Treatment FAQ

what treatment for erectile dysfunction is safe of side effects

by Miss Joanie Ledner MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If you're worried about side effects from ED medications, you may prefer avanafil to older drugs such as sildenafil, tadalafil or avanafil.Feb 1, 2022

Medication

They are:

  • avanafil ( Stendra)
  • sildenafil ( Viagra)
  • tadalafil ( Cialis)
  • vardenafil ( Levitra, Staxyn)

Procedures

“Exercise works on several fronts to combat the development of ED and help reverse it once it has become a problem.” Exercise improves blood flow, which is vitally important to a strong erection, and improves blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide in blood vessels, which he says is exactly how Viagra works.

Therapy

You may develop ED if you have one or more of the following:

  • fear of sexual failure
  • anxiety NIH external link
  • depression NIH external link
  • guilt about sexual performance or certain sexual activities
  • low self-esteem
  • stress—about sexual performance, or stress in your life in general

Self-care

Erectile Dysfunction Early Signs. Frequent erection failures while having sex. Not having a pleasurable time with their partner; Not having a firm erection required for sexual intercourse. Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms Age. Age has no dependency when it comes to sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction usually occurs in men over the age of 40.

Nutrition

What is the strongest Ed pill?

How to naturally reverse Ed?

What are the top 5 symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

What are the early signs of erectile dysfunction?

What is the best medication for erectile dysfunction?

How to get rid of erectile dysfunction?

What is the name of the medication that is used for penile injections?

How long does it take for a suppository to work?

How long does a priapism injection last?

Do erectile dysfunction medications cause excitement?

Is it safe to take supplements for erectile dysfunction?

See more

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What erectile dysfunction medication has the least side effects?

Which ED medication has the least side effects? Levitra has the least potential for causing side effects because a lower dose is needed to cause an erection, according to the Boston University School of Sexual Medicine.

Are erectile dysfunction medications safe?

ED medications are generally safe and have only mild side effects. The medications mostly work the same way and help a person achieve an erection for sexual activity. People should review all their medications with a doctor and discuss safe options if they are taking alpha-blockers or nitrates.

How can I fix my ED without medication?

Losing weight, eating better, getting more active, drinking less alcohol and getting better sleep can all help reverse problems that contribute to impotence, according to a new study published recently in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

How can I reverse the effects of erectile dysfunction?

Ways to reverse EDLifestyle changes. Adjusting the lifestyle can improve many issues that cause ED, such as diabetes and clogged arteries. ... Pelvic floor exercises. ... Counseling or couples' therapy. ... Herbal and alternative remedies. ... Medication. ... Medication changes. ... Mechanical devices. ... Surgery.

What's the safest ED medication?

So, What's the Safest Drug for Erectile Dysfunction? All four of the ED medications approved by the FDA -- sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Stendra) -- are safe for most men to use.

What's safer Viagra or Cialis?

Overall, Cialis and Viagra are both safe, effective drugs. As with all prescription medicine, you'll need to talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms and overall health before using either drug to treat erectile dysfunction.

What is the latest treatment for erectile dysfunction 2021?

Penile implant. A penile implant involves a 30- to 45-minute surgical procedure that places a water-based device into the erection chambers of the penis, which enables you to reliably control exactly when and how long an erection lasts. Dr. Starke says this is the closest option to a cure that exists for ED.

What is the fastest home remedy for erectile dysfunction?

Two natural erectile dysfunction treatments that have shown promise are red ginseng and pomegranate juice. “Ginseng is thought to increase nitric oxide production, leading to improved blood flow," he says.

What is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction?

For fastest results, it's best to consult a doctor to get appropriate treatment recommendations, which may include:Lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight. ... Counseling. ... Medications. ... Vacuum constriction devices. ... Surgery. ... Alternative therapy.

How Quickly Do They Work?

How soon the drugs start working ranges from 15 to 60 minutes. Neither Viagra nor Levitra will work at all if you take them after a meal, which blo...

