Treatment Options
What types of treatment are available? There are many types of treatment available to help men with erectile dysfunction and their partners cope, including:
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Viagra
MUSE
Caverject
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Tension Rings
Vacuum Erectile Device
Penile Injections
Counselling
Research & Development
Phone Consultation Service
Summary of Treatment Options
Viagra: The biggest news recently is the little blue pill, Viagra (sildenafil). This medication has a success rate of approximately 75%. However, not everyone will be eligible to take this particular drug. If you are taking any medication that contain nitrates, taking Viagra with them can be lethal. The combination of these drugs causes a drop in blood pressure that can result in loss of consciousness and even death. For more information on Viagra, click here.
Viagra (sildenafil)
Normally, during an erection, the blood vessels in the erectile tissue and the smooth muscle in the penis relax to allow for increased blood flow. The pressure caused by the engorgement of the penis causes the compression of penile veins thereby allowing the penis to remain rigid.
Erectile dysfunction can be affected by poor circulation associated with heart disease and diabetes.
Viagra works by blocking a specific enzyme in the smooth muscle of the penis to allow for smooth muscle relaxation therefore increasing blood flow to the penis. This medication is effective for different causes of erectile dysfunction and can augment a poor erection. Stimulation must be provided in order for an erection to occur. This medication will not significantly increase an erection in someone who does not have erectile dysfunction.
Doses are 25, 50, or 100 mg to be taken not more than once per day.
There have been side effects associated with Viagra. These are mild to moderate in severity, infrequent, and last 2 - 4 hours after taking the medication. The side effects are headaches, flushing, dizziness, nausea, rash, symptoms of indigestion or heartburn, temporary muscle aches, and temporary disturbances of vision (coloured hue to vision).
Although Viagra has been very successful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, it will not be for everyone. Anyone who is taking heart medications containing nitrates will not be eligible for this treatment as the two medications taken together may cause a fall in blood pressure.
Your physician will assess your eligibility for this particular treatment.