Erectile Dysfunction MedicationsMedical Author:
Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Omudhome Ogbru, PharmDDr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99. Medical Editor:
Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MDJay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is the inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for successful sexual activity. Normally, an erection occurs when the arteries carrying blood to the penis widen, allowing more blood to flow in, and the veins carrying blood away from the penis are compressed, restricting blood from flowing out. In other words, more blood flows in and less flows out, making the penis larger and causing an erection. Certain nerves and hormones in the body also play a role in initiating and maintaining an erection. Any abnormality involving nervous or hormonal systems, whether due to medication or disease, may affect the ability to develop and sustain an erection, to ejaculate, and to experience orgasm. What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?Erectile dysfunction can be caused by any number of physical and psychological factors. In general, erectile dysfunction is classified according to whether it is caused by organic (caused by a bodily organ or organ system) or psychogenic (mental) factors. Diseases, nutritional status, trauma, surgical procedures, or medications can affect erectile function by altering the nervous, vascular, or hormonal systems. Some men have more than one cause for their erectile dysfunction. |
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Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Nonsurgical Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction »
Exploring Your Treatment Options
Virtually any man who wishes to have an erection can obtain it, regardless of the underlying cause of his problem.
Many reasonable nonsurgical treatment options exist for erectile dysfunction (also called male impotence), including external vacuum devices, medications (oral and topical), hormonal therapy, penile injection therapy, and intraurethral pellet therapy. Sex counseling is another option and is discussed in Living With Erectile Dysfunction.
In selected cases and under the supervision of an experienced urologist who treats erectile dysfunction, therapy combining several of these methods can be used. If none of these therapies is satisfactory, surgical treatment, such as a penile prosthesis, can be considered.
External Vacuum Devices
Specially designed vacuum devices to produce erections have been used successfully for many years. Vacuum devices are safe, relatively inexpensive, and reliable....
Read the Nonsurgical Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction article »
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Erectile Dysfuncton »
Sexual health and function are important determinants of quality of life.
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