How Do The Side Effects differ?

The most common side effects of ED drugs, in order of most to least common are headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, urinary tract i...

The Heart Health Connection

ED is often an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, such as clogged arteries (atherosclerosis). "It can predate a diagnosis of...

How To Make Your Penis Bigger: 10 Tips - REX MD

It’s common for men to wonder if their penis size or erection strength are adequate. In reality, they're probably both fine. While a few treatments are available for improving erectile strength, trying to increase the size of your penis can be more difficult.. Here are some techniques for a bigger penis that either work...or are alleged to work in corners of the internet.

The Best Ways to Improve Blood Flow to Your Penis | hims

According to data from the Cleveland Clinic, about 40 percent of men are affected by erectile dysfunction at the age of 40, making difficulty getting an erection far more widespread than many people think. Physiologically speaking, healthy erections — and a healthy sex life, in general — are all about blood flow.When blood is able to freely flow into the erectile tissue of your penis ...

7 Best Penis Pump For Better Sexual Life | Men's Journal

Brand Overview. Earlier we discussed the story of the Bathmate Company, so you know these pumps are designed by men, for men. Hydromax 7 is no different- the company wants to get you results and ...

What is the best medication for ED?

The most well-known ED medications include: tadalafil (Cialis) sildenafil (Viagra) vardenafil (Levitra) avanafil (Stendra) These prescription drugs increase the levels of nitric oxide in your blood.

How does ED affect your life?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, can affect your quality of life by decreasing your satisfaction from sex. ED can have many causes, both psychological and physical. ED from physical causes is fairly common in men as they age. Medications are available that can help treat ED for many men.

How to help a stomach upset?

To help relieve minor problems, consider making dietary changes to reduce upset stomach. Drinking water instead of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, or juice may help. If changing your diet doesn’t work, talk to your doctor about OTC remedies that may help.

How long does priapism last?

priapism (erections that last longer than 4 hours) sudden changes in hearing. vision loss. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these severe side effects. Certain men are more at risk of these side effects than others. This may be because of other conditions they have or other medications they take.

Can ED medications cause headaches?

This side effect is common with all forms of ED medications, so switching brands won’t necessarily alleviate your symptoms. If you have headaches from your ED drug, talk ...

Does nitric oxide help with erections?

These drugs are especially effective at widening the blood vessels in your penis. More blood in your penis makes it much easier for you to get and maintain an erection when you are sexually aroused.

Can ED medication cause muscle pain?

Some people have muscle aches and pains throughout their bodies while taking ED medications. Others have reported specific pain in their lower back. If you have these types of pain while taking ED medication, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication may help.

What is the best treatment for ED?

Implanted devices, known as prostheses, can help many men with ED have an erection. Implants are typically placed by a urologist. The two types of devices are. inflatable implants, which make your penis longer and wider using a pump in the scrotum.

What medicine do you take to get an erection?

A health care professional may prescribe you an oral medicine, or medicine you take by mouth, such as one of the following, to help you get and maintain an erection: sildenafil. NIH external link. (Viagra) vardenafil. NIH external link.

How long does it take for a suppository to work?

A suppository is a solid piece of medicine that you insert into your body where it dissolves. A health care professional will prescribe a prefilled applicator for you to insert the pellet about an inch into your urethra. An erection will begin within 8 to 10 minutes and may last 30 to 60 minutes.

How long does ED last?

Call a health care professional right away if an erection lasts 4 hours or longer .

How to get stronger erections?

Many men get stronger erections by injecting a medicine called alprostadil#N#NIH external link#N#into the penis, causing it to become filled with blood. Oral medicines can improve your response to sexual stimulation, but they do not trigger an automatic erection like injectable medicines do.

What to do if you have anxiety in your ED?

Talk with your doctor about going to a counselor if psychological or emotional issues are affecting your ED. A counselor can teach you how to lower your anxiety. NIH external link. or stress related to sex. Your counselor may suggest that you bring your partner to counseling sessions to learn how to support you.

