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Erectile Dysfunction / Impotence Treatments |
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Erectile Dysfunction : Treatments for
In around 95% of the cases, a suitable treatment can be found.
Treatments available on the N.H.S are:
Other Treatments include:
Vacuum devicesHow a vacuum erection device worksThe Vacuum device has three main parts:
Advantages: Non surgical Lasts for up to 30 minutes aided by the tension ring. Disadvantages: It can take time to learn how to use it. Interference with romantic spontaneity. It has been known to impair ejaculation. The tension ring can be painful around the base of the penis.
MUSE - Medicated Urethral System for Erection.It is a form of Alprostadil delivered via a urethral suppository. It is based on the discovery that the urethra (the tube in the penis for urine to pass from the bladder to the outside of the body) can absorb certain medications into the surrounding erectile tissues thus promoting an erection. Advantages: Non surgical Erection can begin within 5-10 minutes and last 30-60 mins Disadvantages: Side effects include Aching penis, burning sensation in the Urethra and redness of the penis.
Penile injections (Caverject)An injection of medication directly into the side of the penis to create an erection.Advantages: Erection can begin within 5-15 minutes and last from 30 to 120 minutes. Non surgical Disadvantages: It can take time to learn how to use it. Patient cannot use the injections too often for fear of developing scarring
SurgerySurgery comes in three forms:to implant a device that can cause the penis to become erect; to reconstruct arteries to increase flow of blood to the penis; to block off veins that allow blood to leak from the penile tissues. 1. Implants, also known as prostheses, can restore erections in many men with impotence.a) Malleable implants usually consist of paired rods, which are inserted surgically into the corpora cavernosa. The user manually adjusts the position of the penis and, therefore, the rods. Adjustment does not affect the width or length of the penis. b) Inflatable implants consist of paired cylinders, which are surgically inserted inside the penis and can be expanded using pressurized fluid . Tubes connect the cylinders to a fluid reservoir and pump, which also are surgically implanted. The patient inflates the cylinders by pressing on the small pump, located under the skin in the scrotum. Inflatable implants can expand the length and width of the penis somewhat. They also leave the penis in a more natural state when not inflated. Advantages: Erection suitable for penetration. The outpatient operation to insert the prosthesis takes about 20 minutes and can be done under regional block, epidural or general anesthesia Disadvantages: Mechanical breakdown and infection. Surgial Procedure. 2. Surgery to reconstruct arteries can reduce impotence caused by obstructions that block the flow of blood to the penis. The best candidates for such surgery are young men with discrete blockage of an artery because of an injury to the crotch area or fracture of the pelvis. The procedure is less successful in older men with widespread blockage.3. Surgery to veins that allow blood to leave the penis usually involves an opposite procedure--intentional blockage. Blocking off veins (ligation) can reduce the leakage of blood that diminishes rigidity of the penis during erection. However, experts have raised questions about this procedure's long-term effectiveness.
Topical CreamsE.g. minoxidil, nitroglycerin. Topical cream or ointment with vasoactive properties.Advantages: Non Surgical Disadvantages: Uncertain efficacy. Adverse effects and limitations: Dermatological irritation and allergic reactions.
Oral medicationUprima works on the brain and nervous system to trigger an erection.Viagra increases blood supply to the penis thus causing an erection and is usually taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Cialis also increases blood supply to the penis and is supposed to work for 24 hours. It can be taken 30 minutes to 12 hours before sexual activity Levitra also increases blood supply to the penis and should be taken 25-60 minutes before sexual activity. It can be taken with or without food Advantages: Easy to self-adminster. Non surgical. Disadvantages: Only available on the NHS in certain circumstances e.g. diabetes, prostatectomy, spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis and severe depression where a psychiatrist has endorsed the prescription.
Psychosexual counselling/ lifestyle changeA visit to your local psychosexual councellor and a healthier lifestyle can often be beneficial.If you smoke, make a plan to stop. Take moderate-intensity exercise Eat a balanced diet. Drink alcohol in moderation. Other recreational drugs can cause ED. Aim to reduce stresses in your life by looking at the balance between your work and your home/leisure time. Relaxation techniques may be helpful. For Further InformationDiagnosis
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