These ED “Cures” Can Make the Problem Worse

Men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), will try just about anything to get back the performance and stamina they used to have in the bedroom. Unfortunately, some of those “fixes” can actually make the problem worse.

In fact, some of the most popular ED treatments have effects that can last long after their effects have worn off.

Here are some of the risky side effects associated with four common ED treatments.

The little blue pill

Since 1998, when Viagra was approved for market, men have been bombarded with advertisements for ED drugs. And all those marketing dollars have worked. Just because people are popping them like candy doesn’t mean they’re safe. The three most popular medicines for ED—Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra—all have significant risks, ranging from splitting headache, back pain, upset stomach, flushing, and blurred vision to heart attack, mini-strokes, and even death.^[1]

^[1] Lowe G, Costabile RA. 10-Year analysis of adverse event reports to the Food and Drug Administration for phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors. J Sex Med. 2012;9(1):265-270.

There’s a reason more and more men are turning away from these drugs and looking for real, safe solutions to their ED!

Injections

If the notion of sticking a needle in your penis in order to get an erection leaves you cringing, you’re not alone. But injections pose risks beyond discomfort. Some of the most common injectible ED medications—alprostadil, papaverine, phentolamine—can cause hives, fainting, dizziness, bleeding, liver damage, digestive upset … the list goes on. And let’s not forget priapism—an erection that won’t quit and will land you in the ER instead of enjoying a post-lovemaking embrace.

Plus, as time goes on, you’re doing damage to your penis with each injection. That’s because each puncture can cause scar tissue. And that scar tissue can cause a severe curve to develop in the penis—a condition called Peyronie’s disease. In addition, scar tissue can make it difficult or impossible to get an erection.

If you have scar tissue from using penile injections, there’s a therapy that can help. It’s called Acoustic Wave Therapy, and it can help break up scar tissue, improve blood flow, and stimulate nerve endings in the penis.

Vacuum pumps

Vacuum, or pumps, use suction and constriction to help a man achieve and maintain an erection for long enough to have intercourse. The good thing about vacuum pumps is that they don’t require any drugs. That means they don’t have the same contraindications that pills and injections can have. But as with pills and injections, they come with risks.

The main issue is that an erection achieved with a pump doesn’t feel the same as a natural erection. There can be numbness, bruising, and a decrease in the force of ejaculation.

But the biggest problem is that if the device doesn’t have a “quick release” feature, the excessive, prolonged suction can cause serious injury to the penis.

Implants

The last resort for some men with ED is a penile implant. These implants can either be bendable rods or inflatable prostheses. Implants are typically used when there’s a serious medical reason for ED, but they’re also sometimes used for Peyronie’s Disease.

Before you consider an implant, make sure you’ve truly considered all other options, because once you’ve had an implant you can’t go back to normal penile function. The surgery may make it impossible to have a natural erection again. And, of course, implants come with risks. Some are standard for any surgery—bleeding or infection, for instance. Others include scar tissue, problems with the device that require further surgery, or erosion of the tissue around the device.

 

Low-Risk Help for ED

If you’re currently experiencing ED, all these risks may make you wonder whether it’s possible to have a natural, pleasurable, pain-free erection again. The good news is that there are safe and effective options available—without drugs, surgery, or clunky, mood-killing devices.

Contact us today to find out how our cutting-edge therapies can help you regain what you’ve lost and feel like yourself again.