Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
Once the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction has been confirmed, it’s time do something
about it! First-line treatment for erectile dysfunction is usually one of three
drugs, Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis. These pills cause dilation of blood vessels in
the penis, improving blood flow and making erections easier to achieve and maintain.
Viagra and Levitra must be taken 30-60 minutes before you have sex. Cialis is longer-acting,
giving you more flexibility in timing. These ED drugs are effective in about 70%
of ED patients, but they are not right for everyone; like any drugs, they have risks
and side effects.
Other Remedies for Treating Erectile Dysfunction
If oral erectile dysfunction drugs don’t work for you, we may suggest alternatives such as injectable medications or penile implants. Caverject (alprostadil) is injected directly into the penis and produces an erection in just minutes.
Penile Implants
A highly effective solution for many patients is the Titan inflatable penile implant,
a two- or three-piece device that is also commonly called a penile prosthesis. Using
a minimally invasive procedure, the inflatable cylinders are placed in the erectile
tissue. The patient activates the device with just a few pumps. Sterile water fills
the cylinders, and an erection is achieved. A “one-pump” deflation reverses the
process, causing the penis return to a flaccid state. Like other urology procedures,
penis implants are covered by Medicare and by most private insurance carriers.