Can I just ignore ED?

You could, but there are several good reasons why you shouldn't:

  • It's unlikely that it will just ‘go away’.
  • ED can have a significant impact on your life, affecting your self-confidence and self image.
  • ED symptoms may also be signs of one or more underlying medical conditions.
  • ED can be associated with psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress.

Exactly how important is sex?

What percentage of men consider sex an important part of a fulfilling life?

A: In an international survey of 12,563 men and women in 27 countries, 88% of male respondents agreed that sex is an important part of a fulfilling life.

What are the ED treatment options?

There are a variety of treatment options to meet your needs and preferences and, like any therapy, each has advantages and disadvantages. Your physician will explain the options to you and your partner. For more information, it is recommended that you speak with your physician or pharmacist.

Click each of the current therapies for more detail.

  • Oral Therapy

    With oral drugs, the man still requires sexual stimulation to allow the natural erection process to take place. As with any medication, there are side effects. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about these. The underlying cause of ED may have an impact on the effectiveness of these drugs.

  • Vacuum Therapy

    This treatment involves the use of a vacuum constriction device (VCD), the components of which are a vacuum pump, a closed plastic cylinder and a constriction ring. Placing the penis in the cylinder and pumping out the air produces a vacuum which draws blood into the erectile tissues, causing an erection that is then maintained by a constriction band placed at the base of the penis.

  • Transurethral Therapy

    This treatment involves using an applicator to insert a tiny suppository into the tip of the penis. the drug relaxes the muscles of the erectile tissue, increasing blood flow.

  • Penile Injection Therapy

    Penile injection therapy involves self-injecting a drug with a fine needle directly into the side of the penis prior to attempting intercourse. Similar to transurethral therapy, the drug relaxes the muscles of the erectile tissue, increasing blood flow.

  • Penile Implants

    This treatment involves replacing erectile tissue in the penis with a prosthesis. There are two basic types of implants: semi-rigid malleable prosthesis and inflatable (hydraulic) devices with one, two or three components. Both types require surgery and, for this reason, are generally considered only after other options fail.

  • Vascular surgery

    This treatment is generally for men whose blood flow has been blocked by an injury to the penis or pelvic area. Surgery corrects erectile dysfunction caused by vascular blockages. The goal of this treatment is to treat blockage of blood flow to the penis so that erections can occur naturally.

  • Professional Counseling

    Psychotherapy and/or behavioural therapy alone may be helpful for some patients in whom no physical cause of ED is detected, or for patients who refuse medical and surgical interventions. Counseling is also often beneficial in combination with other treatments.

  • Psychological Counseling and Sex Therapy

    If stress, anxiety or depression is the cause of your erectile dysfunction, your doctor may recommend that you, or you and your partner, see a psychologist or counselor with experience in treating sexual problems. Even if your ED is caused by something physical, the condition can cause stress and relationship tension.

If one ED treatment doesn't work, will the others?

As with any therapy, there is no such thing as "one-treatment-works-for-all". If you don't immediately get the results you expect, you have to be patient. If after trying a couple of times you and your partner still aren't satisfied with the results, talk to your doctor.

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