Non-Surgical Treatments | Oral Medications

Non-Surgical Treatments | Oral Medications

Prescription medicines for erectile dysfunction (ED) are called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which refers to the chemical mechanism of these treatments. Generally, PDE5 inhibitors work well and are safe for treating most men with ED, allowing intercourse in about 70% of users.75

Oral medication is designed to improve blood flow to the penis and combined with sexual stimulation, may produce an erection. Drug therapy is usually a first-line treatment option for most men experiencing ED and may be used in conjunction with other methods as well.

How Oral Medications Work25-27

Oral medications are designed to increase the blood flow to the penis. This increased flow may improve the ability to achieve an erection and maintain it until sexual intercourse is successfully completed.

Features & Benefits25-27

Oral medications require sexual stimulation and are usually taken within 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity.   Typically, oral medications work for up to 4 hours and are not to be taken more than once a day.  Some oral medications’ effectiveness may be affected by food, please speak to your GP or urologists about whether oral medications might be right for you.

Risks and Side Effects25-27

  • Headache, facial flushing, stuffy nose, upset stomach
  • Talk to your GP or urologist if sex is inadvisable due to a cardiovascular status
  • With alpha-blockers: generally, you should be stable on your alpha-blocker therapy before using an oral medication
  • With nitrates: talk to your heart doctor, nitrates cannot be taken with PDE-5 inhibitors
  • Tell your GP or urologist if you:
    • Have ever had any heart problems, stroke or low or high blood pressure
    • Have ever had liver or kidney problems

Patient Satisfaction: Efficacy

Effective in approximately

50–85%

of cases25-27
Almost half of men


with ED after prostate surgery give up or the medication stop working10
Men with diabetes are

1½ to 2

more likely to move on to other treatments20
Speak to your GP or urologist to see if oral medications are right for you.

Explore other treatment options for ED

Treatment options range from counseling, to non-surgical treatments like oral medication, vacuum erection devices and penile injections, to longer lasting surgical solutions like penile implants.
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