How to Approach Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction When Pills Don’t Work
Every year, billions of dollars are spent on erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Generally, these prescription drugs are effective, but they do not always work for every patient. Statistically speaking, 30 to 40 percent of men do not get the results they want from their erectile dysfunction medication. Fortunately, alternatives are available. We’ll walk through a few of them here, as well as what to avoid.
Forego the Supplements
It is important to take erectile dysfunction on as a medical condition. As such, it deserves a thorough and thoughtful evaluation by a specialist in men’s health. As the discussion around erectile dysfunction grew larger, many manufacturers developed over-the-counter supplements that promised to vastly improve a man’s erections. Supplements are not only not regulated but are also not held accountable for their claims. Furthermore, they may fail, also, because they aren’t treating erectile dysfunction in its totality, which may include an underlying condition.
Be Wary of Testosterone Therapy
In recent years, the use of bioidentical hormone therapy has increased substantially. While there is a place for testosterone therapy, it is only useful for men who are deficient. Purchasing testosterone supplements online can be frustrating at best, downright dangerous at worst. If you want to explore the value of testosterone therapy, do so with an experienced physician who performs thorough hormone testing and develops a treatment plan around your unique situation.
Alternatives to Erectile Dysfunction Pills
Some men who aren’t getting results from their ED medication might consider a penile pump, injection therapy, or an implant. Pumps can be purchased without a prescription but should be used carefully. Many pumps require that the man place a strong elastic band at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. This can be uncomfortable and may not be efficient. The band may cause bruising and make orgasms feel odd.
Injection therapy can sound painful and scary. It’s rarely as bad as a man envisions it will be, though. Nearly all patients who try injection therapy can get past the fear of the needle, especially when they experience significant improvements from the medication. In about 80 percent of cases, injection therapy produces reliable, rigid, lasting erections.
A penile implant is advantageous because it is a long-term and reliable solution for erectile dysfunction. The implant is inserted while the patient is anesthetized. Patients are not alert and will not remember their procedure. The downside of penile implant surgery is that there may be temporary discomfort during recovery. Patients who get implants also will always be dependent on their device.
Dr. Shridharani is a well-known urologist specializing in men’s health. To schedule a consultation at our Chattanooga office, contact us at 423-778-4MEN (4636).
