Having trouble with erections is more common than people admit. The good news: most men see improvement with the right approach. This page gives straightforward, usable info on common treatments, when to see a doctor, and how to avoid risky choices.
Oral medications are usually the first step. Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil, and avanafil relax blood vessels in the penis so it fills with blood during arousal. They work quickly for many men — tadalafil can last up to 36 hours — but don’t mix them with nitrates (common chest-pain drugs). If pills don’t help, doctors may suggest:
- Vacuum erection devices: a pump creates a vacuum that draws blood into the penis, and a ring holds the erection. They’re non-invasive and work for many men.
- Penile injections or urethral suppositories: small doses of medication (alprostadil or combinations) trigger an erection directly. These act fast but need learning and clean technique.
- Testosterone therapy: only helpful if low testosterone is confirmed by blood tests. It won’t fix ED caused by blood flow or nerve problems alone.
- Implants: surgical options (inflatable or malleable) for men who don’t respond to other treatments. Implants have high satisfaction rates but involve an operation and recovery time.
- Psychotherapy and sex therapy: if stress, anxiety, or relationship issues play a role, seeing a therapist can be very effective. Sometimes ED is mixed — partly physical, partly psychological — and treating both sides works best.
Start by talking with your doctor. They’ll check your medical history, medications, and may order tests for diabetes, cholesterol, or heart disease — ED can be an early sign of vascular problems. Ask whether any current meds (antidepressants, blood pressure drugs) could be contributing — for example, some SSRIs can lower libido or cause sexual side effects.
Try simple changes first: lose extra weight, quit smoking, cut back on heavy drinking, and get regular exercise. These help blood flow and can improve how well treatments work. If you’re on nitrates or have unstable heart disease, many ED meds aren’t safe — your doctor will help find alternatives.
Track what works and what side effects you notice. If a pill gives headaches, flushing, or lasts too long, tell your clinician — dosage or a different drug often fixes that. If injections or devices feel awkward at first, ask for a guided demonstration; many clinics teach the technique.
If you want more detail on drug interactions, lifestyle tips, or device options, check specific articles and talk to a licensed provider. Getting the right plan takes a bit of trial and teamwork, but effective, safe help is available for most men.
Nov, 23 2023