Identifying the cause of the erectile problem is the first step towards solving it. There are many treatment options for erectile dysfunction to choose from. Some may be recommended over others based on your medical history and what is causing your ED. For example, while over-the-counter pharmacy medications may help in some cases, some patients may require the help of a Urologist or psychosexual counselling.
Viagra Connect® is an Over-the-Counter treatment for ED
Viagra Connect® is available to buy from pharmacies without a prescription to help adult men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Oral treatments for ED work by temporarily relaxing blood vessels in the penis to increase blood flow and allow an erection to happen. The amount of time this medicine takes to work varies from person to person, but it normally takes between 30 to 60 minutes. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. Relax and be patient if Viagra Connect® does not help you the first time. You can try again later but remember you can only take 1 tablet a day. For most men, Viagra Connect® will work the first or second time they try it. If it has been some time since you were able to get or keep an erection, it may take a couple of attempts before you achieve the desired effect. Talk to your doctor if you have tried Viagra Connect®, and are still not able to get and keep an erection.
Other common ED treatments
Penis Pumps
A penile vacuum pump or vacuum erection device works by a man putting his penis inside of the pump’s plastic tube and then pumping the air out of it. This creates a vacuum causing the penis to fill with blood and become erect. Next, placing a rubber ring around the base of the penis keeps the blood in place so that an erection can be kept for around 30 minutes.
Injectable Treatments
Injectable treatments for erectile dysfunction are available on prescription only. At the consultation, a nurse or doctor will demonstrate how to inject directly into the penis shaft, avoiding the sensitive tip or the base of the penis. An erection normally occurs within 5–15 minutes after application.
Hormone Therapy
If a man’s ED symptoms are caused by conditions related to his hormones, such as low levels of testosterone, they can be referred to an endocrinologist by their doctor. The endocrinologist may then prescribe testosterone replacement therapy to restore its levels as a first step in treatment, or as part of a combination with other impotence therapies.
Penile Implants
If you’re not suited to other treatments or should all other treatment methods fail, a doctor may recommend surgery for a penile implant. These implants can be inflatable or semi-rigid. The inflatable implants are inflated at the time of sexual activity and deflated when not in use. Semi-rigid rods result in a penis that is always slightly rigid.
Psychosexual Therapy
Sometimes, the cause may be something psychological or emotional and this is where psychosexual therapy can help. This therapy is talk-focused and can be done solo or with your partner to guide you through and help you overcome sex-related problems and emotional or relational difficulties. Often, by relieving the anxiety around ED, recovery can begin.
The sooner you take action to get help, the sooner you can get your love life back on track. Talk to your pharmacist about Viagra Connect® and other treatment options available for ED symptoms or make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss the most suitable method or methods for you.