Erectile Dysfunction or ED can be treated by several different methods depending on each patient’s individual needs.
Treatment Options for ED
- Consultation. Understanding the root cause of the problem and consequences will lead to a healthier lifestyle to avoid or minimize risk factors.
- Medication. Currently available medications work quite well. They are easy to take with minimal complications. Precautions and indications can be managed under physician’s recommendations. Testosterone can be given to patients under the age of 50 years old. If it does not work well, doctor will supplement with medication that will induce erection. For older than 50 – 60 years old, the male hormone will be lower and some risk of thrombosis and neurological degeneration. Thus, the doctor may consider both testosterone and ED medication. Oral medications tend to have low side effects, such as headaches and hot flashes. Usually, it can be taken each time you have sex. Most importantly, it cannot be taken together with heart medications used for treatment of myocardial infarction or nitrates since it can be quite a deadly combination.
- Vacuum erectile devices. A plastic tube can be placed around the penis and once a vacuum is pumped, blood will rush to the penis causing erection. However, to maintain an erection, a constriction band can be placed at the base of the penis to prevent blood from returning to the body. This method does not hurt and it avoids the use of medication. Furthermore, it works regardless of the cause of the problem.
- Injections. A small syringe similar to insulin injections for diabetic patients can be injected directly into the penis. The medication will cause vasodilation and reception can last from 30 minutes to an hour. The advantage is that it is highly effective, but the downside is that there may be complications.
- Suppository. Similar to the injectable medication, a small pill can be inserted into the urethra. After some stroking, the drug will dissolve within 5 – 10 minutes causing an erection.
- Vascular surgery. There might be some problem with blood vessels leading to the penis. Although it may not be so effective, surgery can be performed as necessary.
- Penile implant. This is the last method when all else fails. A penile implant can be quite costly and only some urosurgeons can peform the procedure.
Preventing ED
ED can be prevented by:
- Avoid risk factors, such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes as well as consuming fatty food.
- Control of pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension.
- Keep fit and healthy both physically and mentally.
- Maintain a happy family.
Facts About Viagra
What patients should know about Viagra are:
- 1)It is only used for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction.
- 2)It only works in 7 out of 10 patients and does not help boost sexual stamina.
- 3)It should be used as directed by physician because it can be life-threatening. Patients how are on nitrates, such as Isordil or Nitroglycerin should NOT take Viagra for any reason.
- 4)Take one tablet about 1 hour prior to sexual intercourse. It will only work when there is sexual stimulation and will only work for about 30 minutes.
- 5)Reduce risk factors, especially alcohol and cigarettes. Strengthen your physical and mental health as well as foster relationship within the family. These steps will help increase its efficiency and lead to a chance to reduce or eventually stop taking Viagra.
