Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

1) Psychotherapy
Qualified therapists (e.g., sex counselors, psychotherapists) often treat psychologically based ED using techniques that decrease the anxiety associated with intercourse. The patient's partner can help with the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Psychological therapy may be effective in conjunction with medical or surgical treatment. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated.

2) Medical Treatment

Oral Medication
There are many oral medications available to treat erectile dysfunction. The most effective and famous five are (Click on the links to know more):

• Viagra ( sildenafil citrate)
• Cialis (tadalafil)
• Levitra(Vardenafil)
• Uprima
• Yohimbine (Yohimbine® , Yocon®)

Self-Injection
Many men achieve stronger erections by injecting drugs into the penis, causing it to become engorged with blood. Drugs such as papaverine hydrochloride, phentolamine, and alprostadil (marketed as Caverject) widen blood vessels. These drugs may create unwanted side effects, however, including persistent erection (known as priapism) and scarring. Nitroglycerin, a muscle relaxant, can sometimes enhance erection when rubbed on the penis.

Prostaglandin is the only substance currently approved for erectile dysfunction treatment. Phentolamine is a heart medication with similar effects used by some physicians to treat impotence.

Urethral suppositories containing prostaglandin (aprostadil), like Muse® (Medicated Urethral System for Erections), may be an alternative to injection. Using a hand-held delivery device, a man inserts a prostaglandin pellet through the meatus (penis opening) into the urethra. Prostaglandin is absorbed through the urethral mucosa and into the surrounding erectile tissue. It is available with a prescription, is well tolerated, and may improve erections in 60% of men who use it.
In addition to the side effects associated with injecting aprostadil, pain in the penis and perineum (area between scrotum and rectum) may occur with suppository use.

Vacuum Devices
Mechanical vacuum devices cause erection by creating a partial vacuum, which draws blood into the penis, engorging and expanding it. The devices have three components: a plastic cylinder, into which the penis is placed; a pump, which draws air out of the cylinder; and an elastic band, which is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection after the cylinder is removed and during intercourse by preventing blood from flowing back into the body.

Vacuum devices work best for the men who are able to achieve partial erections on their own. They are easy to use at home, require no other procedure, and typically improve erections regardless of the cause of impotence.

Surgical Treatments

Penile implants: Penile implants involve surgical insertion of malleable or inflatable rods or tubes into the penis. Implanted devices, known as prostheses, can restore erection in many men with ED. The following three kind of prosthesis implants are available:

Semi-rigid prosthesis

Inflatable penile prosthesis

Self-contained inflatable prosthesis

Possible problems with implants include mechanical breakdown and infection, although mechanical problems have diminished in recent years because of technological advances.

Vascular Reconstructive Surgery: Revascularization involves bypassing blocked veins or arteries by transferring a vein from the leg and attaching it so that it creates a path to the penis that bypasses the area of blockage. This technique is yet to be perfected and young men with only local arterial blockage are the best candidates for this procedure.

Venous Ligation is performed to prevent venous leak. Problematic veins are bound (ligated) or removed, which allows an adequate amount of blood to remain in the penis. It may improve function in 40% to 50% of men, but some men may experience problems over the long term.

Alternative therapy
Various alternative therapies claim to have a cure for impotence and other male and female sexual dysfunctions. Ayurveda, Naturotherapy, Acupuncture and Homeopathy claims to have some very effective cures for sexual dysfunctions.