Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options and Therapies
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that occurs when males aren’t able to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual desire. This condition is caused by a number of factors, including vascular disease, nerve disorders, trauma and psychological complications. Treating the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction usually causes the condition to dissipate. However, erectile dysfunction treatment can consist of other methods as well, such as medications and therapy.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
In order to effectively treat erectile dysfunction, the underlying cause must be identified and treated. Along with the treatment for the underlying cause, further treatment options are available to help cope with the condition until it subsides. Many treatment options for erectile dysfunction are non-surgical and produce positive results.
Non-surgical treatment options for this condition include oral corporeal pharmacotherapy. This involves the use of an oral medication, Viagra, which is used an hour prior to sexual activity. Men with heart conditions are advised not to use this medication because it can lower blood pressure. Common side effects of Viagra include indigestion, headaches and nasal congestion. Serious side effects can include prolonged, painful erections. Similar medications include Cialis and Levitra.
Intracavernosal injection therapy is another non-surgical treatment option for erectile dysfunction. This involves the use of a penile self injection. A small amount of medication is injected into the penis to relax the blood vessels, allowing adequate blood supply to flow to the penis. Common side effects of this treatment include pain and penile scarring. Dizziness and high blood pressure can occur, as well as a painful erection.
Transurethral pharmacotherapy is another common treatment option for erectile dysfunction. This treatment involves the use of a suppository, inserted into the urethra using a plastic applicator. This medication is then absorbed into the blood stream, relaxing blood vessels. This form of treatment is considered to be less effective and isn’t suitable for those with urethral problems.
Vacuum Constriction Device
A vacuum constriction device consists of a small cylinder placed over the penis. Air is then pumped out of the cylinder, drawing blood to the penis. A small band is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection, which can be in place for up to 20 minutes. This form of treatment is used less often due to the lack of spontaneity.
Sex Therapy
Sex therapy is used as a form of treatment for erectile dysfunction as well. Erectile dysfunction treatment with sex therapy can produce positive results. Sex therapy involves counseling to treat those with psychological complications, which may be causing a man’s erectile dysfunction. Sex therapy aids a man with coping with the condition.
Penile Prosthesis
Penile prosthesis, or a penile implant, can be used to treat erectile dysfunction as well. There are two forms of implants that can be used; a malleable (bendable) or inflatable. A malleable implant involves rods surgically inserted in the penis. With this implant, the penis remains semi erect. Inflatable implants are more commonly used because they allow a man to have an erection when he chooses by simply inflating the implant.
References:
“Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction” Cleveland Clinic
“Erectile Dysfunction: Penile Prosthesis” WebMD
“Erectile Dysfunction” MayoClinic
