Sexual performance is often a large part of a man's self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction can be devastating not only to a man's sex life, but to his entire sense of being.

Men with ED can become uncertain of themselves and avoid intimate situations with their partners, which increases the pressure and anxiety associated with a condition that is often treatable. Prescription ED medications help most men who try them. If these medications do not help, there are other options.

The first step to overcoming these feelings is to acknowledge the problem and communicate honestly and openly with each other.

To learn more about ED and view Dr. Goldfischer's video on the subject at Premier Medical Group Urology Division, click here. Dr. Goldfischer sees patients in the Poughkeepsie office.

Treatment Options

Medications
Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are the commonly used medications for the treatment of ED. These drugs generally work within 30 minutes and have been known to be effective in men of most ages. They vary in how long the erection lasts. Patients taking nitrate drugs (used to treat chest pain) should not take selective PDE-5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis.

Common side effects of selective enzyme inhibitors include headache, reddening of the face and neck (flushing), indigestion, and nasal congestion. Cialis may cause muscle aches and back pain, side effects that usually resolve on their own within 48 hours.

Vacuum Erection Devices
Vacuum devices are simple mechanical tools that allow a man to achieve and maintain an erection. The penis is inserted into a hollow plastic tube, which is pressed against the body to form a seal. A vacuum is created in the tube by the use of a small hand pump, which draws blood into the penis, causing the penis to engorge, enlarge and become rigid. After one to three minutes in the vacuum, an adequate erection is achieved and a soft rubber O-ring is then placed around the base of the penis to trap blood and maintain the erection. Sexual intercourse can take place after the vacuum tube is removed. The rubber O-ring maintains the erection until removed.

Injection Therapy
Patients can be taught to inject a medication into their penis about 20 minutes before sexual intercourse. The erection usually last long enough to complete the sexual encounter. Risks include bruising and priapism(which is when the erect penis will not return to a flaccid state).

Penile Prosthesis
This is a device implanted inside the penis that allows men with ED to achieve an erection. A penile implant requires surgery. Most men with penile implants, and their partners, state they are satisfied with the results.

The simplest type of penile prosthesis consists of a pair of bendable rods surgically implanted within the erection chamber of the penis. Some men choose the inflatable prosthesis, which has a reservoir and pump. This is surgically implanted and connected to the penis by tubing to a separate reservoir of fluid. To inflate the prosthesis, the man presses the pump, which transfers the fluid to the cylinders in the penis inflating them and causing an erection. The prosthesis does not change the sensation on the skin or affect ejaculation.

To learn more about Penile Prosthesis and view Dr. Solliday's video on the subject at Premier Medical Group Urology Division -click here-

Psychological Therapy
Many men develop ED as a result of some type of mental or psychological problem which frequently can be overcome. Often when the physical cause for ED is treated, consequent self-esteem problems may persist and continue to impair normal function and performance. Trained psychotherapists can work with couples to develop better sexual communication, lessen the tension and help to create reasonable expectations for sex, all of which can improve erectile function.

Medical intervention and psychological therapy work best when combined and used in a well thought out treatment plan. Both partners should be willing to make behavioral changes and adapt to changes that may have resulted from medical or surgical treatment.

The physicians at Premier Medical Group Urology Division work with several therapists in the Poughkeepsie area, who specialize sexual communication.