ED treatments
Sexual problems can be difficult for your partner to come to terms with and erectile dysfunction may make him withdrawn and less communicative than previously. However, it is important to note that about 1 in 10 men suffer from ED at some point in their lifetime, so you are not alone. It is worthwhile talking with your partner about his feelings on impotence and providing him with the necessary support. There are now over 10 different treatments available for his ED from the doctor. These include:
- Oral medications
- Injections
- Insertions
- Vacuum pumps
- Hormones
- Surgery
- Sex and relationship therapy
It can be difficult for your partner to talk about erectile dysfunction, due to his level of embarrassment about his condition. We provide advice to help you help your partner overcome any embarrassment or communication problems to seek ED diagnosis and treatment for his condition.
There are several treatments available, but finding a suitable treatment is not the end of the story. We can help you support each other while you overcome his erectile dysfunction together. Nurturing your relationship as you reconnect with your partner and getting used to being intimate again is equally important as finding the right ED treatment.
Current treatments for ED
“Like most people, I had heard about some of these treatments, but what I didn’t realise is that there are now over 10 different ones available from the doctor. Oral treatments (tablets) are now commonly used; although other approaches such as injections and insertions are also available. You should note that different treatments can work in different ways and it’s important for your partner to discuss this with his doctor in order to find a suitable treatment.”The different treatments available:
Oral treatment
3 different tablets are currently available from the doctor and these work when there is sexual stimulation. Depending on the treatment, it will need to be taken 20 minutes to 1 hour before sex and the period of time over which it works can vary between 3 hours and up to 36 hours.Alprostadil
| "We never realised that there are now over 10 different treatments available for his ED" |
Vacuum pumps
These work by drawing blood into the penis and are also used just before sexual intercourse.Hormone treatment
It is rare, but some men receive hormones for their erection problem. This does depend on the cause of the problem as well as other factors.Surgery
Often, as a last resort if other treatments have failed, the most common procedure is prosthetic implants which involves the insertion of artificial rods into the penis.Counselling
All men with erectile dysfunction would benefit from counselling and it should be an integral part of treatment.“Remember, your partner should talk to his doctor
about the different treatments available; about
the differences between treatments and which
one may be right for him.”
© 2007 Lilly
