Medical Treatment Options for Men
Viagra (sildenafil citrate)
This type of chemically-based drug has been successful in treating those with erectile difficulties. Although it works well for most users, the side effects have had many doctors issuing strong warnings against using it.
Viagra Side Effects
- Headache or migraines
- Facial flushing
- Blurred vision
- Dyspepsia
- Nasal Congestion
- Stomach pain
- Rhinitis
- Diarrhea
- Increased sensitivity to light
Herbal Alternative - There are herbal remedies that stimulate sexual desire and help with erectile difficulties without the dangerous side effects of taking Viagra.
Side effects
- There are no known side effects for using this type of therapy.
Hormone injections - If low testosterone levels are indicated, then hormone injections can be used. This type of treatment does not have a very high success rate.
Side Effects
- Prostate Enlargement
- Infertility
Vasoactive Drug Injections - These are self-injected to increase the blood flow into the penis and decrease the blood flow out. Most men will find that erections are easily achieved after injection and have a lasting effect of about one hour.
Side effects
- Bruising
- Pain
- Priapism
- Nodule development
Vacuum Constriction Device - This is a rubber device in the shape of a ring that is placed at the base of the penis that traps blood by applying pressure.
Side Effects
- Pain
- Penile numbness
Implanted Penile Prostheses - A semi-rigid device is surgically implanted into the penis to produce a permanent erection.
- Other more complex devices with inflatable cylinders can be pumped up and deflated on demand.
- The inflatable type has a pump that transfers fluid from a reservoir into a balloon-like device that produces an erection when inflated.
Side Effects
- Mechanical Failure
- Infection
Micro vascular Surgery - This type of surgery is performed to correct the amount of blood flow to the penis.
Therapy - When any medical reason for erectile dysfunction has been ruled out emotional factors must be explored. Therapy can be a great tool to uncover what is keeping you from experiencing sexual gratification.