What is the pump in the penis?

a plastic tube, which you put around your penis. a pump, which draws air out of the tube, creating a vacuum. an elastic ring, which you move from the end of the tube to the base of your penis as you remove the tube.

How does penile injection help with ED?

They help treat ED by improving blood flow to the penis, which leads to firmer erections. While the thought of injecting a needle into your penis may make you cringe, a 2019 review. Trusted Source. found that penile injection therapy is generally an effective and well-tolerated treatment for ED.

What is ED treatment?

Cost. Getting a prescription. Takeaway. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which it’s difficult to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sex. There are many ways to treat ED, including lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, oral medications, surgical procedures, and penile injection therapy, or intracavernosal injection therapy.

What is ED injection?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which it’s difficult to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sex. There are many ways to treat ED, including lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, oral medications, surgical procedures, and penile injection therapy, ...

What are the side effects of penile implant surgery?

upset stomach. flushing. back pain. Some men may also prefer injection therapy over other ED treatments, such as having penile implant surgery and the risks and potential side effects that can accompany that approach.

How to get rid of bubbles in penis?

Let go of the head of your penis and pick up the syringe with both hands. Remove the cap on the syringe, and make sure the dose is correct and there are no bubbles in the syringe. With one hand, hold the syringe between your thumb and your index and middle fingers, as though you were about to throw a dart.

What to use for sterile syringes?

1 sterile syringe. 2 alcohol wipes. 1 sharps container for used syringes. It’s best to use a container that’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source. . If you don’t have access to one, you can use a sturdy plastic container, such as an empty detergent bottle with a cap.

Can you use penile injections for ED?

Penile injection therapy is used by men of all ages to treat ED with a variety of causes. It can be used long term, though you’ll want to vary injection sites each time you inject. This helps avoid creating any scar tissue.

How long does it take for ED to break down?

The ED drugs break down at different rates in the body. The durations of action range from four hours to more than a day (for Cialis in the higher doses). Each dose should be sufficient to provide a full cycle of intercourse, from erection to climax.

How long does it take for Viagra to work?

How soon the drugs start working ranges from 15 to 60 minutes. Neither Viagra nor Levitra will work if you take them after a meal, which blocks their absorption. However, neither Cialis nor Stendra interact with food this way. The onset time determines how soon you can engage in intercourse.

Do ED drugs cause erections?

ED drugs produce an erection sufficient for intercourse in about 70% of men. But the results vary quite a bit from one individual to another. A man with nerves or arteries damaged by prostate surgery, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease will not respond as strongly to ED drugs.

Can you take nitrates with ED?

A man who has an erection that lasts four hours or more needs to get to a hospital or risk permanent damage. None of the ED drugs is safe to take with cardiac drugs called nitrates because it could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Can ED be a sign of cardiovascular disease?

ED is often an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, such as clogged arteries (atherosclerosis). "It can predate a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease by at least a few years," Dr. Liou says. We don't have strong proof yet that starting to live a healthier lifestyle can reverse erectile problems, but it can't hurt.

How to prevent erectile dysfunction?

Prevention. The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions. For example: Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions. See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.

What are the conditions that affect erections?

Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions. Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression.

Why does erectile dysfunction cause anxiety?

Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.

What causes erectile dysfunction in men?

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile ...

What is the role of the brain in erectile dysfunction?

The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

Is it bad to have an erection?

Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment ...

Can smoking cause erectile dysfunction?

Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, can — over time — cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction. Being overweight, especially if you're obese. Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer.

What is the best medication for ED?

Numerous medications are available to treat erectile dysfunction, from well-known medications such as sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra®, AKA generic Viagra) to newer, second-generation ED treatments such as avanafil (Stendra®). Safety is an important factor to consider before using any type of medication.

What is the most well known erectile dysfunction drug?

They are: Sildenafil ( Viagra ). Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is the most well-known erectile dysfunction drug.

