Getting Help for Erectile Dysfunction -
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your symptoms, or your medication.
Male erectile dysfunction, sometimes called impotence, is defined as having a consistent problem getting and/or keeping an erection sufficient for you to complete sexual intercourse.
If you have or think you have ED, remember that you are not alone. Millions of men share the same thoughts and feelings that you have. The good news is that in most cases you can do something about it and there are new treatment options that could work better for you.
It is still difficult, in some cultures, to discuss sexual function and dysfunction. That may be part of the reason that there haven't been many treatment options for erectile dysfunction until recently. Since the beginning of oral therapy (taking pills) to treat ED there has been a lot of talk in the press, on TV, and in health care professional offices about ED and the ability to treat it. Still, we know that many men are not seeking treatment because the sense of loss that men experience is sometimes a very personal issue. If you have ED or think you do, you can get help and you should talk with your health care professional.
Healthy lifestyle and healthy habits can help
We know that ED may be a sign of underlying health problems, so it is important to have a complete physical with a detailed medical history before starting treatment for ED. Having ED can have an impact on your quality of life, so finding out the best way to take care of your overall health is important. If you have other health problems, like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to ensure that these problems are brought to the attention of your doctor or healthcare provider.Back To Top
Pills for ED
The most popular and widely used treatments for erectile dysfunction are oral medications. You can only get these pills by prescription. It is important to remember that when taking an oral medication, these pills only help you to get and keep an erection, with sexual stimulation (like kissing and touching).The amount of time before you are ready for sexual intercourse when taking these tablets varies according to which oral medication is prescribed. The pill may work when you are sexually stimulated to help you get and keep an erection. These pills can not help you to have an erection if you are not sexually stimulated. Remember that, in any case it is important to talk to your health care professional about how your ED should be treated and if prescribed an oral medication, how the medicine prescribed for you should be taken.
Before taking any medication, be sure to talk to your healthcare professional. He or she knows your individual medical history, and together you can determine if oral medications are right for you. For example, you must not take any one of the oral medications if you are taking any medication containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin for chest pain, even if you take a oral medication Inhibitor only occasionally.
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Other Options
ED can also be treated in other ways, such as injections, suppositories or surgery.INJECTION THERAPY
Available by prescription, the syringe comes filled with a medication that helps you get an erection. It is injected into the base of the penis.
SUPPOSITORY
This prescription-only tablet is inserted into the small opening at the tip of the penis.
VACUUM CONSTRICTION DEVICES
A specially designed tube is placed over the penis and suction draws blood into the penis. A ring is placed at the base of the penis to keep the erection.
SURGICAL IMPLANTS
For men who cannot get erections with other options, a variety of surgical implants are available. Some are inflatable and some are semi-rigid.
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Taking the Next Step
Depends. If you feel you that your doctor has listened to your concerns, answered your questions, and you are satisfied with his suggestions, you're done. But what if you're not?If you feel that your concerns were not heard, tell your doctor! If you have any questions, ask him for answers. If you are not satisfied with his suggestions for therapy, let him know, and try and explain why you aren't satisfied, or what your concerns are. Remember, your doctor is not a mind reader! He's a professional, with your health care interests at heart. By being clear about your feelings and concerns, you are helping him do his job, and he will be grateful for it!
