Erection disorders: first-line treatment

Erection disorders can be treated in three different ways.

• First–line treatment
• Second line treatment
• Third line treatment

This section discusses first–line treatment.

The physician will first advise you on how to change your lifestyle habits: more movement, stop smoking, stop misusing alcohol, optimise diabetes control, etcetera.

Improvement can sometimes be achieved by stopping non-essential medication or by changing certain products. In some cases, meeting with a sexologist can help with recommended treatments.

Levitra, Cialis and Viagra increase the amount of nitrogen oxide that the nerves produce. This produces a harder and a longer-lasting erection. After taking this medication, sexual stimulation is still required to get an erection.

It is important to take the correct dose and to respect the correct amount of time between the taking of the pill and intercourse. The first attempts with this medication typically are tedious and disappointing. Please allow yourself four attempts. Be careful of black market products.

Potential risks

This medication can cause your blood pressure to drop a bit.

Nitrate products such as nitroglycerin or Cedocard may not be taken at the same time as this medication because such a combination could lead to very low blood pressure.

In the event that erection disorders are caused by a low testosterone level, extra testosterone could possibly be administered. This medication is rather difficult to administer; injections are often necessary. In addition, it is difficult to determine the correct dosage.

Potential risks

This treatment carries the possibility of serious side effects. The haematocrit level should be monitored, diabetic or blood thinner medications could become uncontrolled, urinary symptoms may worsen, cholesterol and fat disorders may worsen and the risk of prostate cancer may increase.

For these reasons, it is logical to thoroughly consider any possible testosterone administration in light of the pros and cons of the treatment.

Latest publication date: 13/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Ameye Filip