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V. FAQ: When Should I Ask My Doctor About ED Treatments Beyond Cialis or Viagra?
What Are My Options?
Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are oral PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction. These ED medications increase blood flow to the penis and can help men get and keep an erection. If you think you may have ED, talk to your doctor. ED is defined as difficulty getting or keeping an erection that is firm enough for sex. [1]
Your doctor can help determine the cause of your ED and recommend an appropriate treatment. A prescription for Viagra or Cialis may help improve erections, but oral medications are not the only treatment available. Other options include counseling, penile implants, and surgery. Surgery is generally considered when other treatment options have been tried, and ED has not improved. [2] Read on to learn more about alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Counseling
ED can result from physical health problems, emotional issues, or a combination of both. Emotional and relationship factors that can contribute to or worsen ED include anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, stress at home or work, and worry about sexual performance. [1]
If mental health or emotional issues are affecting your ED, your doctor may recommend counseling. A counselor can help reduce anxiety and stress related to sex. [2]
Your counselor may suggest bringing your partner to counseling sessions for additional support. [2] Sex therapy can help you understand how emotions may become connected with physical reactions, provide education about sexual techniques, address negative attitudes toward sex, and improve communication between you and your partner. [3]
Penile Implants
Oral medications such as Cialis and Viagra are among the treatments available for erectile dysfunction, but they do not work for everyone. Penile implants, also called penile prosthetics, may be recommended for men who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other ED treatments, such as oral medications, injections, or vacuum erection devices. [4]
There are two main types of penile implants:
- Semi-rigid rod implant: Semi-rigid implants consist of two bendable rods that are surgically placed inside the penis. The rods keep the penis in a semi-rigid state and can be manually adjusted into position for sexual intercourse.
- Inflatable implant: Inflatable implants consist of two inflatable cylinders, a fluid reservoir, and a pump. The cylinders are placed inside the penis, the reservoir is placed in the lower abdomen, and the pump is placed in the scrotum. Squeezing the pump transfers fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders to produce an erection. A release valve allows the fluid to return to the reservoir afterward. [4]
Penile implants can provide a long-term treatment for ED and may last for many years with proper care. However, surgery also carries potential risks, including infection, device malfunction, and erosion of the implant through the skin. [4]
Vascular Reconstruction
Adequate blood flow to the penis is necessary for an erection. Erectile dysfunction can occur when an artery supplying the penis is partially or completely blocked, reducing the pressure of blood delivered to the erectile chambers during sexual stimulation. This can lead to slower erections, reduced rigidity, difficulty maintaining an erection, and less spontaneous erections. [5]
If ED testing identifies an arterial blockage, some men may be a candidate for vascular reconstruction. The procedure uses microvascular surgery to bypass the blockage and restore blood flow to the penis. [5]
FAQ: When Should I Ask My Doctor About ED Treatments Beyond Cialis or Viagra?
You should ask your doctor about other erectile dysfunction treatments if Cialis or Viagra is not working well enough, causes side effects that you cannot tolerate, or does not fit the cause of your ED. Oral medications can help many men get and keep an erection, but they are not the only option. Your doctor may also discuss counseling, penile implants, or surgery in certain cases.
The right option depends on what is contributing to your ED. If anxiety, depression, stress, relationship conflict, or performance worry is involved, counseling or sex therapy may help. If other treatments have not worked or cannot be used, a penile implant may be considered. If testing shows a localized arterial blockage, vascular reconstruction may be an option for some men. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment for your case.
Before choosing another ED treatment:
- Review whether you used Cialis or Viagra correctly and at the prescribed dose.
- Tell your doctor how often ED happens and whether you can get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.
- Mention stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or performance worry.
- Discuss whether counseling or sex therapy may help.
- Ask whether blood flow testing is needed if a blocked artery may be involved.
- Compare the benefits, risks, recovery time, and long-term expectations for each option.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.