What are the other advantages of using penile pumps?

Viagra (sildenafil) is usually the first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction in the United States and is available only on prescription. Although Viagra is the most effective medication for men with ED, some may not want to use it or cannot use it due to their side effects or the risk of reactions with other drugs they consume.

For these men, an over-the-counter device, such as a penile pump, could be a better option. Additionally, these pumps can also offer great relief to men in whom Viagra has stopped working.

Where Viagra needs initial stimulation with foreplay, a relaxed mind, and a peaceful environment, penile pumps do not require these steps. Since Viagra works on the chemicals in the body, called neurotransmitters, any chemical or psychological problem in these pathways can cause it to fail. Contrarily, penile pumps act as mechanical stimulators by working directly on the penis and inducing an erection by drawing in blood.

The market is filled with erectile dysfunction (ED) pumps, so if you are planning to buy one, you should consult your doctor about the type and brand. Also, always read the label before you start using the device. Inappropriate usage can result in minor accidents and bruises of the penis.

Are there any natural alternatives to Viagra?

Several herbs and dietary supplements claim to improve erectile dysfunction (ED) and libido, with some even claiming to work like Viagra. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve of any “herb” or “supplement” meant to improve sexual stamina, so consult your doctor before ingesting these potentially dangerous drugs.

Research does suggest that some supplements may help treat ED, such as:

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• L-arginine
• Ginseng
• Propionyl-L-carnitine
• Yohimbe

While these over-the-counter “Viagra alternatives” may be effective, there is no guarantee that they are safe. Some of the options sold online may contain ingredients that are dangerous to ingest.

Additionally, not enough studies exist on the safety and interactions of these alternatives on the medications that you regularly take for another condition. Some may cause serious side effects and drug interactions when taken alongside certain medications.

Hence, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor before you consider taking any supplements for ED, especially if you are on any medicine for a chronic condition, such as heart disease.

What else should you do for your ED?

Consult your doctor about your erectile dysfunction (ED) because treating it on your own may be unsafe. Get a proper diagnosis and identify the root cause of the condition.

If penile pumps do not work for you, your doctor may recommend treatments, such as:
Oral medications, namely PDE5 inhibitors:

• Penile injections
• Psychotherapy (counseling with or without medications to treat mental issues)
• Surgery for inserting penile implants
• Surgery to remove a blockage in an artery leading to the penis

Your doctor may also suggest modifying your lifestyle, with changes such as:

• Losing weight (if you are overweight or obese)
• Performing pelvic floor exercises regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting your alcohol intake
• Avoiding recreational drugs
• Staying physically fit by exercising regularly
• Learning to manage your stress

Can you take Viagra with testosterone?

Testosterone and Viagra when taken together do not produce any known reactions or serious complications.

• Taking testosterone can help treat men with low testosterone to improve sexual drive, but it cannot treat erectile dysfunction.
• Taking Viagra can help treat erectile dysfunction but does not improve sexual desire.
• Both testosterone and Viagra can be taken, but they both treat different problems.

Either one can’t be used to treat both a lack of sexual drive and erectile dysfunction. If a person has only erectile dysfunction with normal sexual drive, combining Viagra and testosterone has no added benefits, just Viagra would suffice.

Some studies have shown that Viagra may increase testosterone levels marginally but may not be significant enough to treat low testosterone levels.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone. It is responsible for the development of male reproductive organs, secondary sexual characteristics, increased bone/muscle mass, and sexual drive (libido).

Testosterone replacement therapy is used to treat men with low testosterone levels as the functions of testosterone do not occur properly. Testosterone may be administered in the form of pills, injections, or patches. This would help improve the symptoms that occur due to low testosterone in the body.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Causes and Treatment

What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has persistent problems achieving and/or sustaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction can make sexual intercourse impossible without treatment. Erectile dysfunction can first emerge in a man as early as 40, according to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study on sexual dysfunction. About 30 million men are affected by erectile dysfunction, according to the National Institute of Health.

Does Erectile Dysfunction Mean Poor Libido?

Erectile dysfunction refers specifically to problems achieving or maintaining an erection. Other forms of male sexual dysfunction include poor libido and problems with ejaculation. Men with erectile dysfunction often have a healthy libido, but their bodies fail to respond in the sexual encounter by producing an erection. Usually there is a physical basis for the problem.

Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include erections that are too soft for sexual intercourse, erections that last only briefly, and an inability to achieve erections. Men who cannot have or maintain an erection at least 75% of the time that they attempt sex are considered to have erectile dysfunction.

Who Gets Erectile Dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is more common as men age. According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, about 40% of men experience some degree of inability to have or maintain an erection at age 40 compared with 70% of men at age 70. And the percentage of men with erectile dysfunction increases from 5% to 15% as age increases from 40 to 70 years. erectile dysfunction can be treated at any age.

Lifestyle Choices Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and obesity can impair blood circulation and lead to erectile dysfunction. Smoking, excessive drinking, and drug abuse may damage the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis. Smoking makes men with atherosclerosis even more vulnerable to erectile dysfunction. Smokers have almost twice the risk of erectile dysfunction compared with nonsmokers. Being overweight and getting too little exercise also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Men who exercise regularly have a lower risk of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Alternative Therapies

Men with erectile dysfunction should talk with their doctors before trying supplements for erectile dysfunction. They can contain 10 or more ingredients and may complicate other health conditions. Asian ginseng and ginkgo biloba (seen here) are popular, but there isn't a lot of good research on their effectiveness. Some men find that taking a DHEA supplement improves their ability to have an erection. Unfortunately, the long-term safety of DHEA supplements is unknown. Most doctors do not recommend using it.