Erectile Dysfunction Treatment (Cont.)

Counseling as an Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Experts often treat psychologically based erectile dysfunction using techniques that decrease the anxiety associated with intercourse. The man's partner can help with the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when erectile dysfunction from physical causes is being treated.
 

Medication as an Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Medications for erectile dysfunction treatment can be taken orally, injected directly into the penis, or inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis.
 
In March 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra®, the first erectile dysfunction pill. Since that time, vardenafil hydrochloride (Levitra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®) have also been approved.
 
Additional oral medicines for erectile dysfunction treatment are being tested for safety and effectiveness.
 
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis all belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Taken an hour before sexual activity, these drugs for erectile dysfunction treatment work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis during sexual stimulation and allows increased blood flow. While oral erectile dysfunction medicines improve the response to sexual stimulation, they do not trigger an automatic erection as injections do.
 
The recommended dose for Viagra is 50 mg, although your doctor may adjust this dose to 100 mg or 25 mg, depending on your needs. The recommended dose for either Levitra or Cialis is 10 mg. Your doctor may adjust this dose to 20 mg if 10 mg is insufficient. A lower dose of 5 mg is available for patients who take other medicines or who have conditions that may decrease the body's ability to use the drug. Levitra is also available in a 2.5 mg dose.
 
None of these PDE inhibitors should be used more than once a day. Men who take nitrate-based drugs, such as nitroglycerin for heart problems, should not use a pill form of erectile dysfunction treatment, because the combination can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Also, tell your doctor if you take any drugs called alpha-blockers, which are used to treat prostate enlargement or high blood pressure. Your doctor may need to adjust your erectile dysfunction treatment. Taking a PDE inhibitor and an alpha-blocker at the same time (within 4 hours) can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
(Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD