Pills Stopped Working - What's Next?

Prescription ED medications such as Viagra and Cialis are common first line defenses for erectile dysfunction. However, around 30% of men don't respond to these drugs, and furthermore, many men who get adequate results initially end up not responding as well down the line.

What makes pills stop working?

Prescription ED medications work by relaxing the muscles and boosting blood flow to the penis.

However, this is seen as a temporary solution. Erectile dysfunction is often caused by poor blood flow to the pelvic region, whether as a result of clogged arteries, vascular disease, or other health problems.

If the penile artery has a significant blockage, pills might serve as a temporary workaround, but if the blockage increases in severity, they might not be able to provide the blood flow necessary to achieve and maintain an erection. In these cases, other treatment options are often sought out.

Alternate Treatment Options

If pills no longer work for you, a doctor might recommend the following treatments: penile injections, penile implants, or a vacuum pump.

Common injections, such as TriMix, are mixtures of chemicals that help promote blood flow after being injected directly into the penis.

Penile implants on the other hand, which are installed via surgery, physically inflate the penis to be suitable for sex.

Both of these treatments are invasive and many men are hesitant to try them.

Vacuum pumps on the other hand, are not invasive. They are used by using a pump to create suction around the exterior of the penis, promoting blood flow and allowing for an erection to form. While this method is generally successful, many men report that the erections it provides are of a lower quality and that it is inconvenient to have to use the device to achieve an erection.

If you are interested in natural, noninvasive treatments for erectile dysfunction, read more about the acoustic wave therapy treatment we provide at Multnomah Medical