Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Feeling relaxed, confident and aroused is essential. But it’s normal to sometimes have erection issues. Erection problems can occur if you feel nervous, anxious, frustrated or tired. Drinking alcohol and/or using substances can also have an effect. It can also result from other conditions or as a side effect of certain medications or cancer treatments.
| Treatment Option | Description | Effectiveness | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Erection Devices | External pump creates vacuum to induce erection | Moderate | No drugs required, reversible | Discomfort, mechanical failure |
| Penile Implants | Surgical insertion of device | High | Permanent solution | Surgery risks, costs |
| Psychosexual Therapy | Counseling for psychological issues | Varies | Addresses underlying causes | Time-consuming, requires cooperation |
| Lifestyle Changes | Exercise, diet, quitting smoking | Moderate | Improves overall health | Requires consistency |
If you’re having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further discussion. In many cases, ED can be the first symptom of another underlying problem, including heart disease. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if you have problems getting and maintaining an erection. Healthcare providers separate ED into several categories: Vascular ED includes causes that affect the blood vessels that send blood to the tissues in your penis that allow you to get and maintain an erection, or the valves in the penis that normally hold blood inside.
Recommended reading
Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a type of penile disorder. It affects your ability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Your feelings play a major role in getting and maintaining an erection. Vascular ED is the most common type of ED. Neurogenic ED occurs as a result of nerve problems, which prevent signals from traveling from your brain to your penis to create an erection. This can happen because of trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy or neurologic conditions like stroke, spinal stenosis and multiple sclerosis (MS). Hormonal ED refers to ED that happens as a result of testosterone deficiency, or in some cases as a result of thyroid issues. Psychogenic ED involves psychological conditions (conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings or behavior) that can cause ED. Erectile dysfunction is the most common sex-related condition that males report to healthcare providers, especially as they age and develop other health issues. Providers and medical researchers estimate that erectile dysfunction affects over 50% of males between the ages of 40 and 70. And those numbers may be higher — many don’t seek help for the condition due to embarrassment or shame.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100 mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 425.45€ 405.19€ | |
| Cialis Black | 80mg | 10 Pills | 43.27€ 41.21€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 147.18€ 140.17€ | |
| Kamagra Gold | 50 mg | 180 + 6 Pills | 371.27€ 353.59€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 40mg | 10 Pills | 65.09€ 61.99€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 180 + 20 Pills | 280.97€ 267.59€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 83.93€ 79.93€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 481.98€ 459.03€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 2.5mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 199.64€ 190.13€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 5mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 115.91€ 110.39€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 60mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 145.06€ 138.15€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 204.80€ 195.05€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 158.82€ 151.26€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100 mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 327.15€ 311.57€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 72.32€ 68.88€ | |
| Cialis Original | 20mg | 34 + 2 Pills | 183.99€ 175.23€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 423.48€ 403.31€ |
Only sometimes being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse. Being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse but not being able to maintain it during sexual intercourse. Requiring a lot of stimulation to maintain an erection. There are many possible causes of ED, including conditions that affect your: Your circulatory system includes the blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Your penis needs adequate blood flow to become erect and maintain an erection. Your penis also relies on a series of valves to close when it fills with blood — in some cases, these valves stop working as they should. Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord and nerves.
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Also stay away from ones that don't have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions. Some illegal businesses sell fake versions of real medicines, which can be dangerous or might not work. In the United States, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy can tell you whether an online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing. If you live in another country, check to see if pharmacy association or regulation agencies offer services like these. Make best sex pills for women sure you get the right prescription and dose.
Study of Dose–Response, Efficacy, and Safety
When you order medicines and when you receive them in the mail, make sure they're the exact dose and type prescribed by your doctor or other health care professional. The dose is the amount of medicine you take. Don't be fooled into buying "herbal viagra." Never take any medicines that claim to be the "herbal" or nonprescription version of an oral medicine for ED. These aren't an effective option, and some contain harmful substances. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your health concerns. They work together to send electrical impulses that help your body move and feel, including your penis. Your endocrine system includes the glands that create and release hormones. Hormones help men enhancement pills tell your body to perform certain functions. Testosterone may help open up (vasodilate) your blood vessels, which helps blood flow to your penis. Injuries (trauma) to your penis and surrounding areas can also cause ED. Injuries to your pelvis bones (hip bones, sacrum and tailbone), bladder, prostate and spinal cord. Pelvic surgery, including prostate, colon or bladder cancer surgery.
Is one drug better than another?
Some examples of nitrates are nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Bidil). These are commonly prescribed for an enlarged prostate or male pattern baldness. They include dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Medicines that block an enzyme called CYP3A4. Oral medicine for ED also might not be safe or work well if you have: Very low blood pressure, called hypotension, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, called hypertension.