What is the class of ED medication?

Currently, all of the ED medications approved by the FDA are in a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the action of PDE5, or cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 — an enzyme that regulates the flow of blood to the erectile tissue of your penis.

What are the side effects of PDE5 inhibitors?

Most side effects associated with erectile dysfunction drugs are mild and temporary. Some of the most common are: Headaches.

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra is designed for use as needed. You’ll need to take it shortly before sex as it lasts for about three to five hours in the body. Tadalafil (Cialis®). Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, is a longer-lasting ED drug that can treat erectile dysfunction for up to 36 hours per tablet.

What are the side effects of ED drugs?

Facial flushing. Indigestion/heartburn. Nausea. Visual disturbances. Slightly reduced blood pressure. Although the precise rate of side effects can vary from drug to drug, these side effects are all pretty common with first-generation ED drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).

How many people have ED?

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is an extremely common condition, affecting as many as 30 millions Americans at any time. Although ED is often thought of as something that affects older men, men of all ages often deal with erectile dysfunction. In fact, large-scale study data shows that as much as 40 percent of all men will deal with some degree ...

What is the best treatment for ED?

Other alternative therapies thought to help ED include zinc supplements (especially for men who are low in zinc), the herb ashwagandha (also called Indian ginseng), and ginkgo biloba, but more studies are needed to know with certainty.

What is the best medicine for ED?

Depending on the cause of your ED, natural remedies may not be effective. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe medications for ED, like: 1 sildenafil ( Viagra) 2 tadalafil (Cialis) 3 avanafil (Stendra) 4 vardenafil (Levitra)

How to help ED symptoms?

In many cases, changes to your lifestyle and diet can help ease ED symptoms. Lifestyle changes that could help improve your sexual function include exercising and losing weight. They also include stopping smoking and curbing your alcohol intake.

How many men have ED?

ED affects as many as 30 million men in the United States. Standard ED treatments include prescription medications, vacuum pumps, implants, and surgery, but many men prefer natural options. Research has found that some natural options can improve ED symptoms. Read on to learn about natural options that have research to back them up.

What is ED in sex?

What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly called impotence. It’s a condition in which a man can’t achieve or maintain an erection during sexual performance. Symptoms may also include reduced sexual desire or libido.

Can you treat ED naturally?

If other health issues aren’t found to be the cause of your ED, your doctor will likely prescribe some common treatments. However, you may also choose natural options — just be sure to discuss them with your doctor first. Whichever route you take, keep in mind that ED is a common condition that’s very treatable.

Does a lipid herb help with ED?

for those with high lipids in their blood and metabolic syndrome. This herb is known. Trusted Source. to have anti-inflammatory action, improve lung function, and improve blood flow in other diseases — all characteristics that may reduce ED.

How It Works

Penile injectable therapy is a quick, highly effective, and mostly pain-free way to relieve your ED. It is also useful for those who cannot take traditional ED pills or have not had success taking them.

Before Use

Do not take any ED drugs for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment, especially Cialis or Viagra. Traditional ED drugs like these should never be taken with penile injections. 4

Dosage

The slogan often used with penile injection therapy dosing is to go low and slow. This means that your healthcare provider will probably start with a low dosage and increase your dose each time until you get the effect you want.

Side Effects

Occasionally, penile injections may cause a dull ache at the injection site, as well as fainting, dizziness, and low blood pressure, but these side effects usually resolve quickly and on their own. Pain can also occur as a side effect of alprostadil, in which case the medication Bimix (papaverine, phentolamine) may be prescribed instead.

Warnings

You should never take an injection if you have taken Viagra, Cialis, or any other oral erectile medication the night before or the morning of your penile injection therapy. The same is true of your teaching appointment with your urologist if they will be administering your first injection.

A Word From Verywell

Penile injection therapy is a safe and effective tool to solve your ED problems, but it isn’t for everyone. Injections are less effective in people with vascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or high blood pressure.

