5 Alternatives To Erectile Dysfunction Pills

 The bedroom is where it's at the most.

Houston Methodist urologist Dr. Nathan Starke says that erectile dysfunction (ED), the main problem men have with their sexual health, is the number one concern. Men are often prescribed oral medications such as the "blue pill" or closely related options.

Oral medications can have unwanted side effects, but treating ED does not have to be a one-stop shop. These medications can be dangerous for men with severe heart disease/heart problems or low blood pressure. These medications can sometimes fail to work for some men.

Dr. Starke adds that "fortunately, there are many other ways to treat ED."

5 ways you can treat ED without taking a pill

Dr. Starke can help men who aren't willing to take a pill, or simply who can't.

1. VED (Vacuum Erection Device)

A penile pump is also known as a VED. It works by sucking blood from your penis manually. A tension ring is placed at the base of your penis to maintain an erection.

Dr. Starke says that while many men don't like the idea of suction and compression to achieve and maintain erections, it is an effective option for many couples to restore erection function, without the need to take medication.

Penile pump use can cause side effects such as:

• Mild bruising

• Restriction on ejaculation

• When the penis is used for a prolonged period, it can feel cold to the touch.
  
  

2. Testosterone replacement

"ED is often caused by stress, chronic cardiovascular conditions, or temporary stress that decreases blood flow to the penis. Dr. Starke says that low testosterone can lead to problems with maintaining and forming an erection. Your doctor will be able to help you determine if your testosterone levels have dropped and whether treatment can be started to alleviate your ED symptoms.

Although testosterone replacement is not recommended for first-line treatment of ED, it may be recommended by your doctor.

3. Urethral suppository

Intraurethral treatment involves injecting small drug pellets into the tip penis.

Dr. Starke says that this therapy takes only 10 minutes to produce an erection. This can last anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. Side effects can include burning sensations or minor bleeding at the penis tip.

4. Penile injections

Penile injections are a way to improve penile blood flow, even though it is a scary idea. The medication is administered at the base of the penis with a small needle. It is self-injection. However, we teach patients the proper technique and perform the first injection at the clinic." says Dr. Starke.

This treatment can cause side effects such as:

• The injection site may experience minor bleeding or pain.

• Extended erections that last longer than you would like

• Scar tissue is formed in the deeper tissues of your penis. This is a common side effect of long-term users.
  

5. Implantation of penile

Penile implants are a 30-to 45-minute surgical procedure. It involves placing a water-based device in the penis erection chambers. This allows you to control precisely when and how long it lasts. This is Dr. Starke's closest hope for a cure for ED.

Dr. Starke explains that penile implants require a brief surgical procedure. This can make it difficult to decide if the procedure is right for you. The vast majority of men who choose to have an implant placed (greater than 90%) are satisfied with the results.

Treating underlying conditions and minimizing stress can help reduce the symptoms of ED

"ED doesn't always occur due to increasing age and rarely happens alone. It can be linked to underlying conditions, and sometimes even caused by them," Dr. Starke says. "Ed can be caused by high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, or depression.

Apart from the many treatment options available for ED Dr. Starke suggests that you can take steps to improve your mental and heart health in order to alleviate your symptoms.