Erectile Dysfunction: Where to Start
In this article
- Day One ... We're here to help.
- Drugs and Devices for Erectile Dysfunction
- Sexuality and Erectile Dysfunction
Day One ... We're here to help.
The doctor says you have erectile dysfunction (ED). It sounds terrible, but it's not the end of your sex life. In fact, your sex life probably is about to get much better.
You may have a referral to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in treating this condition, for more tests. You may already have a trial prescription for Viagra or similar drugs. Whatever you're doing next, the most important thing to remember is that you aren't in this alone.
Your partner is also affected by the problem and is an important part of the solution. Nothing is going to help you more than talking with your partner about what works, and doesn't work, for both of you.
Drugs and Devices for Erectile Dysfunction
An erection starts in the brain, where arousal signals trigger a chemical chain reaction. This process results in relaxation of the muscle in the blood vessel walls that keeps blood from flowing into the penis. Lots of different things can go wrong along the way, which is why there are so many different causes of ED.
If you have erectile dysfunction, Viagra or similar drugs -- like Cialis and Levitra -- may very well solve your problem. These drugs help the arousal signal from the brain do what it's supposed to do by allowing more blood flow into the penis to allow for an erection. They will not give you an erection, but they allow you to have one with stimulation. You and your partner will have to adjust to using these medications.
While these drugs work for many people with erectile dysfunction, they won't work for everyone. It is also important to know that not everyone is a suitable candidate for these drugs. If these issues are true in your case, there are other options to consider.
To bypass roadblocks along the brain-to-penis highway, drugs can be injected or inserted directly into the penis. While some men find this painful to think about, many others find that it can restore a satisfying sex life and is highly effective.