Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that affects many men over the age of 40 in the UK.

It is identified when you have one or more of the following symptoms:

- Trouble getting an erection

- Difficulty maintaining an erection

- A reduced sex drive.

As the process of achieving an erection involves multiple bodily functions working harmoniously together, there could be various reasons why you are experiencing ED. Male sexual arousal involves the hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, brain and blood vessels and can easily be affected by mental and physical conditions such as stress.

Medical advances for erectile dysfunction have created several types of medicines that work to effectively treat symptoms of ED. The right medication for you will depend on the underlying cause of your ED.

The most common medication for ED is a group of medicine called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. These medicines work to temporarily increase the blood flow to the penis when you get sexually excited by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide (a naturally-occurring chemical in the body that relaxes the muscles in the penis). This effectively brings on an erection.

PDE-5 inhibitors should be taken about 30-60 minutes before you intend to have an erection. The most common types of PDE-5 inhibitors are sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Spedra).

There are usually multiple strengths of these drugs, with some low doses that are suitable for daily use that can allow for spontaneous erections.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that will vary from person-to-person. Some people may be unable to take the popular oral PDE-5 inhibitor medicines, or they might prefer a different type of treatment altogether. 

The following are the alternatives for ED treatment:

- If you have ED as a result of a hormone imbalance, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be prescribed to restore testosterone levels.

- Vacuum pumps are a physical stimulus for encouraging blood flow to the penis for an erection.

- Injectable drugs, such as alprostadil, can be injected into the shaft of the penis and relax the muscles and blood vessels.

- Urethra suppository. Alprostadil can also be made into a pellet and inserted into the urethra (the tube through which urine is passed) with a special applicator. This is known as intraurethral therapy.

- Topical treatments. A cream or other solution that contains alprostadil can be applied to the opening of the penis (meatus) with a special applicator and improve erections.

- Penile implants. Implants are inserted into the penis that can allow you control over the duration and timing of your erections.

Taking ED tablets will generally require sexual stimulation for them to take effect. Once the stimulation occurs, nitric oxide will be released from the penile nerves and the medications will begin to amplify their natural erection-forming effects. Simultaneously, blood flow to the penis will increase and an erection will form.

There may be variations in the safety of ED medications. The most popular of which, sildenafil (brand name Viagra), and tadalafil (brand name Cialis), have been found to be safe for long-term use. These findings have been the result of monitoring over months and years of continued use.

Yes, you and your doctor should work together to find a suitable treatment. Many medications and treatments are available so that individuals can find the best product for themselves.