What are the best treatment methods for impotence?

21.03.2011 | By: J. P.

There are several treatment methods for impotence – drugs are just one of these methods. Below you can find more information on how to get proper help.

Viagra is just one of the treatment methods for impotence. (PhotoXpress)

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The treatment for erectile dysfunction or impotence depends on its causes. If your GP can’t find the cause, you have to undergo demanding examinations performed by a specialist. These include an ultrasound of your penis, x-rays of your arteries and veins, neurophysiological tests and consultations with your doctor. Based on the cause, there are three treatment methods for erectile dysfunction:

Drugs

Everyone, of course, knows Viagra, but there are two other drugs available in the form of a pill that belong to the group of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. The right drug has to be selected cautiously as these drugs shouldn’t be prescribed to men who take nitrates or nitric oxide donors because they can cause hypotension or low blood pressure, and if taken in combination with certain drugs or grapefruit juice, the PDE5 inhibitor concentration may increase significantly. Drugs can also be injected in the corpus cavernosum (a type of tissue in your penis) by a small needle, or inserted in the urethra as a capsule. These drugs help you achieve an erection that lasts from 30 minutes to two hours. The only condition is that the blood vessels of your penis function normally.

Vacuum pump

A vacuum pump consists of a cylinder you insert your penis into and a pump that creates negative pressure. When you use the pump, your penis gets bigger as it’s filled with the blood from the veins. Once you’ve achieved sufficient erection, you put a ring on your penis to prevent the outflow of blood. The pump also enables you to ejaculate without any problems. Such an erection can last more than half an hour.

Men who have erection problems can also try a vacuum pump.

Surgical procedure

A surgical procedure can increase the flow of blood into your penis if your arteries hinder it, or decrease the flow of blood out of your penis if your veins allow the blood to leave too quickly. In some cases, a prosthesis is implanted in the penis, enabling a man to have an erection all the time. Modern prostheses consist of chambers that fill up with water when you squeeze the pump implanted in your scrotum. So you can have erections whenever you want them.

An implant can be surgically inserted into the penis to ensure an erection.

Talking to someone about your problem

Every treatment for erectile dysfunction depends heavily on the understanding, help and support of your family, particularly your partner. You have to talk about your problem; first to your partner, who should be supportive and understanding, and not make fun of you. Then you can seek help from a qualified therapist. Surprisingly, two thirds of men and women aren’t capable of starting a conversation about erection problems. Men constantly think about their problem and live in fear of what might happen during their next sexual intercourse. The stress alone makes them unable to have an erection and they find themselves in a vicious circle which they can’t break it on their own. Other men completely alienate themselves from their family, friends and colleagues. People suffering from erectile dysfunctions need help and understanding. Sometimes a kind word works better than all the treatment methods in the world.