Oral medications are frequently used as the first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction and are also the least invasive. These medications are effective for most men who have difficulty maintaining a firm enough erection for sex (erectile dysfunction).

The most effective treatment for you, however, is determined by the underlying cause of your ED. Although oral medications are the primary treatment for ED, they do not work for everyone.

This article will take look at some of the available treatments for ED including treatment you can get online from reputable telehealth services.

When Should I seek help for ED?

The most typical signs of erectile dysfunction are having trouble getting or keeping an erection during sexual activity. In addition to ED, other sexual disorders include:

-Premature ejaculation
-Delayed ejaculation
-The inability to experience orgasm despite sufficient stimulation

Oral medications

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the first treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED). These include Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and Cialis (Tadalafil ).

In South Africa, ED medication can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter.

These medications work as intended and are generally well tolerated by their patients. They do not cause an erection on their own; you will still need some other form of sexual stimulation in order to achieve one.

If any of the following apply to you, it may not be safe to take ED medications:

-Take nitrates to treat chest pain
-Have heart disease
-Have low blood pressure

Lifestyle

Even though studies on new treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) are still being conducted, there are already many treatments that have been proven to be effective in treating ED.

When an illness like diabetes is the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction (ED), one of the most important things you can do is to speak with your healthcare professional to improve your overall health. Modifications to one's way of life have the potential to also have a significant impact. This can include:

Not smoking
Reducing one's consumption of drugs and alcohol
Keeping your weight under control
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through consistent exercise and diet

Injections

Injections for erectile dysfunction (ED) are typically an effective alternative treatment option for individuals who are unable to use other medications for ED. Alprostadil is a medication for erectile dysfunction that has been approved by the FDA and can be injected directly into the penis to cause the body to produce an erection on its own. They are also able to help people whose ED is severe as a result of underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Shockwave therapy

Low-intensity shockwave therapy is the medical term used by urologists to describe this procedure (LiSWT). Targeted sound waves are used by a small device resembling a wand during the procedure to stimulate penile tissue and promote blood flow, which can also hasten the healing process. Low-intensity shockwaves have also been demonstrated to increase blood flow and encourage the growth of new blood vessels in the penis, which is necessary for erections.

The use of shockwave therapy to treat ED is still regarded as an experimental procedure. There is some evidence to support its efficacy, but further study is needed to ascertain how well it works over the long term.

Vacuum Pump

Men with erectile dysfunction who don't want to take pills usually choose the vacuum pump (penile pump) method next. To get an erection, you put a plastic cylinder over the penis and pump the air out of the cylinder. This forces blood to flow into the penis. The erection is held in place by an elastic ring that you slide over the base of your penis. About 75% of men who use this device to treat ED find it helpful. Side effects include numbness, bruising, and weak ejaculation. After 30 minutes, the ring must be taken off.

Surgical Implants

There are a few surgical options available in the event that other methods are ineffective or do not provide the desired results.

-You have the option of getting an implant in your penis that is inflatable. The pump can be used to inflate the implant, which will cause your penis to become longer and wider.
-You have the option of getting malleable implants put in (penile implants). You will have the ability to manually alter the position of your penis in accordance with your preferences.

Testosterone therapy

This type of therapy may restore normal erections in the rare instances where a low sex drive and low blood levels of testosterone are the cause of ED. It may also work in conjunction with ED medications (PDE type 5 inhibitors).

A variety of supplements are marketed as natural remedies or as "Herbal" or "natural Viagra" by their manufacturers. They're marketed to men in an effort to increase their sexual drive or erectile function. Some of these supplements have components that may help with erectile dysfunction and normal erectile function (ED). In spite of labeling, you might not be aware of what is in the supplements you are taking.

The risk of taking herbal supplements

Although many supplements are promoted online as a treatment for ED, none have been shown to be both safe and effective. Some might also contain potentially harmful ingredient combinations or excessive doses.

You might also endanger your health if you purchase a "herbal remedy" online that turns out to be made of ingredients from actual ED medications. For instance, if sildenafil is concealed in herbal ED remedies, you might experience issues if you take nitrates for heart disease such as a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

People should exercise caution when considering or purchasing herbal supplements that make claims of treating erectile dysfunction because there hasn't been much research to support their efficacy.

ED treatments available online: Process & Cost

You may require a prescription for specific medications depending on the cause of your ED. Luckily instead of visiting the doctor in person you can now have your health evaluated online and have your medication prescribed and discreetly delivered to your door.

Get Tested is one of the available teleheath services you can use. Their service is built by medical doctors who provide prescribed treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STI/STD), chronic illnesses and erectile dysfunction. Services are available throughout South Africa, whether you live in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, or even Durban. 

The process:

Simply complete a 2-minute online form with the details of your symptoms and medical background. Your information will be assessed by a qualified medical professional who will then make a treatment recommendation. Your medication will then be delivered discreetly to your door if prescribed.


The cost:

The cost of your erectile dysfunction treatment will vary depending on which pill you take, the dosage, and how many you purchase at once. Typically, branded medications, such as Viagra, cost more than generic alternatives.

Key Takeaway

There are numerous treatments and medications available. Vacuum pumps and other tools can also assist you in temporarily managing your symptoms so that you can carry on with your sexual activity.It's critical to keep in mind that ED is a common disorder. If you're experiencing symptoms of ED, discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible or through telehealth services. They can then rule out any underlying causes and begin treatment.