You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
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A person has erection problems if they cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough to have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence.
It's common to have erection problems every now and then. This is normal. These problems can occur at any age. But they are more common as you get older, when you are more likely to have other health problems. Treatment can help at any age.
Erection problems can be caused by physical problems related to the blood vessels, nerves, or hormones. Or they may be caused by mental health issues.
They can also be linked to other health problems such as low testosterone levels, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Surgery, such as for prostate cancer, may cause erection problems.
Anxiety, stress, or depression may cause erection problems. So can medicines you take for other health problems. Drinking too much alcohol or smoking may cause erection problems.
Erection problems are not life-threatening. But they can affect how you feel about yourself.
Very often, this decision is also based on how invasive the treatment is and its chance of success. Inserting or injecting medicine directly into the penis often works well, but it is usually only considered after you have tried taking pills for erection problems.
Some people can't take pills for erection problems because of other medical problems. For those people, inserted or injected medicine may be a good choice.
Your doctor might recommend inserted or injected medicine if you want to treat your erection problem but cannot take pills.
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These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I was having trouble getting an erection, so the first thing I did was try Viagra, but that didn't work. But I discovered that I could have a sexual relationship without intercourse, and that made me choose not to use inserted or injected medicines.
Fred, 72
When pills didn't work, I was disappointed and asked my doctor what else could be done. My doctor suggested I try inserting a medicine into my penis. It's worked well for me.
Trevor, age 45
I was having trouble getting erections, and I can't take pills like Viagra because of the other medicines I take. My partner and I still wanted to see if there was anything we could do. The doctor talked to us about injections. We looked at their advantages and disadvantages and decided to go ahead and give the injections a try.
B.J., age 62
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to try inserted or injected medicines
Reasons not to try inserted or injected medicines
I'm willing to try anything in order to have erections again.
There is no way I could insert or inject anything into my penis.
I'm not at all worried about the cost of this treatment.
I cannot afford this treatment and don't have insurance that will cover it.
My relationship with a partner depends on our being able to have sexual intercourse.
I am sure I can find ways to be intimate without sexual intercourse.
Your other important reasons:
Your other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Inserted or injected medicine
NOT using inserted or injected medicine
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
| Author | |
|---|---|
| Clinical Review Board | All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. |
A person has erection problems if they cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough to have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence.
It's common to have erection problems every now and then. This is normal. These problems can occur at any age. But they are more common as you get older, when you are more likely to have other health problems. Treatment can help at any age.
Erection problems can be caused by physical problems related to the blood vessels, nerves, or hormones. Or they may be caused by mental health issues.
They can also be linked to other health problems such as low testosterone levels, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Surgery, such as for prostate cancer, may cause erection problems.
Anxiety, stress, or depression may cause erection problems. So can medicines you take for other health problems. Drinking too much alcohol or smoking may cause erection problems.
Erection problems are not life-threatening. But they can affect how you feel about yourself.
Very often, this decision is also based on how invasive the treatment is and its chance of success. Inserting or injecting medicine directly into the penis often works well, but it is usually only considered after you have tried taking pills for erection problems.
Some people can't take pills for erection problems because of other medical problems. For those people, inserted or injected medicine may be a good choice.
Your doctor might recommend inserted or injected medicine if you want to treat your erection problem but cannot take pills.
| Use an inserted or injected medicine | Don't use an inserted or injected medicine | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I was having trouble getting an erection, so the first thing I did was try Viagra, but that didn't work. But I discovered that I could have a sexual relationship without intercourse, and that made me choose not to use inserted or injected medicines."
— Fred, 72
"When pills didn't work, I was disappointed and asked my doctor what else could be done. My doctor suggested I try inserting a medicine into my penis. It's worked well for me."
— Trevor, age 45
"I was having trouble getting erections, and I can't take pills like Viagra because of the other medicines I take. My partner and I still wanted to see if there was anything we could do. The doctor talked to us about injections. We looked at their advantages and disadvantages and decided to go ahead and give the injections a try."
— B.J., age 62
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to try inserted or injected medicines
Reasons not to try inserted or injected medicines
I'm willing to try anything in order to have erections again.
There is no way I could insert or inject anything into my penis.
I'm not at all worried about the cost of this treatment.
I cannot afford this treatment and don't have insurance that will cover it.
My relationship with a partner depends on our being able to have sexual intercourse.
I am sure I can find ways to be intimate without sexual intercourse.
Your other important reasons:
Your other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Inserted or injected medicine
NOT using inserted or injected medicine
1. If I'm just too uncomfortable with the idea of an inserted or injected medicine, that's a perfectly good reason not to use it.
2. I should consider taking pills like Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra before I think about inserting or injecting medicine into my penis.
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
| By | |
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| Clinical Review Board | All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. |
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author:
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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