Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Erectile Dysfunction Erectile Dysfunction Treatment By Julie Lynn MarksMedically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MDReviewed: December 22, 2017Medically ReviewedA variety of treatment options are available for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Once your doctor has determined what’s causing the ED, you can talk about ways to help your symptoms. Your treatment choices will depend on how severe the ED is and what other health conditions you have. Each therapy has its pros and cons. You’ll have to weigh the benefits and risks when deciding which choice is right for you. Sometimes your partner’s input may influence your decision. Medication Used to Treat Erectile Dysfunction There are many types of medication to help ED. Oral prescription medicines can boost the effects of nitric oxide — a chemical in your body that relaxes muscles in the penis. This improves filling of the penile tissues with blood and allows you to get an erection. Other drugs can be injected or placed inside your penis to help create an erection. Testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended if you have low levels of that hormone in your body. All medication can cause side effects. Talk to your doctor about potential risks before starting on any new drug. Vacuum Devices Used to Treat ED A vacuum device, also known as a “penis pump,” can help you get an erection by pulling blood into the penis. The device looks like a hollow tube with a battery-powered or hand-powered pump. You place the tube over your penis and use the pump to suck out the air inside. This action helps pull blood into your penis. When you achieve an erection, you put a tension ring around the base of your penis to hold in the blood and keep your penis firm. Then you can remove the vacuum. The elastic ring stays in place for up to 30 minutes. Most of the time, a vacuum device can help you achieve an erection that lasts long enough for sexual intercourse with your partner. The tension ring should be removed after intercourse. Some possible side effects include bruising of the penis, skin irritation, and restricted or weakened ejaculation. Penile Implant Surgery Penile implants, also called penile prostheses, are devices that are surgically placed in the penis. This option is typically recommended if other methods have failed. The implant surgery usually takes about an hour and requires anesthesia. You might be sore after this surgery. Most men can use their implants about one month after having the procedure. After an implant is placed, other treatments, such as medication, will no longer work for ED, unless your implant is removed. Risks from implant surgery include infection and having the device malfunction or break. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 95 percent of penile implant surgeries are successful in helping men produce erections that are sufficient for intercourse. Surveys show that up to 90 percent of men who had penile implant surgery say they would do it again. There are two types: Inflatable Implant An inflatable implant allows a man to control when and how long he has an erection. Most men will be able to achieve sensation, orgasm, and ejaculation with these devices. The most common type contains a pair of inflatable cylinders that are surgically implanted in the erection chambers of the penis. These cylinders are connected to a small fluid container under the lower abdominal muscles and to a pump inside the scrotal sac. To inflate the device, you simply squeeze the pump to transfer fluid. This causes the penis to become erect. When you deflate the pump, the penis returns to its flaccid state. Because the pump is inside your body, other people won’t know you have it. Bendable Implant This simple implant contains two bendable rods that are usually made of silicone. The rods help make the penis firm, so a man can have sex. This type of implant allows you to manually adjust the position of your penis. Artery Surgery For Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Sometimes, surgery is done to repair blockages in arteries that stop blood flow to the penis. This type of procedure can only help specific cases of ED. Usually, men younger than age 30 are the best candidates. Counseling and Sex Therapy for ED Treatment If your doctor suspects that the ED is causes by stress, anxiety, or depression, you might benefit from counseling or sex therapy. A psychologist or sex therapist can help you figure out how to cope with your stress. Your partner might also want to attend these sessions to help learn ways to support you. Erectile Dysfunction Treatment and Insurance Coverage Many men wonder if their health insurance will cover ED treatments. It really depends on your particular company and plan. It’s a good idea to talk to your insurance provider before deciding on a particular treatment. Some therapies can be pricey if they aren’t covered. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Men' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Mayo Clinic. Erectile Dysfunction. Diagnosis and Treatment.Urology Care Foundation. How is ED Treated?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.Cleveland Clinic. 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