Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is common in men as they age. The specific causes can be due to restricted blood flow to the penis, side effects from medications, conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, and changes in hormone levels.
The good news is there are multiple treatment options available, ranging from prescription drugs to injections and acoustic wave therapy. If you are someone who is experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with ED, there’s a good chance a treatment option exists for your specific needs and situation.
Which ED Treatment Options are Available?
There are several effective options available to treat ED, including the below. The one that is best for you will be determined by a GameDay Men’s Health medical professional based on your current health history and a thorough medical evaluation.
Benefits of ED Treatment
While each of the above-mentioned ED treatments will vary slightly, the overall benefits include:
- Increased ability to achieve and maintain an erection
- Stronger and longer-lasting erections
- Improved confidence and mood
- Enhanced sex drive
The above treatments can potentially restore erectile function so that you can get your confidence back.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
For men with erectile dysfunction, it can be difficult to get or maintain an erection. The symptoms can include:
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
- Premature ejaculation
It’s also possible to experience a decline in mental health and confidence, as the above-mentioned symptoms can be difficult to cope with in life.
To diagnose erectile dysfunction, a doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a detailed health history and medical evaluation. They might also draw a small sample of blood to further examine your hormone levels.
What is GAINSWave® Treatment for ED?
GAINSWave® is a non-invasive treatment that increases blood flow through the use of low-intensity sound waves. It’s a completely natural, safe solution for improving sexual health that provides long-lasting benefits with no downtime required. As men age, it’s common for blood flow to the penis to decrease. This thins out existing blood vessels, which decreases sensitivity and makes it more difficult to get an erection. GAINSWave® works by using high-frequency low-intensity shock waves to increase blood flow to the penis.
Acoustic wave therapy is applied to the penis and removes any micro plaque that might have built up, increasing blood flow and encouraging new blood vessels to form. The result is harder, more sustainable erections.
How Long Do GAINSWave® Benefits Last?
How long the benefits last will depend on the individual. Some men experience enhanced sensitivity and improved sexual performance for up to 3 years. Most men need between six to twelve sessions to experience the benefits.
Side Effects of GAINSWave® Treatment
While GAINSWave® is considered generally safe with minimal risk, the side effects can include mild bruising, temporary numbness, or a tingling sensation in the area. More severe complications (while rare) can include damage or infection to the penile tissue.
What is P-Shot Treatment for ED?
It’s common for men as they age to experience Erectile Dysfunction as a result of restricted blood vessels and aging tissue, which can reduce blood flow to the penis. This is where P-Shot penile injections can help. Their key ingredient is Platelet Rich Plasma, which works by recruiting naturally occurring growth factors and proteins from within your own blood.
When PRP is injected into the penis, it encourages proteins to nourish blood flow to that area, triggering specific therapeutic properties to increase penile blood flow and promote the formation of healthier penile tissue. The result is enhanced sensitivity, stronger erections, and improved overall sexual performance.
How Long Do P-Shot Benefits Last?
While the exact timeframe will vary from person to person, many men experience the benefits of P-Shot injections for several months to a year. Additionally, it’s common for men to begin noticing the results from treatment within a few weeks after the first injection. The timing and number of injections you need will vary based on your overall health and additional factors affecting your sexual function.
Side Effects of P-Shot Treatment
While side effects can vary from person to person, they tend to be minimal (since PRP is taken from your own blood). Side effects, while rare, can include bruising, swelling at the injection site, and bleeding.
What is Testosterone Replacement Treatment for ED?
Testosterone replacement treatment uses testosterone cypionate to treat men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction as a result of low testosterone levels. While there are several medications available for treating low T, testosterone cypionate is known for being very effective and well-tolerated by many individuals. It’s also known as Duratest, Depo-Testosterone, and Testoject LA.
How Long Do Testosterone Replacement Treatment Benefits Last?
Similar to other ED treatments, testosterone replacement treatment typically requires several sessions over the course of several weeks or months. Many men begin to notice an improvement in ED symptoms after several weeks of treatment. The exact timeframe will vary from person to person.
Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Treatment
The side effects of testosterone replacement treatment can range from soreness at the injection site, night sweats, oily skin, and acne. Long-term side effects can include high blood pressure and cholesterol.
What is Trimix Treatment for ED?
Trimix is a self-administered medication that increases blood flow to the penis, enabling an erection. It is known for working quickly, and the effects can last for 1 hour. Trimix consists of Papaverine, Phentolamine, and Prostaglandin E 1. Each of these medications works in slightly different ways to help address ED in men.
How Long Do Trimix Treatment Benefits Last?
The effects of Trimix typically last for 1 hour.
Side Effects of Trimix Treatment
Side effects of Trimix tend to be minimal. If side effects do occur, they can include headaches, dizziness, penile pain, injection site bruising, and prolonged erection. If you experience an erection that lasts longer than 3 hours, it’s recommended you seek medical attention.
What is Cialis/Viagra Treatment For ED?
Cialis and Viagra are two types of ED drugs available in pill form as oral medications and work by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to the penis, enabling an erection when combined with stimulation. Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil and Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil.
The exact medication prescribed will depend on your specific needs determined by a medical professional.
Cialis can be taken on-demand (as needed) or daily and Viagra is taken on-demand before beginning sexual activity.
How Long Do Cialis and Viagra Treatment Benefits Last?
Cialis typically lasts for up to 36 hours and Viagra typically lasts for 4 to 5 hours.
Side Effects of Cialis and Viagra Treatment
Side effects can include headaches, flushing, indigestion, low blood pressure, and nasal congestion.
What To Expect During ED Treatment
During Your ED Treatment Appointment
Doctors treat erectile dysfunction by conducting a thorough medical evaluation and asking questions about the symptoms you have been experiencing. If you’re determined to be a candidate for treatment, your ED Specialist will discuss your specific treatment options with you and administer treatment.
After Your ED Treatment Appointment
Most ED treatments are outpatient procedures with little to no downtime. In many cases, you’ll be able to drive after the session and return to work or your normal activity.
Additional sessions could be needed over the course of several weeks and months to experience the full benefit of treatment, depending on which specific treatment was administered. The exact number of treatments needed will vary from person to person.
How Much Does ED Treatment Cost?
For pricing details, please book an appointment at one of our locations and speak to our expert medical team.
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