Treatment of erectile dysfunction (sexual dysfunction or impotency) depends on multitude of factors but most important factors looked at before prescribing a treatment is the cause for erection problems. Most specialists suggest that treatments proceed from least to most invasive. Lifestyle change is all some men need and their problems with erection could stop. On the other hand, with more developed cases of erectile dysfunction, surgery might be the only hope.
The most popular and least invasive treatment of erection problems is oral medication. These drugs belong to a family of medication known as PDE5 inhibitors. In 1998 the first drug for treating erection problems was approved by Food and Drug Administration. This was Viagra (Sildenafil). Since then a whole new generation of PDE5 inhibitors was developed. The most famous of them is Cialis (Tadalafil). Additional oral medicines are being tested for safety and effectiveness.
PDE5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase inhibitors) mist be taken at least an hour before sexual activity. They work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis during sexual stimulation and allows increased blood flow in the penis. This increased blood flow results as erection.
PDE5 inhibitors do not trigger an automatic erection. For them to be effective a sexual stimulation is required. Dosage you take depends on which PDE5 inhibitor you are prescribed and what’s your reaction to the medication. In case of Cialis (Tadalafil) physicians usually prescribe 10 mg per day. This amount can be adjusted according to your reactions to 5 mg if you react to strong to 10 mg dosage or even 20 mg if you do not produce a strong enough reaction. Dosage can be changed only by your physician and depends on the individuals. Do not change your prescribed dosage yourselves. None of the PDE5 inhibitors on the market today should be taken more than once a day.
Patients who take nitrite based drugs such as nitroglycerin for heart problems should not use PDE5 inhibitors, because the combination can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Before taking any PDE5 inhibitor consult with your primary health professional and turn his attention to medication you are using to avoid possible side effects and contraindications. Also mention any other over the counter medication of herbal supplement you are currently consuming for the same reason.
Other treatments for erectile dysfunction can include mechanical vacuum devices, implants and injections. Injections unlike oral medication have a major drawback. They cause erection instantaneously. This takes spontaneity out of sexual intercourse and if not administered properly it can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects.
Mechanical vacuum devices cause erection by creating a vacuum, which draws blood into the penis, engorging and expanding it. All pumps have three components: a cylinder, a pump and the elastic band. Erection is achieved by placing a cylinder over the penis and through the pumping in the cylinder partial vacuum is created and erection achieved. At that time elastic band must be placed over the penis to prevent the blood flowing back into the body. The downside to vacuum devices is the duration of erection. Unlike Cialis (Tadalafil) which has effectiveness as long as 36 hours, erection achieved by vacuum device is measured in minutes.
Implanted devices, known as prostheses, can restore erection in many men with erectile dysfunction. Before invention of oral medication they wore used extensively, but with invention of drugs they are used only in extremely developed cases of erectile dysfunction. Possible problems with implants include mechanical breakdown and infection. However mechanical problems have diminished in recent years because of technological advances.
Before opting for any treatment please consult your physician to have complete information regarding your possibilities in treating erection problems.