Erectile dysfunction drugs are one variety of erectile dysfunction treatment. They function by increasing blood flow to the penis, and differ from each other primarily in how they work and how you take them. Erectile dysfunction drugs should not be confused with the many medications that can cause erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction Pills
Oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction, collectively known as PDE5 inhibitors, are by far the most popular and best-known drugs to treat ED. Brand names like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra all work more or less the same way, and have about the same rates of effectiveness. These medications do not produce a spontaneous erection -- in order to work they must be used together with sexual stimulation. Erectile dysfunction pills like Viagra and others may not be safe for a man to take, depending on other health conditions he may have.MUSE for Erectile Dysfunction
MUSE (which stands for Medicated Urethral System for Erection) is another treatment for erectile dysfunction. More of a tiny pellet than a pill, MUSE is is designed to be inserted directly into the urethra prior to wanting to get an erection. The medication dissolves and is absorbed into the penis through the urethra. MUSE may produce an erection without sexual stimulation, although it is still recommended to produce firmer erections. MUSE is also relatively convenient in terms of how and when you can use it, and it may be an option for men who cannot use oral medications.Erectile Dysfunction Injections
This erectile dysfunction treatment involves injecting medication directly into the penis using a syringe. There are three medications commonly used, and all three work by relaxing the smooth muscles and causing the arteries to dilate. While it can sound painful, penile injections don't actually cause very much pain (the needle is small) and while it is more cumbersome than taking a pill, for men who cannot take oral medications, the injections can be successful. Like MUSE, penile injections may produce an erection without additional stimulation, although it is still recommended.A 2010 review of ED drugs recommended that, assuming a man can safely use any of the drugs currently available, oral medications be tried first, followed by medication that is delivered by injection, and then by insertion into the urethra.
Before Using Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
Research indicates that erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of other potentially serious health problems (including cardiovascular disease and diabetes). Because of this, if you're experiencing problems with erections, your first stop should be to a doctor for a complete check up. Talk with your doctor or health care professional before tying any erectile dysfunction drugs.
Sources:
Eardley, I., Donatucci, C., Corbin, J., et. al. "Pharmacotherapy for Erectile Dysfunction" Journal of Sexual Medicine Vol. 7 (2010): 524-540.
Giannitsas, K., Konstantinopoulos, A., Patsialas, C., Perimenis, P. “Preference for and Adherence to Oral Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction” Patient Preferences and Adherence Vol. 2 (2008): 149–155.
Lilly USA: Cialis Patient Information
Linet, O.I., and Ogrinc, F.G. "Efficacy and Safety of Intracavernosal Alprostadil in Men with Erectile Dysfunction" New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 334, No. 14 (1996): 873-877.
MUSE (alprostadil) Patient Information Sheet
Penson, D.F., McLerran D., Feng Z, et. al. "5-Year Urinary and Sexual Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy: Results From the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study." Journal of Urology Vol. 173 (2005): 1701–5.
Pfizer: Caverject Patient Information
Pfizer: Information About Viagra
Raina, R., Agarwal, A., Ausmundson, S., et. al. "Long-term Efficacy and Compliance of MUSE for Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy: SHIM (IIEF-5) Analysis" International Journal of Impotence Research Vol. 17 (2005): 86-90.
