If you have erectile dysfunction (ED), treatment can help. Certain treatments work directly on your penis. Talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of each. And be sure to learn the correct method for the erectile aid you select.
Vacuum pump
-
You slip a tube over your penis. A simple pump then creates a vacuum that pulls blood into your penis. This causes an erection. You then put a tension ring around the base of your penis to hold in the blood. You then remove the tube. Don't keep the tension ring on for more than 30 minutes.
-
Risks and complications may include pain in your penis or scrotum. The penis may also feel cool or change color during your erection.
Transurethral medicine
-
You put the end of a small applicator into your urethra to place a tiny, soft medicine pellet. The medicine is absorbed into your penis. The medicine relaxes blood vessels. Then they can fill with blood. In about 10 minutes, your penis can be hard enough for sex. To keep your erection, you may need to use a tension ring.
-
Risks and complications may include pain and irritation of your urethra. Get medical help right away if you have an erection for more than 4 hours.
Self-injections
-
You inject a special medicine into your penis. The medicine relaxes blood vessels. Then they can fill with blood. In about 10 minutes, your penis can be hard enough for sex. A tension ring isn't needed to keep your erection. Your healthcare provider can explain the injection process to you.
-
Risks and complications may include pain, bleeding, bruising, or scarring. Get medical help right away if you have an erection for more than 4 hours.
Tension ring
-
A tension ring is often used along with another type of treatment. Once enough blood has flowed into your penis to cause an erection, the tension ring will stop the blood from flowing out again. This keeps the erection. Don't keep the ring on for more than 30 minutes. A tension ring is also called a constriction ring or venous flow controller.
-
Risks and complications may include pinched, bruised, or irritated skin. If you have an allergic reaction to latex rings, try a silicone ring.
Online Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Personalized Services Just for You
San Juan Health Partners Urology. Compassionate care you can trust.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Total Cystectomy with Incontinent Urinary Diversion in Men
Total cystectomy is surgery to remove the bladder. After the bladder is removed, the surgeon must make a new way to drain urine from your body. This is called urinary diversion. With incontinent urinary diversion, urine drains through a hole in your belly into a bag.
Understanding Hydrodistention with Cystoscopy
Hydrodistention is a procedure that fills up your bladder with water. It is used to help find out what may be causing your bladder pain.
Radical Orchiectomy
Radical orchiectomy is surgery to remove a testicle. It's most often done to treat testicular cancer. Or it may be needed if a testicle is severely damaged due to infection or injury. Some forms of treatment for prostate cancer include orchiectomy. Learn more about this procedure.
Understanding Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a simple and safe surgical procedure that makes a man unable to get a woman pregnant. It is a permanent form of birth control.