From the Guidelines
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be effectively treated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil, as first-line treatments, according to the most recent guidelines 1.
Treatment Options
- Oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra) are commonly used to treat ED, as they increase blood flow to the penis and are typically taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, weight management, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress, are also important for treating ED.
- For those who don't respond to oral medications, alternatives include vacuum erection devices, penile injections (such as alprostadil), urethral suppositories, testosterone replacement if levels are low, or penile implants as a surgical option.
Important Considerations
- It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment, as ED can be a symptom of underlying conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure that should be addressed.
- Treatment choice depends on the cause of ED, severity, overall health, and personal preference, as noted in recent guidelines 1.
- The most recent study 1 suggests that treatments for ED may include phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracorporeal or intraurethral prostaglandins, vacuum devices, or penile prostheses, which can improve a person's quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
Tadalafil tablets are indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Tadalafil tablets helps increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity.
- Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Tadalafil tablets are a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Mechanism of Action: Tadalafil tablets help increase blood flow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity.
- Important Considerations: Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen with tadalafil tablets. Tadalafil tablets do not cure ED, increase a man’s sexual desire, protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, or serve as a male form of birth control. 2 2 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
- A wide range of treatments are available for erectile dysfunction, including medications, devices, and surgical interventions 3
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are recognized as efficacious and well-tolerated, and are the first-line treatment for ED 4
- Treatment options can be categorized into first-line, second-line, and third-line therapies, with oral agents being the first-line treatment 3
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) Inhibitors
- PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, are the most widely used and studied treatments for ED 4
- These inhibitors have been shown to be effective in up to 65% of men with ED, including those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and other comorbid medical conditions 5, 6
- The choice of PDE5 inhibitor should be based on individual patient factors, including medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences 4, 7
Other Treatment Options
- Vacuum erection devices and intracavernosal injection therapy using vasodilator medications are alternative treatment options for men who have contraindications or are non-responders to PDE5 inhibitors 5, 6
- Surgical treatment options, such as penile implants, are also available and have undergone improvements over the years, providing an effective and satisfying treatment alternative 6
- Novel and innovative therapeutic options, such as penile vascular surgery, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and intracavernosal stem cell therapies, are being investigated, but require further research to support their long-term safety and efficacy 6