Treatment options for ED
Oral medication
Pills like Viagra,™ Cialis,™ Levitra,™ or Spedra™ may help achieve erections in response to stimulation. They must be taken at least half an hour to one hour before anticipated sexual activity. Potential side effects include headaches, facial blushing, upset stomach, back pain/muscle aches, and nasal congestion.
Penile injections
For this treatment option, a needle is placed into the penis to inject a medication to create an erection. This produces an erection within 5-20 minutes.19 You must inject your penis every time you want an erection. Potential side effects include priapism (erection lasting 4 hours or more), penile pain, numbness or irritation, bruising at the injection site, penile fibrosis (deformed penis shape) and curvature of the penis (Peyronie’s Disease).
Vacuum erection devices
Vacuum erection devices are external pumps placed over the penis to help with ED. The device, consisting of a cylinder and pump, creates a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis creating an erection and a constriction ring that helps maintain the erection. Patients may experience an erection that is cool to touch and aren’t usually rigid enough for sexual penetration.
Insertable medication
Insertable medications are another
ED solution available but are not as
commonly prescribed.
A small pellet (suppository) is inserted into
the urethra using an applicator and
the pellet is released allowing for
increased blood flow, creating an
erection. Erections usually start
within 10 minutes and last between
30-60 minutes. Side effects can
include burning and aching in the
penis and groin.
Penile implants
A penile implant offers a long-term solution for erectile dysfunction.23 It is an erection assistance device that is placed inside the body during an inpatient surgical procedure. Please see the information sections on this website for a more detailed overview on how penile implants work.