Medical
Interventions
The Established Toolkit: From First-Line Oral Therapies to Surgical Solutions.
First-Line: PDE5 Inhibitors
THE GOLD STANDARD
| Medication | Brand | Onset | Duration | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | Viagra | 30-60 min | 4-6 hrs | The original. Potential blue-tinged vision. |
| Tadalafil | Cialis | 30-60 min | 24-36 hrs | "Weekend pill". Daily low-dose option available. |
| Vardenafil | Levitra | 25-60 min | 4-6 hrs | Similar to Sildenafil, slightly more potent. |
| Avanafil | Stendra | 15-30 min | ~6 hrs | Fastest onset. Fewer side effects. |
Second-Line Therapies
WHEN PILLS FAIL
Intracavernosal Injections (ICI)
Direct injection of vasodilators (Alprostadil, Trimix) into the penis. Bypasses the NO pathway.
EFFICACY90%+
Intraurethral Suppositories (MUSE)
Alprostadil pellet placed in the urethra. Less invasive than needles, but less effective.
EFFICACY30-40%
Vacuum Erection Devices (VED)
Mechanical pump creates a vacuum to draw blood in. Constriction ring maintains rigidity.
TYPENON-INVASIVE
Surgical Options
DEFINITIVE SOLUTIONS
Penile Prosthesis
The "Gold Standard" for refractory ED. Inflatable or malleable implants allow for an erection on demand.
- HIGHEST SATISFACTION RATES
- IRREVERSIBLE PROCEDURE
- CONCEALED WITHIN BODY