Erectile Dysfunction Treatment - Your Options

In this article, we explore what the latest erectile dysfunction treatments are, their types and which ones you think are going to be the best suited for you (or your partner). Ultimately however, if you are wanting to try ED treatment that is prescription strength, you'll need to begin a consultation so that our doctor can understand if the medication is ok for you to use.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Erectile Dysfunction is a very common condition, particularly in older men. It’s estimated that half of all men between 40 and 70 years of age will experience ED at least once. Erectile Dysfunction isn’t the same for all men. Some men aren’t able to get an erection at all. Others can get an erection, but it’s not hard enough for sex, or the erection is lost either before or during sex. Most men with Erectile Dysfunction can significantly improve their erections with the correct treatment. And better erections can mean better sex and a more fulfilling love life.

Which ED Treatments are available?

There are a variety of treatments for Erectile Dysfunction and the main methods are outlined below. Not all treatments will be suitable for all men, so it’s important to know the range of options available before starting treatment.

Tablets

Tablets are the most common and popular treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. They work by increasing the flow of blood to the penis during sexual intercourse. ED tablets belong to a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors which includes Viagra, Sildenafil, Cialis, Levitra and Spedra. All of these drugs require normal sexual stimulation in order for the treatment to work. Erectile Dysfunction tablets normally start to take effect within 15-45 minutes and remain effective for up to 12 hours.

Injections

Tablets are not effective for all people and injections such as Caverject are one of the main alternatives. Caverject is injected into the base of the penis to stimulate an erection. Caverject normally starts working within 5-20 minutes and lasts about an hour. Some products include

Pellets

For those who don’t want to administer injections, Muse may be a better option. Like Caverject, Muse contains Alprostadil as the active ingredient and is administered by inserting a small pellet into the penis.

Cream

A new alternative is Vitaros erection cream, which also contains Alprostadil. Vitaros is applied to the hole in the penis and can be an effective alternative if you have problems with erection tablets or the other methods described above.

Which ED Treatment is right for me?

Ultimately, it's down to your Doctor to decide what is going to be the right treatment for you. However, do consider the following about the most popular oral medicines if you don't have any issues swallowing:

Viagra or Sildenafil Generic: The Most Well-Known PDE5 Inhibitor

                  Viagra, the first FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitor, is known for its potency. However, it also has the highest potential for side effects, including headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, bloodshot eyes, heartburn, and abnormal vision. It is essential to avoid consuming fatty foods or alcohol with Viagra, as these substances can hinder absorption and reduce the drug's effectiveness.

Cialis or Tadalafil Generic: A More Tolerable Option with Food and Alcohol Compatibility

                Cialis, or Tadalafil, shares similar side effects with Viagra, but generally causes fewer issues for patients. It can also be taken with food or alcohol. Notably, Cialis has a long-lasting presence in the body and can be taken daily at a low dose (5mg) for consistent erections. Despite these advantages, Cialis is typically less potent than Viagra.

Spedra and Levitra: As-Needed Medications with Fewer Side Effects

              Both Spedra and Levitra are consumed as needed and present fewer side effects than Viagra due to their receptor selectivity. The primary difference between the two lies in their onset times; Spedra reaches peak effect within 15-30 minutes, while Levitra takes up to an hour. These medications, however, tend to be less potent than Viagra and Cialis at maximum doses. Find your ED Treatment This blog post was written on behalf of PharmacyDirectGB by Pharmacy Mentor. This piece will look to be updated in 2024