Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem. It affects many men. If your ED meds aren't working, there are other options to try. This post will discuss ways to boost the effectiveness of ED medications. It's important to note that you should always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
ED is when a man can't get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It's expected to affect 300 million men worldwide by 2025.
How ED Meds WorkCommon ED medications are called PDE5 inhibitors. Examples are sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). They help increase blood flow to the penis. These medications are taken before sex.
However, these meds don't always work. They are only about 70% to 80% effective. This means they don't work for 20% to 30% of men who use them. These medications help maintain erections, but they don't fix the underlying problem.
What Causes ED?The most common cause of ED is blood flow issues. You should work on improving your:
Treating the underlying cause is very important. Talk to your doctor to figure out what's causing your ED.
What Can You Add to Your ED Meds?If ED meds aren't working, you might be offered injections. These injections go directly into the penis to increase blood flow. They work well, but many men don't like them. Here are some other options to try with your ED meds:
1. Add Daily TadalafilTaking tadalafil every day can help. It increases blood flow to the penis all the time, not just before sex.
Normally, men get erections at night. These erections help keep the penis healthy by bringing blood flow to the tissues. If you have ED, you might not get these nighttime erections. This can cause tissue damage due to lack of oxygen.
Taking a daily medication increases blood flow to the penis throughout the day. This can help prevent tissue damage.
Does it work?
One study looked at 180 men with ED. Some men took 5 mg of tadalafil daily with sildenafil when they wanted to have sex. Others took only 5 mg of tadalafil daily. After 12 weeks, both groups saw similar improvements. However, the combination was better for men with severe ED.
Another study looked at men who didn't respond to ED meds. They took tadalafil daily, plus more tadalafil when needed. After 12 weeks, they had better erections compared to just taking tadalafil when needed.
2. Consider Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)Low testosterone can cause ED. If you have low testosterone, TRT might help. It may work well with ED medications.
However, studies haven't shown a big benefit when adding TRT to ED meds. These studies included men with normal testosterone levels.
If you have low testosterone and ED, TRT might be a good option. It can help with nighttime erections and tissue health.
It's important to get your testosterone levels checked. Only 3% to 6% of men have ED caused only by low testosterone.
3. Add AntioxidantsAntioxidants like L-arginine and propionyl-L-carnitine might help with ED.
L-arginine helps make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important for getting erections.
Propionyl-L-carnitine prevents damage from reactive oxygen species. These can stop nitric oxide from working.
One review looked at nine studies with over 300 men. They took L-arginine or propionyl-L-carnitine with sildenafil. Most studies showed better erections. More research is needed to know if this works for everyone in the long term. Still, it's a good option to consider.
Other Combinations
The same review looked at other combinations. These included ED meds with metformin, folic acid, and other drugs. Some combinations looked promising. But the studies were small. More research is needed before these can be widely recommended.
4. Shockwave TherapyShockwave therapy sends sound waves to the penis. This causes small injuries. The body then sends growth factors to heal the area. This can create new blood vessels.
I offer shockwave therapy in my practice and have seen the benefits in men who don't respond perfectly to ED meds.
One study looked at men who had ED after prostate surgery. They took daily tadalafil plus shockwave therapy. They saw better erections. More research is needed to know if this works for all men. However, it's a promising option to try before injections.
Key TakeawaysIf your ED meds aren't working, don't give up. There are other options to try. Talk to your doctor about:
It's important to find the cause of your ED and treat it. With the right approach, you can improve your erections and your sex life.
Ready to take action? Talk to your doctor about these options and see what's right for you.