For some men, traditional treatments for erectile dysfunction (or ED) simply do not work or create a dangerous health risk. Fortunately, several of the latest treatments for erectile dysfunction options are beginning to appear in research journals.
If fully developed and approved, many of these treatments will be safer and more effective for both men who are using traditional treatments and for those seeking a new treatment method.
Current Traditional ED Treatments
Traditional treatments for erectile dysfunction have centered on medications given orally. The brand names of these drugs include Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn, and Viagra®.
These oral medications fit in the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (also called PDE-5 or PDE inhibitors). They allow the man to have an erection, but they do not work as well for maintaining an erection.
When using a PDE-5 medication, the man suffering from ED takes the medication at least 15 minutes before he expects to have sexual intercourse. This takes away some of the spontaneity of sex.
Dangers of Oral ED Medications
However, a number of side effects, as well as some potentially dangerous health conditions, can occur through regular use of PDE inhibitor oral medications. Minor side effects include:
- Headaches
- Congested nose
- Muscle aches
Some serious side effects may include:
- Interaction with nitrate drugs: where the PDE-5 and nitrate may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Interaction with alpha blockers: which can cause problems with hypertension and dizziness.
- Interactions with other drugs and supplements: which can cause significant side effects, even with certain herbs, drugs, and supplements that are mild enough to be sold over the counter.
- Vision problems: where users may notice a blue-ish shade in their vision that is usually temporary, or a complete vision loss that lasts a long time.
- Hearing problems: where users may lose their hearing temporarily or for a long period of time.
- Erections that do not subside: where some users have an erection that lasts for four hours or more, requiring a doctor or hospital visit.
New Treatments for ED
Because PDE-5 medications sometimes cause significant problems for men, researchers continue to develop new methods for helping men overcome ED.
Gene Therapy
This idea uses gene therapy to deliver proteins to the penile tissue of men with ED, hopefully improving erectile function. This therapy is in the early stages of development and research.
Glyceryl Trinitrate
This is a cream applied to the penis. It uses the same drug of alprostadil that some current ED sufferers use with injections now. If the cream is approved, it may take the place of the injection method.
Melanocortin Activators
This drug appears to act on the brain and the central nervous system to create an erection in animal studies. The studies are still ongoing for this drug, which eventually may be given as a nasal spray.
Uprima
This is an oral tablet that stimulates the brain’s dopamine chemical. Dopamine plays a role in sexual arousal and the intensity of the sensations related to sex.
If approved for use in the United States, Uprima may eventually be available in a nasal spray.
GAINSWave® Therapy
The GAINSWave® therapy provides a non-invasive means of dealing with ED. It is already being used in the United States, which is an advantage over the other new treatments we discussed.
With GAINSWave®, the clinically proven treatment uses pulsating waves to create improvements that reduce the effects of ED, including:
- Dissolving plaque buildup in blood vessels.
- Stimulating new growth of blood vessels.
- Healing of dormant stem cells for rejuvenation of male erectile tissue.
These improvements are designed to allow men to create stronger erections that are more sustainable.
Benefits of GAINSWave® Treatment
With GAINSWave®, those suffering from ED no longer have to remember to take oral medications, nor do they have to try to take the medication just before they are going to have sex.
The man with erectile dysfunction does not have to consider surgery or a penile implant when using this treatment. The side effects found with oral ED medications do not exist with this wave treatment. Men with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes could try this treatment instead of ED medicine.
Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction
Because of the social embarrassment associated with erectile dysfunction, some men may not feel comfortable discussing their symptoms, especially with their regular doctors or with family members.
If you would like some information about some of the latest treatments for erectile dysfunction, contact a GAINSWave® therapy provider today. We can give you all of the information you need about our therapy, which may be helpful for men who cannot take oral ED medication. We can recommend a doctor in your area who works with our treatment method.
