Previous Section
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
In general, the treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) are grouped into the following categories:
First-line treatments:
- education and counseling
- lifestyle modifications
- drug therapy (testosterone replacement therapy; PDE-5 inhibitors)
- pelvic floor exercises
Second-line treatments:
- intraurethral alprostadil
- intracavernosal penile injection of alprostadil
- penile vacuum pumps
Third-line treatments:
- surgical implantation of a penile implant prosthesis
- surgical repair of obstructed arteries
It is important for men with ED to learn as much as possible about the various treatment options and understand the risks and benefits of each treatment modality. Because ED also affects the patient's partner, it is equally important to involve their partner in the decision making process.
