Treating Erectile Dysfunction
There are several treatments available to help treat ED. Discuss your options with your doctor.
| Medical Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction |
| Treatment |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
PDE5 Inhibitors (Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, Viagra) |
- Success rate for full intercourse 40-60%
- Minimally invasive (easy to take)
- Maintain spontaneity
|
- May not work
- Cost
- Can’t be taken with nitrate medications
- Won’t work if erection nerves removed
|
Penile Injections |
- Success rates up to 85%
- Can work even if erection nerves removed/damaged
- Useful if can’t take PDE5 inhibitors
|
- Penis discomfort
- May not work
- Cost
- Risk of prolonged, inappropriate erection
- Scar tissue in 10-15%, which can curve penis
- Fainting (rare)
|
Medicated Urethral System for Erection |
- 57% success rate
- No needle
- Can work even if erection nerves removed/damaged
- Useful if can’t take PDE5 inhibitors
|
- Penis discomfort
- May not work
- Cost
|
Vacuum Constructive Devices |
- Success rates 85-92%
- Do not require medication or surgery
|
- Cost
- Can cause bruising
- Can’t be left on longer than 30 minutes
- Can’t use with blood thinners
- Penis may be cool to the touch so not a natural feel
|
Penile Prosthesis |
- 85% satisfaction rates reported
- One-time surgery
- Avoids risk of curved penis caused by penile injections
- More relaxed foreplay with no change in skin sensation
|
- Infection in approximately 2% of men, requiring removal of the prosthesis
- 15% of implants fail, and surgery is required to repair/remove prosthesis; may be embarrassing with new partner
|
| Source: Jamnicky, L., Nam, R. The Canadian Guide to Prostate Cancer, Second Edition. Mississauga: John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 2013. Page 196. |
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