Treating Erectile Dysfunction in 2024 - Beyond Viagra

The introduction of Viagra and other oral erectile dysfunction (ED) medications have brought about a significant increase in choices men have to treat erectile dysfunction That said, Viagra and similar medications may not be the best option for everyone. 

The number of men who experience some form of ED is significant - according to one study over half of all men have experienced erectile dysfunction. For men between the ages of 35-45, almost four in ten faces the condition and by the time a man is 65, nearly seven in ten reports ED (which is often accompanied by a decreased libido or sex drive).

While this news is concerning, the medical community has responded and treatments to address erectile dysfunction are increasingly promising. Today, there are five oral ED medications on the market: the early options - Viagra, Cialis, Levitra - as well as more modern versions including Stendra and Staxyn. These drugs can provide highly successful results - however, they are not the best solution for all men with ED. In fact, they can be harmful to some - like men who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, or who are taking nitrates. Additionally, many men don’t like to take medications or experience unpleasant or painful side effects with oral erectile dysfunction drugs. Because of these limitations, a handful of alternative ED treatments have been developed.

The Top 5 Alternative Treatments to Oral ED Medications

1. Pulsed Wave Therapy

Over the past several decades, shockwave therapy has been used to treat ED. However, until recently, this treatment has been employed only in Europe and has only recently been deployed in the U.S. European medical journals are rife with studies hailing shockwave therapy’s effectiveness and safety. After conducting significant research and gaining a clear understanding of the technology, we discovered GAINSWave™  - the only FDA approved wave-machine to treat ED.

The GAINSWave™ is a revolutionary treatment for ED and male enhancement.

It employs high-frequency acoustical waves to expand old blood vessels and stimulate the formation of new vessels. Traditionally, over time the vessels that supply blood to the penis can break down. The mildly pulsating sound waves of the GAINSWave™ expands these vessels and causes the formation of new blood vessels. As a result, enhanced blood flow helps men, and not just those with ED, to obtain stronger and more sustainable erections. The GAINSWave™ has a 90% success rate for improving sexual performance in men!

 2. Penis Pumps and Vacuum Devices

Penis pumps and vacuum devices preceded Viagra as a leading solution for ED and were initially one of the only alternatives to implant surgery. Some men have had moderate success with these devices. Prescribed by a physician and closely monitored and supervised, this solution employs a pump action that draws blood into the penis. The man then applies a plastic band to the base of the penis to hold the blood in place - causing an erection. Men are advised to use caution, however, because - when used too frequently or incorrectly, this treatment can cause Peyronie’s Disease.

3. Trimix Injections

Trimix is an intracavernous injection which is self-injected directly into the penis. This may sound daunting to many men, however, the needles are extremely thin and the injection is reported to be nearly painless and blood flow to the penis increases almost instantly upon injection. Trimix combines three medications that are proven to be a safe and effective alternative treatment option for men experiencing ED. This treatment option is even used by those looking to enhance their performance.

4. MUSE Therapy

Much like penile injections, MUSE is another treatment that men can self-inject at home. Known as the “medicated urethral system for erection,” MUSE therapy works by using a disposable plastic applicator to insert tiny pellets containing medication similar to Trimix via the urethra into the penis before intercourse. The drug is then quickly absorbed by the surrounding tissue, ultimately reaching the corpora cavernosa where it dilates the arteries, and provides a powerful and sustainable erection. This therapy was designed for men who are too squeamish to consider injecting medication directly into the penis. From there, the drug is quickly 

5. PRP Therapy

One of more modern and most effective alternative treatments for ED employs Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). This treatment uses the regenerative growth factors in your own blood to improve your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. The P-shot was one of the initial PRP treatments used for ED. The P-Shot is often a more appealing choice as it is completely drug-free - unlike TriMix or other intracavernous injections. And because PRP therapy uses your own blood, there are few, if any, side effects. Additionally, the P-shot is one of the only non-surgical ED treatments that has been shown to increase penis size. No other ED treatment can make this claim.

If you have decided that Viagra or other oral ED medications are not for you - I hope you’ll give the office a call at 425-209-1060 to learn more about alternative treatments.