Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options

With the proliferation of oral medications such as Viagra and other PDE-5 inhibitors, the public awareness and treatment options for erectile dysfunction have increased significantly. However, one must differentiate between treating erectile dysfunction as a symptom as opposed to treating the underlying causes, the former leading to more permanent results. The table below provides a comprehensive list of the available treatment options categorised based on the desired treatment outcome. For more information on each treatment option please follow the appropriate links.

Treatment Categories:

• Achieving on Demand Erections:

The treatments in this category allow patients to achieve on-demand erections before and during sexual intercourse. There are four broad options:

• Oral Medication (belonging to a category called PDE-5 inhibitors) such as Viagra, Cialis etc

• Topical medication such as:

  • Penis Injections

  • MUSE urethral pellets

  • Vitaros cream

• Vacuum Erection Devices

• Penile Prosthesis Surgery

• Erection Rejuvenation/Physiotherapy:

In addition to on-demand treatments that can help patients achieve erections, there are other treatments options that can rejuvenate or help patients improve their natural erection mechanism including:

• Shockwave Therapy

• Pelvic floor exercises

• Vascular surgery to increase blood flow or reduce venous leak

• Control of risk factors:

The close links between erectile dysfunction conditions such as and diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and hypogonadism are very well documented and influential in patients treatment plans. With the appropriate medication and lifestyle modifications, these risk factors can improve significantly your incidence of achieving a natural erection.

There are a number of medication categories that can lead to erectile dysfunction. Stopping or changing these drug routines can help, on professional medical advice. Your doctor will advise you extensively during your consultation on these risk factors and how they can be altered to support your erectile dysfunction treatment.

• Psycho-sexual counselling:

Erectile dysfunction in most men is multi-factorial and the result of ongoing interacting relations among biological, cognitive, emotional and behavioural, contextual, and interpersonal contributing factors. Consequently, psycho-sexual counselling can work in conjunction with other treatment options in order to improve your sexual function. During your consultation, the doctor will evaluate your medical and personal history and may refer you to further psycho-sexual counselling and support.

• Lifestyle modification:

While there are medical conditions that can contribute to erectile dysfunction, for many men, it is poor lifestyle habits that are to blame. Several prescription medications exist to help treat erectile dysfunction but sometimes making lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. The most common risk factors are:

• Poor diet

• Smoking

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Excessive drinking

• Stress

These factors can lead to decreased blood flow, dissipate energy and arousal levels, compound relationship issues and contribute to erectile dysfunction.