Five Treatment Options for Male Impotence

Male impotence used to be a little-discussed topic, but the popularity of Viagra and other prescription medications has changed all that. Nowadays there is openness about the problems men encounter, as they grow older, including issues relating to sexual performance and satisfaction. If you suffer from bouts of impotence, it's important to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes impotence can be a symptom of an underlying systemic disease. It's important to rule out the possibility of potentially serious problems before treating the impotence. Here are five treatment options that may be offered to you depending on your specific circumstances.

Oral Medications: This is usually the first treatment offered to patients. In recent years, the Food and Dairy Association has approved a number of impotence-fighting oral medications. The most famous of these is inarguably Viagra, which works by allowing the blood vessels to expand and increase blood flow during sexual intercourse. The patient will only experience an erection while sexually aroused. Viagra is just one of recently developed impotence drugs that are known as a PDE-5 class drugs, which are drugs that allow and enhance the natural processes that occur during sex. Although oral medications have proven to be safe and effective, they can trigger side effects in certain patients. The most common of these are headaches, backaches, and upset stomach pain.

Intra Urethral Pellets: These are small pellets that contain medication. They are inserted into the urethra by the patient using a small applicator. The pellet medication works by causing the blood vessels in the penis to relax and open, allowing the penis to fill with blood and become erect as normal. Although intra urethral pellets have been found to be effective for many men, side effects may include a burning and painful sensation.

Penile Injections: The patient is prescribed a powerful muscle relaxant formula that is injected into the base of the penis prior to sexual activity. The muscle tissue becomes relaxed, allowing blood to flow into the penis and cause erection. Either the patient or his partner can inject the formula. Side effects may include scarring, pain, and bleeding. In rare cases, prolonged erection may also result.

Vacuum Therapy: This involves the use of a plastic cylinder that is placed over the penis to allow erection. The cylinder is used to create a vacuum that allows greater blood flow into the penis. The erection is maintained throughout the course of sexual intercourse through the use of a plastic rubber ring that is placed at the base of the penis. Side effects may include discomfort or pain, bruising, and diminished ejaculation.

Penile Implants: This treatment is usually reserved for cases that have not responded to other less invasive forms of therapy or treatment. Penal implants are an irreversible form of surgical intervention in which two balloons are implanted into the penis. A pump in implanted into the scrotum, and a reservoir is constructed near the area of the bladder. Before sexual intercourse, the pump is used to inflate the balloons to create and sustain an erection.

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