How to treat impotence: what drugs for erectile dysfunction? + other methods

The type of treatment depends on the specific cause of impotence. Thus, the type of treatment depends on the established diagnosis of the patient.

Pharmacological treatment

Pharmacological treatment usually involves prescription drugs. In the treatment of erectile dysfunction, drugs that have a beneficial effect on the function of the blood vessels in the penis are used.

The basic therapeutic component is the inhibitor sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil or avanafil.

The effect of the drugs is to dilate the blood vessels and increase blood flow in the penis.

Pharmacological testosterone replacement therapy is again suitable for men who have a low level of testosterone hormone.

Another form of treatment for impotence is the application of the vasoactive synthetic hormone aplrostadil, which promotes blood flow to the penis and vasodilation of the man's blood vessels.

It is either administered by injection locally into the penis or a special suppository is placed in the urethra. Both methods of administering the drug are tied to a doctor's prescription.

Conservative treatment

Due to the frequent psychogenic factor, some form of psychotherapy is advisable, which can be a very effective way of treating impotence.

A new treatment option for erectile dysfunction is the application of shock waves to the penis (ESWT). Shock wave therapy is a simple and safe method applied superficially. It is performed regularly usually once a week for a certain period of time.

The principle of the treatment is to promote the function of blood vessels and improve microcirculation in the penis. The waves accelerate regenerative processes, promote local metabolism and blood circulation in the penile tissue.

Supplementation of necessary vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium is suitable.

It is also possible to take various supplements for erection and support of the circulatory system, which are also freely available. These are nutritional supplements containing the necessary vitamins, minerals, and especially extracts of herbs.

Specific herbs can have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, blood circulation and penile erection. The main representatives are maca peruviana, ginseng, milk thistle, ginkgo, anchor clover or serenoa creeper.

They can be taken in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, macerates or as a complex of herbal extracts in dietary supplements.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is the most challenging form of treatment. It involves the application of an implant into the penis, which should permanently resolve the problem of erectile dysfunction.

It is a procedure where special prostheses are inserted into the penis to replace the erectile bodies. This form of treatment is mainly used for absolute erectile dysfunction.

Most conditions associated with impotence can already be solved or significantly improved thanks to modern medical methods.

The expert guarantor of the article, Zuzana Kožlejová, M.D., PhD., adds the following information:
Beware of various miracle nutritional supplements. They can have serious side effects. Before starting treatment for erectile dysfunction, the doctor should evaluate the patient's cardiovascular condition for possible side effects!