Viagra Isn’t Your Only Option for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, the inability to get an erection or to keep one that is firm enough for sex for long enough to reach ejaculation, is a relatively common issue that becomes more common with age. Treatments are available, though most people are only familiar with one—medications such as Viagra. 

Dr. Paul Chung offers options when it comes to erectile dysfunction. An oral medication may work perfectly for you, but if it doesn’t you have other choices. In this post, we discuss three of them: vacuum erection devices, injections, and penile implants. 

The downside of oral medications

You may be wondering why not just take a pill? There are several reasons. First, it may not be safe for you. If you take certain medications, such as nitroglycerin or tamsulosin hydrochloride, among others, taking an oral medication for ED could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. 

If you have a heightened risk of heart attack or stroke, or you’ve had a problem with your heart rhythm in the last six months, a medication like Viagra could be dangerous. ED drugs widen your arteries throughout your body, which could be problematic in some health conditions. 

Finally, you may not like the fact that you must take the pill well before you want to have sex. For ED medications to work, you need to do a bit of scheduling, and that simply may not work well for your life. 

Vacuum erection devices

A vacuum erection device is a pump that can help you get and keep an erection for about 30 minutes. You place the device over your penis, and use the pump to create a vacuum. The vacuum pulls blood into your penis, making it erect. Then you place a retaining band around the base of your penis, which keeps the blood from flowing out of your penis, and remove the pump.

Vacuum erection devices are safe, have few side effects, and can be used to treat a number of issues that cause erectile dysfunction. In addition, they don’t interfere with your other medications. However, they can be  cumbersome to use, uncomfortable, lack spontaneity, and are challenging for most people to incorporate into their lives. 

Penile injections

Okay, an injection in your penis probably doesn’t sound like such a good treatment approach, but you may change your mind! The medication you inject is much more concentrated than the medication in a pill and it’s delivered to exactly where you need it. It works in a similar way, by increasing blood flow to your penis. 

One of the reasons you might consider penile injections is that they work quickly, and they are usually very effective, giving you an erection that lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. Injections are also often effective for people who find oral medications don’t work well for them. 

Injections do have some drawbacks. You may experience some side effects, such as a headache or upset stomach. You also need a certain amount of dexterity in your hands and fingers to administer the injection yourself and are commonly not covered by insurance. 

Penile implants

For patents not responsive to or not interested in the prior treatments, or those who are looking for a spontaneous, predictable, and reliable method to improve their function, surgery could be the best option. A penile implant, which is sometimes called a penile prosthesis, can help men who have ED due to a medical condition that is not expected to improve. An implant can solve your ED without compromising your ability to feel, to reach orgasm, or to urinate. 

Dr. Chung offers an inflatable penile implant, which is made up of a small pump, about the size of a marble, that he implants in your scrotum and that is attached to a fluid reservoir in your lower abdomen. Two cylinders in your penis can be filled with fluid pumped from the reservoir to give you an erection. After intercourse, you press a release button that allows the fluid to flow back into the reservoir. This procedure is frequently converted by insurance. 

Investigate your options

If you’d like to learn more about how ED can be successfully treated, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chung. He can offer advice that is tailored for you and that takes into consideration your overall health, your goals, and the cause of your ED.