My Penis Stuff

Other Treatment

Other treatments for erection problems (erectile dysfunction) include vacuum devices, external penile splints, and counseling (psychotherapy).

Other Treatment Choices

• Vacuum devices are useful for all types of erection problems—physical, psychological, or both. The device has a tube you place around the penis. You pump the device to create a vacuum that leads to an erection. Then you place a band around the base of the penis to maintain the erection for up to 30 minutes.
• Counseling (psychotherapy) is recommended for men whose erection problems are caused, at least in part, by psychological factors. It may include sex therapy, which focuses on methods to improve attitudes toward sex and specific sexual techniques. Counseling also may be used with medication treatment or vacuum devices for erection problems that have psychological and physical causes.
• External penile splints may be another nonsurgical option. External penile splints are mechanical supports that “hold up” the penis. Although penile splints have been available for years, they have not often been used because they covered much of the penis or resulted in painful intercourse. Their advantages are that they are noninvasive, inexpensive, and often reusable. More recent penile splints do away with many of the old problems. However, they must be sized to each man and are best used by those who are capable of partial erection.

What To Think About

Some men take the amino acid L-arginine as a dietary supplement to try to treat erection problems. The amino acid increases the amount of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels; theoretically, L-arginine could improve erections. However, there is little scientific evidence that it is effective for this purpose. 

No matter what approach you use to treat an erection problem, including your partner in the decision is helpful and may improve results.

Sex therapy may be helpful for some men who have erection problems (erectile dysfunction). Sex therapy does not involve having sex with or in front of the sex therapist. It is also not long-term or open-ended therapy. It usually involves working with a therapist who recommends gradual steps to change sexual behavior.

Sex therapy helps you understand and accept that emotions (such as anxiety or sadness) can easily become associated with physical factors or reactions. It is based on the following premises:

• Both partners share responsibility for helping solve the problem, even if it is due to physical causes.
• You and your partner receive information and education about sexual techniques.
• It is necessary to change any negative attitudes toward sex.
• It is necessary to open up lines of communication between you and your partner.

Sex therapy may involve:

• Talking about the multiple causes of sexual problems and how emotions can play a role in physical causes.
• Using a variety of psychological tests.
• Talking about the natural changes in sexual function that occur with aging.
• Offering specific suggestions for enhancing sexual enjoyment (such as altering foreplay, using lubricants, getting enough rest, eliminating distractions).