Statistical Analysis
Kidney disease that needs to be treated with dialysis. These include a heart attack, stroke or a serious heart rhythm disorder in the past six months. An inherited eye disease that affects the retina. Side effects of oral ED medicines are often mild. Visual changes, such as blue tinge to vision, sensitivity to light or blurred sight. Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of many prescription drugs. Common medications that list ED as a potential side effect include: Substances that have addiction potential may cause ED, including: These substances can affect and suppress your central nervous system. They can also cause severe damage to your blood vessels, which may lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. Fear of sexual intercourse or intimacy (genophobia). Conditions that affect your body’s ability to deliver blood to your penis are the most common cause of ED.
- Advances in regenerative medicine aim to restore erectile tissue.
- Stem cell therapy is being researched for ED.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are experimental.
- These treatments target tissue repair and blood vessel growth.
- Are still in early clinical trial phases.
- Consult specialists to explore emerging options.
You may have a greater risk of getting ED if you: Have a body mass index (BMI) over 25. A healthcare provider can diagnose ED and determine its cause. They’ll review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask you questions about your personal and sexual history. These questions may make you feel embarrassed or awkward. But it’s important to be honest with the provider in order to quickly determine the cause.
| Medication | Prescription Needed | Typical Dose Range | Storage Conditions | Special Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra | Yes | 25-100 mg | Room temperature | Avoid nitrate use |
| Cialis | Yes | 5-20 mg | Keep dry, cool | Long-lasting effect |
| Levitra | Yes | 5-20 mg | Protect from light | Avoid high-fat meals |
| Stendra | Yes | 100-200 mg | Store in a dry place | Take on an empty stomach |
Are you currently taking any medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, dietary supplements and nonmedical drugs? Has a healthcare provider ever diagnosed you with depression or anxiety? How often are you able to get erections? How long are you able to maintain an erection?
What Are the Best Medications for Erectile Dysfunction?
Visit Mayo Clinic Men's Health to get started. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. There are many different causes, which may include conditions that affect your blood vessels, neurological conditions, mental health conditions and injuries. A healthcare provider can diagnose and treat erectile dysfunction. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Do you lose your erection because you ejaculate sooner than you would like?
- Regular check-ups help monitor underlying health issues causing ED.
- Conditions like diabetes and hypertension impact erectile function.
- Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.
- Medication adjustments may be necessary over time.
- Open communication with a healthcare provider is key.
- Proactive health management can prevent worsening of ED.
When did you first notice symptoms of erectile dysfunction? What exactly happened when you first had erectile dysfunction symptoms? Do or did you experience erections at night or during the morning?
Erectile dysfunction isn’t all or nothing
This medication is taken with or without food an hour before sex. It works for up to 36 hours. You can take it in a small dose daily or in a larger dose as needed. You can take this medicine with or without food 30 minutes before sex, depending on the dose. It lasts 4 to 5 hours, or longer if you have mild to moderate ED.
How do ED medications interact with other drugs or alcohol?
These medicines all work well for ED. When choosing one, tell your doctor or other health care professional what your preferences are, such as cost, ease of use, how long the drug's effects last and side effects. Generic versions of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil are available. Check with your health care team before you take any medicine for erectile dysfunction. Oral ED medicines might not work or might be dangerous if you also take any of the following: Often, these are prescribed for chest pain called angina. What sexual positions do you regularly engage in? The provider may also ask to talk with your sexual partner. Your partner may be able to offer additional insight on potential causes.
Can Supplements Help Erectile Dysfunction?
Rarely, more-serious side effects can happen, including: Some people have suddenly lost some of their hearing or vision after taking one of these medicines. But it isn't clear whether these side effects were caused by the medicine or by health conditions that the people already had. Get medical care right away if you take oral ED medicine and have sudden loss of hearing or vision. An erection that doesn't go away on its own. Called priapism, this rare condition can be painful.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
You need to get treatment for it as soon as possible to help prevent damage to your penis. If you have an erection that lasts more than four hours, call your care team right away. Treatments for erectile dysfunction are big business, and online scams abound. If you do buy medicines over the internet: Check to see if an online pharmacy is legitimate. Never order medicines from an online pharmacy that doesn't list its phone number and physical address, has prices that seem too good to be true, or tells you that no prescription is needed. The provider may order tests to confirm their diagnosis and determine the cause of your ED. It depends on what your healthcare provider suspects is causing erectile dysfunction. Tests that measure if the nerves in your penis respond to vibrations (penile biothesiometry).
| Area of Research | Description | Promising Developments | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gene Therapy | Targeting genetic causes of ED | Experimental treatments | Delivery and safety concerns |
| Stem Cell Therapy | Regenerating erectile tissue | Early clinical trials | Efficacy and long-term effects |
| NO-Donors and Nitric Oxide Modulators | Enhancing natural nitric oxide production | New drug candidates | Side effects and regulation |
| Pharmacogenomics | Personalized medicine based on genetics | Custom drug development | Complexity of genetic profiling |
Drugs that temporarily make your penis erect (vasoactive injection). Before testing, your provider will explain what’s involved with a test and answer any questions you have. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can decide not to do the test at any time.