Understanding Your Treatment Options

Understanding Your Treatment Options

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can limit daily life, affect intimacy and self-esteem and impact relationships.7 But there’s good news—there is treatment available.


What are my treatment options?

The vast majority of ED cases are treatable. There are a variety of proven and effective ways to go about getting the treatment you need – if you’re not sure whether you have a problem or what to do next, the first step is talking to your GP or urologist  It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the treatment options available which fall into two categories; surgical treatments and non-surgical treatments.
 
Make sure you understand the options available to you and be open and upfront about how the treatment options fit your lifestyle. Explore your ED treatment options now.

Surgical Treatments | Penile Implants

Penile implants have been in use for over 40 years,35 and are considered a long term option for a man suffering from ED.

The penile implant has helped nearly 500,000 men4 return to an active and satisfying sex life.

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Behavioural Therapies | Counselling and Lifestyle Modifications

Psychotherapy and/or behavioural therapy alone may be helpful even if there is no physical cause of ED or if a man is not ready for medical or surgical treatment. Counselling may be beneficial in combination with other treatments.

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Non-Surgical Treatments | Oral Medications

Most men with ED start with pills or oral medication. These may improve blood flow to the penis, and with sexual stimulation, can help you achieve an erection.25-27, 29  

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Non-Surgical Treatments | Vacuum Erection Devices or Pump

A mechanical ED pump used to pull blood into the penis can cause an erection. The system includes a plastic cylinder, an external penile pump, and a tension band to place at the base of the penis. When the penis is erect, the ring is placed at the base to maintain an erection long enough to have sex (up to 30 minutes).28

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Non-Surgical Treatments | Penile Injections

These medications may be combined and injected using a needle directly into the base or side of the penis. The medication may increase blood flow to the penis, creating an erection. The recommended frequency of injection is no more than three times weekly, and should produce an erection in 5-20 minutes.31

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Where can I get help?

Getting help is easy! Talking to your GP or a trusted urologist is the first positive step towards determining whether you have ED and, if you do, how to best treat it.

Urologists are specialists in ED and offer the full spectrum of treatment options. Your urologist will explore specific options with you and typically manage the surgical or non-surgical treatments.

One of the most difficult aspects of getting treatment will be making that first appointment and having that first consultation with your GP or urologist, but after discussing your concerns you will feel a whole lot better. Your GP or urologist are best qualified to diagnose and make recommendations on the most suitable treatments for you.

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Treatment Options

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ED and Medical Conditions

Prostate Cancer

While ED may be a side effect of prostate cancer treatment, erectile function does not return in all cases. Penile rehabilitation and counseling may help both partners in recovery. Despite wide usage, 30% to 50% of patients who turn to sexual aids after surgery discontinue use within a year.10

Diabetes

Men with diabetes are more likely to move to advanced treatments than those without diabetes.20 A healthy lifestyle can help you control your diabetes and improve ED symptoms. Treatment options are available, however, men with diabetes are less responsive to oral ED medications.16

Heart Disease

What’s good for the heart is good for your ED symptoms. If ED occurs, most treatment options are available. However, oral ED medication and heart medications don’t mix well and the medication in suppositories and some injections should not be used if you have blood clotting problems.31

Always talk to your doctor about your ED symptoms and concerns.

Take the Quiz

Take our quiz to identify if you are experiencing ED symptoms and help kick-start the conversation with your doctor or urologist.

Questions to Ask

Helpful hints on how to start the conversation with your GP or urologist, and other useful resources.

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