ED treatment options, explained plainly
There is no single right treatment for erectile dysfunction. Most men start with pills, and many do very well on them. If pills aren’t a fit, there are other effective options. Here is a plain overview to help you talk it through with a provider.
Start with your overall health
Treating what’s behind ED can help on its own: managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, quitting smoking, drinking less, moving more, and sleeping better. A provider may also review your medications and check your testosterone.
Pills
Prescription pills such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil, and avanafil increase blood flow to the penis when you’re aroused. They are very effective for many men, and generic versions have made them more affordable.
- They work with arousal, not on their own
- Some work for a few hours; tadalafil can last up to a day and a half
- Common side effects include headache, flushing, and stuffy nose
- Never take them with nitrate heart medicines such as nitroglycerin. The combination can drop blood pressure dangerously.
If pills haven’t worked for you, don’t give up. A different dose, a different pill, or a different approach often helps.
Injections and urethral medicine
Medicine such as alprostadil can be injected into the side of the penis with a very fine needle, or placed in the urethra as a small pellet. Injections work for many men who don’t respond to pills. Some clinics use compounded mixes (often called Trimix). A provider teaches you how to do it safely at home.
Vacuum erection devices
A plastic tube and pump draw blood into the penis, and a band at the base holds the erection. No medicine is needed, and they can be used with other treatments.
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Common questions
What is the most effective treatment for ED?
There is no single best treatment for every man. Most men start with prescription pills, which work well for many, and there are other effective options such as injections, vacuum devices, and implants if pills aren’t a fit.
How long do ED pills like Viagra or Cialis last?
Some ED pills work for a few hours, while tadalafil (Cialis) can last up to a day and a half. They work with sexual arousal, not on their own.
Can I take ED pills if I take heart medicine?
Never take ED pills with nitrate heart medicines such as nitroglycerin, because the combination can drop blood pressure dangerously. If you have any heart condition or take heart medicine, ask your doctor which treatment is safe for you.
What if ED pills don’t work for me?
Don’t give up. A different dose, a different pill, or a different approach often helps, and injections, vacuum devices, and penile implants work for many men who don’t respond to pills.
Does insurance cover ED treatment?
It depends on your plan. Doctor visits and lab tests are often covered, but coverage for ED medicines varies, so call the number on your insurance card to ask. Generic pills have made treatment more affordable, and community health centers charge fees based on income.
Ready for next steps? Read how to find ED care in New Orleans and Metairie, including what a good first visit looks like and the questions worth asking.
Not sure where to start? We list trusted places to get checked in Louisiana, from community health centers to men’s health clinics. See where to get care.
Penile implants
A surgeon places a device inside the penis that you can inflate when you want an erection. It’s usually considered when other options haven’t worked, and satisfaction rates are high.
Newer options
Some clinics offer low-intensity shockwave therapy, which uses sound waves to support blood flow. Many men are interested because it doesn’t involve medicine. It’s newer, so ask any provider about expected results, number of sessions, and cost.
Counseling
Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain can cause or worsen ED. Talking with a counselor, alone or with a partner, helps many men, and it works well alongside medical treatment.
Be careful with online “cures”
Supplements and pills sold online for erections are not reviewed like prescription medicine, and some have been found to contain hidden drugs. Talk to a licensed provider before trying them.
Sources
Where to get care
Any of these is a good next step. Pick the one that fits you.
- Aspire Health and Wellness†. A men’s health clinic in Metairie specializing in erectile dysfunction and weight loss, with free private visits and a range of treatment options. Visit aspireneworleans.com.
- Your primary care doctor. A good first stop. They can check your heart, blood sugar, and hormone levels.
- A urologist. A doctor who specializes in men’s urologic and sexual health.
- A community health center. Fees are based on income, with or without insurance. Find a community health center.
- Louisiana Medicaid. If you qualify, it covers doctor visits and prescriptions. See if you qualify.
- Veterans. Southeast Louisiana VA Health Care offers men’s health care for enrolled veterans.
† Affiliated with Aspire Community Care. We’re a nonprofit and don’t provide medical care; choose any provider that fits you.
Not sure where to start? Tell us what’s going on and we’ll help you find a next step. What you share stays private.
Keep reading
Talking to Your Doctor
What to say, what to expect, and a short checklist.
ED: The Basics
What ED is, how common it is, and what causes it.
Low Testosterone
Common signs, testing, and questions to ask.