From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction is the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) medications, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil, as they have been shown to improve sexual intercourse and erectile function in patients with ED 1.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for erectile dysfunction include:
- Oral medications: PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra, 25-100mg), tadalafil (Cialis, 5-20mg), vardenafil (Levitra, 5-20mg), or avanafil (Stendra, 50-200mg) taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity
- Lifestyle modifications: regular exercise, weight management, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress
- Alternatives for those who don't respond to oral medications: vacuum erection devices, penile injections (alprostadil), urethral suppositories, testosterone replacement (if levels are low), or penile implants as a surgical option
- Psychological counseling to address anxiety, depression, or relationship issues contributing to erectile dysfunction
Important Considerations
- The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity, patient preference, and other health conditions
- It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment, as some options may interact with medications or be contraindicated in certain conditions like heart disease
- PDE5i treatment has been shown to improve the symptoms of ED and to be well tolerated, but it is contraindicated in patients taking oral nitrates due to the risk of a dangerous decrease in blood pressure 1.
Additional Recommendations
- Testosterone therapy may relieve symptoms of ED, problems with ejaculation, or problems with orgasm in patients with low testosterone levels, but it should not be used if contraindicated by the primary oncologic diagnosis 1.
- Pelvic physical therapy and vibratory therapy may also improve sexual function in some patients.
From the FDA Drug Label
LEVITRA is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil, when taken as needed up to once per day, was shown to be effective in improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED)
The treatment options for erectile dysfunction include:
- Vardenafil (PO): indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction
- Tadalafil (PO): shown to be effective in improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) when taken as needed up to once per day 2 3
From the Research
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
The treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) can be categorized into several approaches, including:
- Lifestyle modifications: Making changes to one's lifestyle, such as increasing physical activity, losing weight, and quitting smoking, can help improve ED symptoms 4
- Pharmacotherapy: Medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil can be effective in treating ED 5, 6, 7
- Psychosexual therapy: Counseling and therapy can help address psychological factors contributing to ED 5
- Surgical treatment: In some cases, surgical options such as penile implants may be considered 5
Pharmacological Treatment
Pharmacological treatment for ED includes:
- PDE5 inhibitors: These medications, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, work by increasing blood flow to the penis and are effective in treating ED 5, 6, 7
- Alprostadil: This medication can be administered via intracavernosal injection or intraurethral suppository and is effective in treating ED 5, 8
- Combination therapy: Combining PDE5 inhibitors with other medications, such as androgen supplementation, may be considered in some cases 8
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications that can help improve ED symptoms include:
- Increasing physical activity: Regular exercise can help improve blood flow and overall health 4
- Losing weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of ED 4
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow, contributing to ED 4
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of ED 4
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment options for ED include:
- Penile implants: These devices can be implanted surgically to help achieve and maintain an erection 5
- Penile arterial revascularization: This surgical procedure can help improve blood flow to the penis 5
- Venous ligation surgery: This surgical procedure can help reduce blood flow out of the penis and improve erectile function 5