WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
1. Oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors
A. Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio) *
B. Vardenafil (Levetra, Traxyn) *
C. Avanafil (Stendra) *
D. Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca) *
2. Injectables
A. Alprostadil * (a powerful vasodilator) injection (also available in a suppository that is inserted into the urethra)
B. Papaverine *(arterial dilator) can be used in combination (Alprostadil)
C. Phentolamine * (arterial dilator) can be used in combination with (Alprostadil)
3. Surgeries for “Veno-Occlusive Dysfunction”
A. Consult a Urologist
CAUTION:
1. All medications have a risk of side effects, including medications that injected or inserted into the penis.
2. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction
(leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and
Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.”
Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both
“common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms are the inability to attain or sustain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse.
WHAT CAUSES ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)?
Most cases of ED are caused by abnormalities of the blood vessels or nerves of the penis. Other possible causes include hormonal disorders (low Testosterone), structural disorders of the penis, use of certain drugs, and psychologic problems.
There are two types of blood vessel problems that can cause an erectile dysfunction. One is damage to the arteries or the penis and the second is due to damage to the veins of the penis.
Venous Damage. The second type of blood vessel damage than can cause an erectile dysfunction is called “Veno-Occlusive Dysfunction.” The result of this problem is that the veins of the penis leak. This means that although the arteries of the penis are letting blood in like they should during sexual arousal, the veins of the penis are letting the blood out too quickly, which prevents the penis from becoming erect. This type of ED usually occurs around age 50.
Arterial damage. If the inner lining (endothelium) of the small arteies of the penis are damaged, they do not release the proper amount of Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide is responsible for telling the arteries of the penis to swell up and let more blood into the penis, which allows the penis to enlarge and become erect. This type of ED usually occurs about age 60.
Nerve damage is another cause of erectile dysfunction. Nerve damage can occur from a variety of causes but the majority occur due to Diabetes Mellitus. High levels of glucose in the blood, often damages both the nerves and blood vessels.
Nerve damage can also occur due to complications of prostate surgery.
HOW IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION DIAGNOSED?
Usually erectile dysfunction can can be made with a careful history. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-6) score can be used. Some blood test that aid in the diagnosis are the following: testosterone level, cholesterol level, and thyroid test. Still other test that can be used when seeking a more precise cause of ED are the following: Duplex Ultrasound, Cavernosometry, and Cavernossography.