At the Male Health and Hormone Center of Excellence, we are on the forefront of new medications, hormone therapy, simple devices and minimally invasive surgical procedures that can help men improve or reverse their erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms and allow most men to regain their confidence and enjoy satisfactory sexual relations again.

If there are any diagnosed health conditions that are contributing to impotence, Dr. Robert Pugach will discuss his concerns with your primary care physician or refer you to one able to help you. Some of the lifestyle changes that may be recommended include:

• Nutritional assessment and dietary changes
• Body mass index and weight loss
• Smoking cessation, as smoking is a common cause of erectile dysfunction
• Reduction in alcohol consumption
• Reduction in stress and anxiety

WHAT TYPES OF THERAPIES ARE USED TO TREAT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)?

At the Male Health and Hormone Center of Excellence, we prescribe hormone therapy and/or oral medications for many patients.

The classification of oral medications used to treat ED are called Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. These medications are commonly known as:

• Viagra (Sildenafil),
• Levitra (Vardenafil)
• Staxyn (Vardenafil)
• Cialis (Tadalafil)
• Stendra (Avanafil)

The primary effect of these popular ED medications is to improve penile blood flow through a series of chemical reactions. They can result in faster and more substantial filling of the chambers within the penis that create an erection.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE ORAL ED MEDICATIONS?

While these popular medications are widely advertised on television and in magazines, they should not be taken unless you have consulted with a physician. There are a number of potential side effects, and if you have any serious health conditions such as a stroke, heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, it may not be safe for you to take these powerful medications. 

Interactions with other medications, like those used to treat prostate problems, can cause serious or even fatal side effects. This is why it is so important to be under the care of a knowledgeable physician for your ED treatment.

Another serious concern is the number of men who purchase ED medications over the Internet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers about the dangers of buying medications from online pharmacies. According to the FDA, 97% of these pharmacies may be illegal and sell drugs of questionable quality and purity! The reality is that patients have no way of knowing what they are getting from an online pharmacies. Is it really worth risking a man’s health for a few dollars a pill?

WHAT ARE THE OTHER MEDICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR TREATING ED?

At the Male Health and Hormone Center of Excellence, we may recommend non-oral medications. The two most commonly used forms are:

MUSE – This is a rice grain size medication that is inserted in the urethra. It can create powerful blood flow into the two chambers in the penis that can result in an erection that is better than what can be achieved with oral medicines.

TRIMIX/QUADRIMIX – These powerful injectable medications are remarkably effective for most men. A tiny needle is used to self-inject a small amount of these vasoactive products, resulting in lasting, firm erections in most men.

ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS?

Yes. The three principal ones are:

ACTIS LOOP – This is a soft, rubber band device that easily slips over the base of a penis to prevent blood from leaking out so that an erection is maintained.

VED – The letters stand for Vacuum Erection Device. It’s a mechanical pump that “pulls” blood into the chambers of the penis to cause an erection. It is a plastic tube that comes in a variety of models that we can explain to you.

PENILE IMPLANT – Implants come in a variety of models. That may sound a bit strange but, the truth is, there are several different types. We’ve been doing implant surgery for more than 30 years at Pacific Coast Urology and can explain your options fully to you.

DO OVER THE COUNTER REMEDIES WORK?

Alas, the answer is no. We’ve seen many patients over the years try a wide variety of these but we have yet to see a product that has good, consistent clinical results.

Is it time for you to improve your sex life and restore intimacy? 
 Call 888.735.4336 for your confidential appointment or email us via our Contact Us form for more information.