Page 2 - Erectile Dysfunction - Treatment Options
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Erectile dysfunction
Treatment options
Medications
The treatment of ED has changed dramatically since In general, MUSE™ is safe although there have been
sildenafil (Viagra™) has been available. This is the first a few reports of excessively prolonged erections
of a new class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (priaprism) requiring immediate medical attention.
(PDE5) inhibitors which can enhance the relaxation
of the penile blood vessel muscles to improve penile Penile injection
blood flow and promote erections. Newer PDE5
inhibitors, tadalafil (Cialis™) and vardenafil (Levitra™), A drug or combination of drugs can be delivered into
have slightly different effects and side effects. the penis by injection through a fine needle such as
that used by diabetics. Most men can learn to inject
PDE5 inhibitors can be used safely by most men with themselves safely and effectively with little discomfort.
the exception of those taking certain heart drugs (e.g. An erection will come on about ten minutes after
nitroglycerine). Side effects are usually short-lived. injection and the dose of medication is adjusted so
These include headache, upset stomach and nasal that the erection will last about 30-45 minutes.
congestion. Unfortunately, these drugs will not work
for everyone. Occasionally there can be mild pain or bruising after
injection. Prolonged erections occur rarely but require
Testosterone replacement immediate medical attention to prevent permanent
A few men with ED are found to have a very low level penile damage.
of the male hormone testosterone. These men may Vacuum device
have a low sex drive (interest in sex) in addition to their
difficulty in getting adequate erections. When a blood Blood can be drawn into the penis with a special
test shows that the man’s testosterone level is very vacuum device (“vacuum pump”). This is a plastic
low, hormone replacement will sometimes improve cylinder in which the penis is placed after which a
function. vacuum is created by a mechanical or electric pump.
Testosterone replacement can be given in pill form, Once the penis is adequately engorged, an elastic
band is slid from the cylinder onto the base of the
by skin patch or gel rubbed into the skin, or by penis to keep the blood from draining out. Intercourse
injection every few weeks. Some doctors believe is then possible. When the elastic band is removed,
that testosterone replacement may alleviate the
effects of andropause, the changes that a man may the penis softens.
experience with the normal decrease in testosterone
production with age. Surgery
Testosterone may have side effects which should be Surgery is now performed infrequently for the
monitored by your doctor. Testosterone replacement correction of ED. A few men, with blood vessel
requires that the prostate be evaluated regularly blockage preventing adequate filling of the penis
given the known stimulatory effect of testosterone will benefit from surgery to improve circulation.
on the prostate. As a last resort, flexible or inflatable rods can be
implanted surgically in the penis to maintain stiffness.
MUSE™ Treatment is available for most men with ED such that
MUSE™ (short for Medicated Urethral System for their sex life and intimacy with their partner can be
Erections) is a unique delivery system, in which a small improved. The choice of treatment is determined by
pellet of medication (the size of a grain of rice) is the wishes of the man and his partner.
placed in the urine passage (urethra) from where it is
absorbed. This medication then causes increased the
penile blood flow resulting in an erection.
This publication is produced by
The information in the publication is not intended to convey medical advice or to substitute for direct consultation with a qualified medical
practitioner. The Canadian Urological Association disclaims all liability and legal responsibility howsoever caused, including negligence, for the
information contained in or referenced by this brochure. cua.org 32E-EDFE-01-07
© 2014. Canadian Urological Association. All rights reserved.