Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction Disorder

Treatment options for "Erectile Dysfunction" can include many different therapies. First line therapies can consist of sexual counseling and education in order to perhaps uncover the root of the problem, because in some cases there maybe attraction issues or medical situations such as a prior heart attack that is causing the reluctance. Counseling can consist of individual, couple or group counseling. Counseling and proper education about ED can dispel many misconceptions about the disorder, however disadvantages can include embarrassment to discuss the issue or show a lack of knowledge about intimacy versus sex.

Vacuum constriction devices is another first line therapy for ED, this method draws blood into the penis producing an erection and is sustained by the use of a tension device. The advantages include a less expensive treatment than many other treatments and commonly sustains an erection for as long as thirty minutes, it also can be used daily. Disadvantages of constriction devices include some men find them cumbersome and some common ring complaints consist of decreased sensation, obstruction of ejaculation and in some cases pain.

Oral agents such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors are also common first line defenses in the treatment of ED. Common ED medications consist of Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. The inhibition of phosphodiesterase dilates the arterial vessels in the corpus cavernosum which produces an erection. The advantages of using these type medications are they are indiscreet, easy to use and have a relatively short life. Disadvantages however include the expense of the medications, they must be taken up to one hour before sex, can be contraindicated in people who are taking nitrates and may cause rapid decrease in blood pressure, blurred vision and various other side effects.

In some cases erectile dysfunction may need to be treated with a second line of therapy such as self injection medications. These injection medications include Caverject and Regitine and relaxes the arterial blood vessels causing an increase in blood flow into the penis. The advantages of these injection medications include an erection within approximately 20 minutes and the erection is commonly sustained up to ninety minutes in length. However the disadvantages include pain at the injection site, the injections cannot be given any more than 10 times a month at equal intervals and the medications in some cases can cause painful erections to last more than four hours.

Another secondary course of action for ED is urethral suppositories which relax the penile muscles and promote an increase in vascular filling. The advantages of these medications include an erection within 15 minutes, but the disadvantages can be irritation within the urethra that can produce burning, hypotension and some dizziness can occur during the initial therapy.

Some of the last resort treatments for erectile dysfunction can include surgical intervention treatments including implantation of inflatable penile prosthetics. These types of surgical devices or treatments essentially cause the penis to become rigid enough for vaginal penetration and the advantages include a permanent solution to any erectile dysfunction problem however there is a 2.5% failure rate that patients should be aware of, which can consist of possible prosthetic malfunction but this is very rare. The disadvantages of surgical intervention includes the penile erections are not totally rigid as with normal erections and surgery commonly takes approximately a six week recovery time before intercourse can be attempted. Surgical intervention is also very costly and can cause complications such as infections, pain and penile or testicular damage which may require further surgical treatment.

I have been a nurse a long time and the vast majority of men that suffer from erectile dysfunction either suffer from an underlying medical issue that is causing the condition such as prostate enlargement. However most men respond well to oral medications, such as Viagra with virtually no adverse side effects. I think the biggest issue men have is discussing this with a nurse or physician due to embarrassment, however once they start the medications and they regain their sexual function they are pleased and thankful they received help for their condition.

References for this article include:

www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/erectile-dysfunction-treatment-care
www.healthcentral.com/erectile-dysfunction/treatment.html
www.healthcentral.com/erectile-dysfunction/treatment.html
www.healthcentral.com/erectile-dysfunction/c/96110/38423/ed