Treatment Options

Finding a satisfying solution could be life-changing for your patients. There are several treatment options with varying degrees of success and reliability.Because each option offers unique features, potential risks and benefits, it’s important to ensure your patients are aware of all the treatment options and talk with an ED Specialist to determine what is the best option for them.

Oral Medications

Oral medications are usually the option that most men try first. PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra™, Cialis™, or Levitra™)^1-3 may improve blood flow to the penis, but they don’t work for everyone—especially for men with diabetes. Oral medications have been shown to be less effective in men with diabetes than in men without diabetes.⁴In fact, over a 2 year observation period, men with diabetes are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to proceed with more advanced treatments for ED than men without diabetes.⁴

Vacuum Erection Devices

Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs) have been in use since the 1980s. The device consists of a hollow plastic tube, a vacuum pump and a tension ring. With the tube placed over the penis, the pump creates a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis. Once an erection is achieved, an elastic tension ring is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. Patient satisfaction rates range from 68–80%.⁵

Penile Implants

In use since the 1970s, the AMS 700™ MS Series Inflatable Penile implant has helped hundreds of thousands of men return to an active sex life.⁶ A penile implant is a medical device that is implanted in the penis during an outpatient procedure. The implant is entirely concealed within the body. To operate, one squeezes and releases, the pump, located in the scrotum, to achieve an erection. To return the penis to a natural flaccid state, the deflate button located on the pump bulb is depressed.

Studies report high patient and partner satisfaction rates. In one study of 200 men, 92% reported sexual activity to be “excellent” or “satisfactory” and 98% reported erections to be “excellent” or “satisfactory”.⁷ In another study 97% of patients would recommend an AMS 700 implant to a friend.⁸

In a study of 120 partners, 96% reported their partner’s erections to be “excellent” or “satisfactory”.⁷

Injections

In use since the 1980s, injection therapy uses a needle to inject medication directly into the base or side of the penis. These medication improve blood flow into the penis to cause an erection. Studies report satisfaction rates around 60%.⁹

Intraurethral Suppositories

In use since the 1990s, intraurethral suppository treatment for ED uses an applicator containing a small pellet that is inserted into the urethra. Once the pellet is released, it dissolves to increase blood flow to the penis to form an erection. One study reported satisfaction rates of 33%.¹⁰

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