maintain the erection, after
which the vacuum is removed. Slowly, the erection subsides,
but usually slowly enough to enable sexual activity.
6) Psychological counseling
When non physical causes, such as stress, depression or
anxiety, are the cause of erectile dysfunction, a doctor will
likely suggest psychological counseling.
For more information about
erectile dysfunction and it's treatment, read through the
Mayo Clinic's erectile dysfunction
pages. The
National Institutes of Health offers excellent
information
about erectile dysfunction and it's causes and treatments. |
