3 Ways to Manage Erectile Dysfunction

1. Treat Erectile Dysfunction With Prescription Drugs

The oral medications sildenafil (sold under the brand name Viagra), tadalafil (sold under the brand name Cialis) and vardenafil (sold under the brand name Levitra) are the most popular treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). These drugs all help to relax the muscles in the penis so that blood can flow naturally and cause an erection. Erections are only in response to sexual stimulation. These drugs work for many--but not all--men.

Alprostadil, a synthetic form of the hormone prostaglandin E, can also be use used to treat ED. It can be administered through a needle injection or intraurethrally. This therapy is used primarily by those who cannot take the aforementioned oral medications or for whom they are not effective. Aplrostadil usually produces hour-long erections when administered.

2. Other Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Besides prescription medications, there are numerous other treatments for ED. Two of the more common and effective ones include penis pumps and penile implants. Penis pumps are cylindrical devices that fit over the penis and draw blood into the penis using a vacuum. These can be manual or battery operated. Once an erection is achieved, a penis ring is positioned at the base of the penis to prevent loss of erection. The erection is not long lasting but is usually sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Penile implants are surgically inserted into the penis. Consisting of inflatable tubes, these implants can be pumped up to create an erection that lasts as long as necessary. Penile implants are considered a last-resort treatment because of the expense and risk of complications.

3. Seek Individual and/or Couples Therapy

Erectile dysfunction is not only a physical disorder; it can have serious emotion consequences as well. ED can cause feelings of poor self esteem, stress, anxiety and depression. These negative feelings can be managed through individual counseling. While the physical symptoms are confined to only one person, the emotional symptoms can also spill over to your partner. Your ED can trigger feelings of inadequacy and poor self esteem in your partner. It's not uncommon for these feelings to put stress and strain on a relationship. Couples counseling can help you and your partner manage a difficult situation and can open up new lines of communication and avenues of intimacy.