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Treatments for ED: The 5 Most Controversial Methods

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Men with erectile dysfunction today can choose from a broad array of treatments, the most popular of which is oral medication such as Viagra or Cialis. However, also available are some more questionable treatment methods, all of which should be regarded with healthy skepticism.

Erectile dysfunction is no longer a taboo subject, and men today have more forms of treatment to choose from than ever before.

The pioneering ED drug Viagra has earned Pfizer, its developer, billions in annual revenues since the drug’s debut in 1998. But prescription medications are not the only ED treatments available. Other options include penile injection therapy, vacuum pump devices, and surgery — all treatments that have been shown to be safe and effective.

The enormous popularity of ED drugs like Viagra have encouraged the creation and promotion of many controversial ED treatments. Some of these may be ineffective or even harmful. If you’re exploring all your options for ED treatment, you need to know about controversial treatment options so that you can make informed choices. Here are five of the most controversial methods for treating erectile dysfunction.

1. Testosterone Therapy

A testosterone deficiency is not a common cause of ED, but low testosterone levels can lead to a decline in sexual desire, which in turn leads to fewer erections. While testosterone replacement therapy can help men who truly have low testosterone levels, use of this therapy in men who don’t have low levels of the hormone can result in unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects.

Testosterone supplementation may not be safe or effective for men with normal testosterone levels.

Proponents of testosterone therapy argue that as men get older, testosterone levels naturally drop, and replacing testosterone can not only improve sexual functioning but also increase muscle mass, sharpen concentration, and improve energy levels.

Others warn that the side effects, particularly in men who don’t have abnormally low testosterone levels, are too risky. Dangerous side effects include liver toxicity, sleep apnea, increased red blood cell concentration, and prostate enlargement.

The only clear consensus is that any testosterone therapy should be closely monitored by a physician.

 

2. Bromocriptine

Another rare cause of ED is a condition called hyperprolactinemia, which is an abnormally high level of a hormone called prolactin. Levels of prolactin are reduced by using a drug called bromocriptine, which is known as a dopamine agonist. Bromocriptine has been anecdotally linked to higher libido, though it has not been tested clinically.

Bromocriptine has been used for a long time as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease and is considered safe. Reports of bromocriptine enhancing sexual functioning have not been studied, and there are people who believe the studies should be made and, if the claims are true, bromocriptine should be an option for treatment for ED.

However, skeptics say that there is no evidence that bromocriptine improves sexual function in otherwise healthy men and that it can have frightening and dangerous side effects, such as falling asleep abruptly (narcolepsy) and sudden drops in blood pressure. Furthermore, its benefit for ED appears to be limited to men who have abnormally high levels of prolactin.

3. Yohimbine

Derived from the bark of an African tree, yohimbe or yohimbine can have serious side effects.

Yohimbine is an alkaloid derived from an African tree called Pausinystalia yohimbe. It is used in both over-the-counter herbal extract form (called yohimbe) and also in the form of prescription medication (yohimbine) for treating erectile dysfunction.

According to the National Institutes of Health, yohimbine hydrochloride, the standardized prescription form of yohimbe, has been shown in human studies to be effective in the treatment of erection dysfunction. Supporters of yohimbine as a treatment for ED say that it works in some people and can be obtained in standardized (prescription) form, so it should be a treatment option.

However, researchers have linked yohimbe in all forms to cardiopulmonary risk, since it can cause low or high blood pressure. Dizziness and shortness of breath are linked to the cardiac effects of yohimbe. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic warn that people being treated for depression or schizophrenia should stay away from yohimbe and its by-products, since they can cause increased nervousness and anxiety.

4. Enzyte

Enzyte is an herbal supplement manufactured by Vianda, LLC of Cincinnati. The manufacturer says that Enzyte promotes “natural male enhancement.” Wired.com did a “What’s Inside” article on Enzyte detailing the ingredients, which are:

• L-arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels

• horny goat weed, a substance that inhibits PDE5 enzymes and thus improves blood flow

• zinc, a deficiency of which correlates with low testosterone levels

• Tribulus terrestris, which supposedly increases testosterone and nitric acid production

• Korean red ginseng, said to promote “masculine life force”

• Avena sativa extract, which can lower blood pressure

• copper, a deficiency of which can decrease nitric oxide

The effectiveness of herbs in treating ED is the subject of much debate.

Detractors say that some of the ingredients may be dangerous. For example, tribulus terrestris in high dosages can damage the liver and kidney. Other complaints are more financial in nature. In 2006, thousands of consumer complaints resulted in a raid on Enzyte’s facilities and prison sentences for the CEO after convictions on conspiracy, mail fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering charges.

5. Prelox

Prelox is another proprietary herbal blend that includes L-arginine aspartate and pycnogenol. This product, which can be purchased online from Herbalife distributors for around $40 for 60 tablets, must be taken daily.

A double blind test by Steven Lamm, M.D., of the New York University School of Medicine reported that 81.1 percent of men said Prelox was effective in improving sexual function. The manufacturer says that since Prelox is taken daily, rather than as needed, it improves sexual spontaneity.

Critics say that Prelox is expensive and don’t like the fact that it is sold through distributors. Furthermore, they say it can be hard to get a refund. General reviews say that Prelox doesn’t seem to have any bad side effects, but it really doesn’t have much of a positive effect either.

Stay informed so you can choose the treatment for ED that’s as right for you as your partner is.

Conclusions

Treatment for ED is a personal decision. Men who find it difficult or impossible to get and keep an erection suitable for intercourse should make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a treatment method. Some treatments are controversial due to issues with effectiveness, side effects, and price. Many effective and safe treatments for ED are available today, and most men are able to find satisfaction with these.

There is not much of a reason to try controversial ED treatments. If conventional treatments for ED don’t work, you should bring this to the attention of your physician. You may need to be evaluated for conditions like cardiovascular disease, or your ED symptoms may be caused by psychological factors that need to be treated with talk therapy and possibly medications for depression or anxiety.

If you are learning about treatment options for gaining stronger erections and are interested in FDA-approved medications like Viagra, you may want to consider using the services of an online facilitator like eDrugstore.com. In business since the late 1990s, eDrugstore sells a full range of ED medications, including both brand-name and generic products. To learn more, visit eDrugstore’s Erectile Dysfunction page.

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