Treatment of erectile dysfunction can be broadly classified into two categories – surgical and non surgical treatments.

Surgical treatments for Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is usually suggested when other forms of therapy or treatment have failed to deliver satisfactory results. They include penile implants and vascular reconstructive surgery. Non-surgical treatments of erectile dysfunction include the following: external vacuum devices, penile injection therapy, and intraurethral pellet therapy.

Intraurethral Pellet Therapy

The Intraurethral pellet therapy is an alternative for people who are uncomfortable with injecting themselves. In this procedure a small pellet or suppository is inserted into the urethra – the canal used for the excretion of urine and semen. Side effects of this treatment may include pain and slight bleeding.

Penile Implants

Penile Implants, or placement of prosthetic devices within the penis, are known to be extremely effective. There are two kinds of penile implants – semi rigid rod implants and inflatable implants. Semi rigid rod implants require a relatively simple surgery and there are also fewer complications involved. However, it is difficult to conceal it as there is an erection all the time. The inflatable implants are more natural as they have the ability to recreate the process of rigidity-flaccidity. The expense of this implant may be a deterrent to a few. However, both semi rigid rod implants as well as inflatable rod implants have a success rate of 70-80%.

External Vacuum Devices

External vacuum devices are quite successful, and they are known to be safe and reliable. They have a success rate of 60-90%. In spite of this, men do not use this device for too long, as it interferes with the spontaneous act of lovemaking.

Vascular Reconstructive Surgery

Vascular reconstructive surgery is yet another option available to people suffering from erectile dysfunction. This surgery can do one of two things

• Reconstruct the veins inside the penis thereby increasing the flow of blood to the penis, facilitating an erection.
• Block the drainage of blood from the penis, allowing the patient to maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Vascular reconstructive surgery restores the process of natural erections without the use of any prosthetics. However, not many people choose this treatment as it is extremely expensive and there are very few medical institutions that have the ability to conduct this surgery. Additionally, this surgery is not known to be effective in the long run, and there have been several cases of relapse.

Penile Injections

In penile injection therapy, a certain drug, or a mixture of few drugs is injected directly into the penis. It is one of the most effective ways to achieve and sustain an erection. If there is no defect in the vascular structure of the penis, injecting drugs into the penis guarantees results most of the time. Keep in mind that the injection should not be taken more than three days a week and the erection will last for approximately 90 minutes.