Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

In some cases, erectile dysfunction treatment only requires lifestyle changes and/or counseling. In other cases, erectile dysfunction treatment may require medication, a vacuum device, implanted devices, or even surgery. Medications used for erectile dysfunction treatment include phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis), alprostadil, and nitroglycerin. The type of erectile dysfunction treatment prescribed will depend on the cause of ED.

 

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: An Overview

Most physicians suggest that the treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) proceed from the least invasive to the most invasive.
 
Some erectile dysfunction treatment options include:
 
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Counseling
  • Medications
  • Vacuum devices
  • Implanted devices.
     
In rare cases, surgery involving veins or arteries may be considered for erectile dysfunction treatment. The amount of research being done on drugs for erectile dysfunction treatment is expanding rapidly. Men should ask their doctor about the latest advances in erectile dysfunction treatment.
 

Lifestyle Changes as an Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

For some men, making a few healthy lifestyle changes may be all the erectile dysfunction treatment needed. Things that may help men regain their sexual function include:
 
  • Quitting smoking
  • Losing excess weight
  • Increasing physical activity.
     
Cutting back on any drugs with harmful side effects is the next treatment considered for erectile dysfunction. For example, drugs for high blood pressure work in different ways. If you think a particular drug is causing erectile dysfunction, tell your doctor and ask whether you can try a different class of blood pressure medicine.
 
(Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation