Best Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED)—the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance—affects men of all ages. While occasional difficulties are common, ongoing problems can signal underlying health issues and impact quality of life. Fortunately, several effective treatments exist. This guide summarizes first-line and alternative options, drawing on key clinical studies and expert recommendations.

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1. First-Line Therapy: Oral PDE5 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors revolutionized ED treatment when sildenafil (Viagra®) was introduced in 1998. Long-term data on tadalafil (Cialis®) further solidified this class as first choice.

Sildenafil (Viagra®)

• Landmark study: Goldstein & Lue (1998, N Engl J Med)
• Dosage: 25–100 mg taken 1 hour before intercourse
• Efficacy: 60–70% of men report improved erections
• Onset & duration: 30–60 minutes onset, up to 4–5 hours duration
• Side effects: headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia
• Contraindications: nitrates (risk of severe hypotension), certain α-blockers, severe cardiovascular disease

Tadalafil (Cialis®)

• Long-term study: Porst & Kim (2004, Urology)
• Dosage: 5–20 mg taken as needed, or 2.5–5 mg once daily
• Efficacy: comparable to sildenafil with durable benefits over months
• Onset & duration: 30 minutes onset, up to 36 hours duration (“weekend pill”)
• Side effects: similar to sildenafil, plus possible myalgia/back pain
• Advantages: flexible dosing, improved spontaneity

Other PDE5 Inhibitors

• Vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®)
• Avanafil (Stendra®): faster onset (15–30 minutes)

Key points when choosing a PDE5 inhibitor

• Patient preference (duration, spontaneity)
• Side effect profile
• Drug interactions and comorbidities
• Cost and insurance coverage

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2. Lifestyle Modifications & Risk Factor Management

ED often reflects vascular, metabolic, or psychological health. Addressing underlying factors can improve treatment outcomes:

• Weight management: losing excess pounds boosts testosterone and vascular function
• Exercise: aerobic activity (30 minutes, 5×/week) improves endothelial health
• Smoking cessation: reverses vascular damage
• Alcohol moderation: heavy use impairs erectile function
• Blood sugar & blood pressure control: essential in diabetic or hypertensive men

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3. Psychosexual Therapy

When stress, anxiety, or relationship issues contribute to ED, consider:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Sex therapy
• Couples counseling

Combining PDE5 inhibitors with counseling often yields the best results in men with mixed organic and psychogenic ED.

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4. Second-Line Options

If oral medications are contraindicated, not tolerated or ineffective, other strategies include:

Vacuum Erection Devices (VED)

• How it works: vacuum pump draws blood into the penis, then a constriction ring maintains the erection
• Pros: non-invasive, drug-free
• Cons: some find it mechanical or cold; possible bruising

Intracavernosal Injection Therapy

• Agents: alprostadil (Caverject®), bimix/trimix (prostaglandin E1 + other vasodilators)
• Efficacy: up to 85% respond
• Administration: penile injection 5–15 minutes before intercourse
• Side effects: penile pain, priapism (rare but serious)

Intraurethral Alprostadil (MUSE®)

• Pellet inserted into urethra
• Efficacy: 50–60% respond
• Side effects: urethral burning, minor bleeding

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5. Surgical Treatments

Reserved for men who fail less-invasive therapies:

• Penile prosthesis implants

  • Inflatable or malleable rods placed inside the penis
  • High satisfaction rates (>90%)
  • Risks: infection, device malfunction

• Vascular surgery

  • Rarely performed; reserved for younger men with discrete arterial blockage

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6. Emerging Therapies

• Low-intensity shock wave therapy: may improve neovascularization (still investigational)
• Gene and stem cell therapy: early clinical trials

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7. When to Seek Medical Attention

While ED is common, it can signal serious conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormone imbalances). If you experience:

• Sudden inability to achieve erection
• Chest pain, dizziness or fainting during sex
• Severe penile pain or erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism)

…speak to a doctor immediately.

For a quick, free, online symptom check for erectile dysfunction, use a reputable symptom-checker tool.

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8. Final Recommendations

• Start with lifestyle changes and risk-factor control.
• Try a PDE5 inhibitor under medical supervision—selection based on your health, preference and cost.
• If oral meds aren’t suitable, discuss vacuum devices, injections or intraurethral therapy.
• Reserve surgery for refractory cases.
• Address psychological factors with counseling.
• Always inform your doctor about all medications and health conditions.

This information is a general guide. Speak to a qualified healthcare professional to determine the safest, most effective treatment plan for your situation.