Erectile dysfunction treatments are available and come in a wide range of strategies. You and your doctor will explain your erectile dysfunction options by looking at the underlying cause as well as your overall health. To help, we’ve created this guide that breaks down how to treat erectile dysfunction in multiple ways to give you an idea of what you could experience.

What Treatment Options Exist for Erectile Dysfunction?

After a physical and conversation with your health care professional, you’ll learn more about the treatment options available to you. Symptoms beyond ED, as well as the presence of disorders such as heart disease or diabetes, could influence those decisions. Some of the treatment options available include the following.

Medications for ED

Medications are sometimes the most straightforward method for improving ED. These are PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. These oral medications work to increase the blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. They do so by blocking the production of PDE5, an enzyme. This allows for relaxation of the smooth muscles in the penis, letting an erection happen.

Oral medications include:

• Sildenafil (Revatio and Viagra)
• Vardenafil
• Tadalafil (Adcirca and Cialis)
• Avanafil (Stendra)

So, what is the difference between Sildenafil vs tadalafil vs Vardenafil vs Avanafil?

Sildenafil and Vardenafil are taken on demand, when you want to engage in sexual activity. They tend to work within 30 to 60 minutes and could last as long as 4 to 5 hours. Vardenafil is noted for being less likely to cause side effects. Tadalafil is a long-duration product, taken every day, which allows for a flexible option because you don’t have to take it before sexual activity. Avanafil is a newer product, known for a faster onset and with fewer side effects. ED pills like these require a prescription from your doctor.

Non-Pill Treatments

Several other methods exist for improving ED symptoms. These include:

• Vacuum erection devices: Often called penis pumps, these devices involve a plastic tube fitted over the penis with a pump. The pump sucks air out of the tube, pulling blood into the penis.
• Penile injection therapy: Self-injection therapy involves the use of a drug such as alprostadil injected through a fine needle into the base of the penis. This creates an erection that doesn’t last more than an hour.
• Intraurethral ED medication: This treatment utilizes a tube inserted into the urethra, which carries urine from your body. Medication is placed into that tube from an applicator to the tip of the penis. This increases blood flow to the area.
• Penile implants and ED surgery: A formal surgical procedure, penile implants allow users to inflate the device and control how and when an erection occurs. A semi-rigid rod holds the penis firm during that period.

These treatment options may be effective for those seeking a non-medication option or those who may not qualify for medications due to heart disease or other health conditions.

Lifestyle and Psychological Factors

Lifestyle changes for erectile dysfunction could help you see significant improvement. Examples of lifestyle modifications that may help include:

• Increased exercise that reduces tension and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
• Eating a healthy diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals, especially with fruits and vegetables, can also improve ED symptoms.
• Reducing alcohol and smoking can also improve sexual function.

Also important is to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and ED. All tend to be linked. This may include seeking individual therapy to discuss what could be causing your mental health challenges. Counseling for erectile dysfunction may include the use of cognitive behavioral therapy or other one-on-one support to understand the trauma or mental health complications he is facing.

Clinical Trials for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction clinical trials continue to look for ways to treat and manage ED. These are conducted by colleges, hospitals, and medical researchers who are looking for a cure or new treatments to better meet the needs of more people. The goal is to create new treatments for erectile dysfunction that provide people with more options to get and maintain the care they need.

The following are some examples of the ED clinical trials occurring from numerous organizations.

Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

This study from the University of Virginia is working to determine if low-intensity shockwave therapy is safe and well-tolerated as a treatment for ED.

Regenerative Injection of Stem Cells of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Erectile Dysfunction

Sponsored by Jumeirah American Clinic, this study focuses on the evaluation of whether stem cell injections from a person’s own fat tissue could improve erectile function in men who have not responded well to other treatments, including PDE5 inhibitors. Injections of stem cells into the penis will be monitored over a period of time to determine if they improve ED symptoms.

Erectile Restoration Outcomes and Satisfaction Penile Prosthesis Registry

Completed by the Mayo Clinic, this study is monitoring the quality of life men have after receiving a penile prosthesis through a registry process. This study aims to follow men over a period of time to determine how such a prosthesis helps improve their quality of life.

Platelet-rich Plasma to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Another Mayo Clinic study is looking for new and innovative strategies for treating ED, including the use of platelet-rich plasma to treat the condition. It will look at the way men see changes using this therapy over a period of time.

How to Be a Part of a Clinical Research Trial

If you want to be a part of a clinical trial, you’ll need to apply directly to the organization conducting them. Various eligibility factors must be met to help you get into these trials.