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Part 2

Other medications

Oral medications

Oral medications are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men. They include:

Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), avanafil (Stendra)

All four medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide — a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Taking one of these tablets will not automatically produce an erection. Sexual stimulation is needed first to cause the release of nitric oxide from your penile nerves. These medications amplify that signal, allowing men to function normally. 

Oral erectile dysfunction medications are not aphrodisiacs, will not cause excitement and are not needed in men who get normal erections. The medications vary in dosage, how long they work and side effects.

Possible side effects include:

Flushing, nasal congestion, headache, visual changes, backache and stomach upset.

These medications might not fix your erectile dysfunction immediately. You might need to work with your doctor to find the right medication and dosage for you.

Before taking any medication for erectile dysfunction, including over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies, seek appropriate advice from your doctor’s.

Medications for erectile dysfunction might not work or might be dangerous if you:

Take nitrate drugs — commonly prescribed for chest pain (angina) — such as nitroglycerin isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate. Have very low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure, have severe liver disease, have kidney disease that requires dialysis

Other medications for erectile dysfunction include:

1. Alprostadil self-injection

With this method, you have a fine needle used to inject alprostadil into the base or side of your penis.

Each injection generally produces an erection that lasts about an hour. Because the needle used is very fine, pain from the injection site is usually minor.

Side effects can include bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection (priapism) and formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site.

2. Alprostadil urethral suppository

Alprostadil intraurethral (Muse) therapy involves placing a tiny alprostadil suppository inside your penis in the penile urethra. You use a special applicator to insert the suppository into your penile urethra.

The erection usually starts within 10 minutes and lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Side effects can include pain, minor bleeding in the urethra and formation of fibrous tissue inside your penis.

3.Testosterone replacement

Some men have erectile dysfunction that might be complicated by low levels of the hormone testosterone. In this case, testosterone replacement therapy might be recommended as the first step.

4. Penis pumps, surgery and implants

If medications aren’t effective or appropriate in your case, your doctor might recommend a different treatment. Other treatments include:

a) Penis pumps

A penis pump (vacuum erection device) is a hollow tube with a hand-powered orbattery-powered pump. The tube is placed over your penis, and then the pump is used to suck out the air inside the tube. This creates a vacuum that pulls blood into your penis.

Once you get an erection, you slip a tension ring around the base of your penis to hold in the blood and keep it firm. You then remove the vacuum device.

The erection typically lasts long enough for a couple to have sex. You remove the tension ring after intercourse. Bruising of the penis is a possible side effect, and ejaculation will be restricted by the band. Your penis might feel cold to the touch. If a penis pump is a good treatment choice for you, your doctor might recommend or prescribe a specific model. That way, you can be sure it suits your needs and that it’s made by a reputable manufacturer. Penis pumps available in magazines and sex ads might not be safe or effective.

b) Penile implants

This treatment involves surgically placing devices into both sides of the penis. These implants consist of either inflatable or semi-rigid rods. Inflatable devices allow you to control when and how long you have an erection. The semi-rigid rods keep your penis firm but bendable.

Penile implants are usually not recommended until other methods have been tried first. Implants have a high degree of satisfaction among men who have tried and failed more-conservative therapies. As with any surgery, there’s a risk of complications, such as infection.

5. Blood vessel surgery

Rarely, leaking or obstructed blood vessels can cause erectile dysfunction. In this case, surgical repair, such as vascular stenting or a bypass procedure, might be needed.

6. Psychological counselling

If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety or depression or the condition is creating stress and relationship tension, your doctor might suggest that you, or you and your partner, visit a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist

Lifestyle

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions. 

For example: Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions. See your doctor for regular check ups and medical screening tests.

Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t use illegal drugs. 

Exercise regularly.

Take steps to reduce stress. Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.

For information contact [email protected] or 0772 224 231