Oral medications are just one of the many treatment methods for erectile dysfunction. You can ask your physician about the complete range of the available treatment choices and how these treatments work. There are other treatment options for people with erectile dysfunction who find oral treatments ineffective.
When Is It Unsafe to Take Oral Medications?
The oral medications meant for treating erectile dysfunction are not an ideal option for all men. Some of these medications, such as Stendra, Viagra, and Cialis, may fail to work or could be dangerous if you (1):
- Have a serious liver illness
- Have uncontrolled or extremely low blood pressure
- Are on medication for nitrate drugs
- Have a kidney condition that needs dialysis
A few men may also opt for another choice of treatment to avoid the adverse effects emerging from particular oral medication.
Other Types of ED Medications
Some of the non-oral medication options for erectile dysfunction are:
Self-injections
When it comes to maintaining erectile function, many medications are normally directly injected into the penis. The most popular medications include phentolamine, alprostadil, and papaverine. With this technique, a fine needle is used to inject the medication into the penis base. The objective of injection therapies lies in production, an erection lasting between 20 and 40 minutes (2).
In case an erection lasts more than an hour, the medication has to be changed to prevent potential complications in the long-term. Since the used needle is fine, there is minor pain from the site of injection. Side effects may include prolonged erection, fibrous tissue formation at the injection area, or within the penis, as well as bleeding after the injection.
Testosterone replacement
Reduced testosterone levels may complicate the condition of some men with erectile dysfunction (3). In this specific instance, testosterone replacement therapy may be the first recommended action. The therapy could be delivered through oral medication, injection, gel, intranasal, patch, cheek, and gum (buccal cavity), or subcutaneous pellet. Let your doctor know your personal preference and discuss the possible effects of this option.
Alprostadil urethral suppository
The Muse (alprostadil intraurethral) therapy entails placing a small alprostadil suppository in your penile urethra. A special applicator is inserted in the suppository then into the penile urethra. Some of the side effects may include fibrous tissue forming in your penis, minor bleeding in your urethra, and pain.
Psychological Support
Sometimes anxiety, depression, or stress could cause erectile dysfunction. Your physician may recommend that you see a counselor or psychologist regarding the condition triggering the stress. There are times when your partner is required to be a part of these counseling sessions.
Pay Attention to the Underlying Factors
Receiving a suitable treatment for the deep-rooted cause of your erectile dysfunction may help prevent health-related issues and boost sexual function. Some of the conditions that could lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction are:
- Use of tobacco
- Psychological problems
- Obesity
- Heart illness
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism and other kinds of drug dependence
Final Thoughts on Maintaining Erectile Function
There are many options for treating erectile dysfunction. It would help if you remembered you are not alone in your recovery journey. Work with your physician to determine which course of treatment would bring out the best results.
Links to Sources Used:
- Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/treatment
- Erectile Dysfunction https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/erectile-dysfunction
- Effect of Testosterone in Men With Erectile Dysfunction (TED) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00512707