Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate)

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

In some cases, erectile dysfunction treatment requires lifestyle changes and counseling. In more severe cases treatment of erectile dysfunction may require drug therapy, vacuum or implanted devices or even surgical interventions.

The amount of research on erectile dysfunction drugs is rapidly growing. Men with ED problems should ask their doctor about the latest and most efficient and safe erectile dysfunction treatments.

For many men a few lifestyle changes may be sufficient to restore erection. These things include:

• Smoking cessation
• Excessive weigh loss
• Increasing of physical activity

The next treatment is considered to be cutting back on any medicines with side effects affecting erection.

Counseling is one of the most frequently approach of erectile dysfunction management. Some experts usually treat psychological type of erectile dysfunction using special techniques that relieve anxiety and fear associated with sexual intercourse. The sexual partners can help with these techniques including gradual development of sexual stimulation and intimacy.

In most cases erectile dysfunction is treated by medicines. Erectile dysfunction drugs can be taken by moth, injected directly to penile tissue or inserted into the urethra. The most widespread medications include: Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and Staxyn.

All these medicines belong to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. These drugs work by enhancing the effect of nitric oxide and relaxing smooth muscle of penis. This finally results in increased blood flow and potent erection. None of these PDE inhibitors should be used more than once a day.

A lot of men achieve strong erection by injecting certain medicines into the penis. This medications works by significantly widening penile blood vessels and thus increasing blood flow. Injectable Ed drugs include:

• Alprostadil (Caverject)
• Phentolamine
• Papaverine hydrochloride

Among pellet system the most wide spread is MUSE (alprostadil). The system consists of prefilled applicator that delivers the pellet with alprostadil into the urethra. Erection occur within 8-10 minutes and last from 30 to 60 minutes.

Mechanical vacuum devices can also be used to improve erection. They work by creating a partial vacuum which stimulates blood inflow and prevents blood outflow. Vacuum devices consist of 3 main components:

• A plastic cylinder, in which penis is inserted.
• Pump that draws air out of the cylinder
• An elastic band. Elastic band is usually placed around the base of the penis to keep an erection after the cylinder is removed.

When the mentioned above treatments do not help, the health care provider may recommend surgical interventions. Treatment of erectile dysfunction through surgery is usually based on the following approaches:

• Implantation a device that causes erection
• Reconstruction of blood vessels to increase blood inflow and decrease outflow