How to use a penis pump?

Using a penis pump requires a few simple steps: Place the plastic tube over your penis. Use a hand pump or electric pump attached to the tube to create a vacuum inside the tube and pull blood into the penis. Once you have an erection, slip a rubber constriction ring around the base of your penis.

Is it safe to take a penis pump if you have sickle cell anemia?

Examples include warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and clopidogrel (Plavix). A penis pump might not be safe if you have sickle cell anemia or another blood disorder. These conditions can make you susceptible to blood clots or bleeding.

Is a penis pump good for erectile dysfunction?

Penis pumps can be a good erectile dysfunction treatment for several reasons: Penis pumps are effective. With practice and correct use, the majority of men can get an erection sufficient for sex. Penis pumps pose less of a risk than do other treatments.

What is the best medication for erectile dysfunction?

They include: Sildenafil (Viagra) Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis) Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) Avanafil (Stendra) All four medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide — a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis.

How to get rid of erectile dysfunction?

Exercise can help with underlying conditions that play a part in erectile dysfunction in a number of ways, including reducing stress , helping you lose weight and increasing blood flow. Get treatment for alcohol or drug problems.

What is the name of the medication that is used for penile injections?

In some cases, medications generally used for other conditions are used for penile injections on their own or in combination. Examples include alprostadil and phentolamine. Often these combination medications are known as bimix (if two medications are included) or trimix (if three are included).

How long does it take for a suppository to work?

The erection usually starts within 10 minutes and, when effective, lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Side effects can include a burning feeling in the penis, minor bleeding in the urethra and formation of fibrous tissue inside your penis.

How long does a priapism injection last?

Each injection is dosed to create an erection lasting no longer than an hour. Because the needle used is very fine, pain from the injection site is usually minor. Side effects can include mild bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection (priapism) and, rarely, formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site.

Do erectile dysfunction medications cause excitement?

These medications amplify that signal, allowing normal penile function in some people. Oral erectile dysfunction medications are not aphrodisiacs, will not cause excitement and are not needed in people who get normal erections. The medications vary in dosage, how long they work and side effects.

Is it safe to take supplements for erectile dysfunction?

Before using any supplement, check with your doctor to make sure it's safe for you — especially if you have chronic health conditions . Some alternative products that claim to work for erectile dysfunction can be dangerous.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Pawan Katti
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The choice of treatment is based on the underlying cause, and includes medications, therapies such as self-injections and exercises, and surgical implants.
Medication

Oral medications: To enhance the effects of nitric oxide involved in relaxing the penile muscles.

Sildenafil . Tadalafil


Penile self-injections: Injecting medications into the base or sides of the penis.

Papaverine . Alprostadil

Procedures

Penile implant surgery: Inflatable or bendable devices are surgically implanted on both sides of the penis.

Therapy

Hormone therapy:Testosterone replacement is recommended in case of low levels of the hormone.

Vacuum erection:Using a hand or battery operated penis pump for erection, followed by insertion of a tension ring around the penis.

Psychotherapy:To manage stress, depression, or anxiety.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Quit smoking and alcohol.
  • Lose weight.
  • Talk to your partner regarding your condition.
  • Learn to manage stress.

Nutrition

The following foods have been found to help manage erectile dysfunction

Foods to eat:

  • Watermelon
  • Cooked oysters
  • Coffee
  • Dark chocolates
  • Walnut
  • Grape or pomegranate juice
  • Fish like salmon
  • Green leafy vegetables such as kale
  • Olive oil

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Urologist
Specializes in the urinary tract disease.

Coping and Support

  • For many people, a physical exam and answering questions (medical history) are all that's needed for a doctor to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment. If you have chronic health conditions or your doctor suspects that an underlying condition might be involved, you mi…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • The first thing your doctor will do is to make sure you're getting the right treatment for any health conditions that could be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction. Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions, you might have various treatment options. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and …
See more on mayoclinic.org

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