Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are one of the most common treatments recommended for erectile dysfunction. With an estimated 18.4% of men 20 and older and 52% of men between 40-70 having erectile dysfunction, it makes sense that there are so many treatments available. What do you need to know about these commonly-prescribed treatments for men experiencing ED?
The Most Common PDE-5 Inhibitors
The four oral PDE-5 inhibitors currently available in the United States include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra®)
- Vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn™)
- Tadalafil (Cialis®)
- Avanafil (Stendra™)
The first of the medications was introduced over 30 years ago, and a whopping 20 million men were treated with it in the first 6 years on the market. Depending on preferences, men can be treated with a small daily dose to allow for a degree of spontaneity, a single dose with 36-hour effectiveness or a single dose with a shorter-term span of efficacy.
How Do PDE-5 Inhibitors Work?
PDE-5 inhibitors work by causing vasodilation in the penis and lungs by stopping the breakdown of cGMP. Because PDE-5 is most often found in the penis and vasculature of the lung, the two primary purposes of inhibitors are prolonging erections and decreasing pulmonary vascular pressure.
Are PDE-5 Inhibitors for Everyone?
While these drugs are effective for some men, they are essentially placing a band-aid onto an open wound. Whenever you are treating the symptoms instead of the core problem, there will never be prolonged satisfaction. 30-35% of patients fail to respond to PDE-5 inhibitors entirely. Furthermore, 6-12 months after prescription, 70% of patients do not choose to renew. All of this evidence points to the need for a better solution to erectile dysfunction.
Alternatives to PDE-5 Inhibitors
We work with men throughout the Los Angeles area who have been let down by PDE-5 inhibitors to provide extracorporeal shockwave therapy. This non-invasive therapy offers a more long-term solution for ED and gives men back sensation, confidence and a sense of spontaneous intimacy.
Additional effective treatments include platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections to enhance performance and heal the body. Depending on the severity of your erectile dysfunction, PRP and stem cell therapy can be used in conjunction with extracorporeal shockwave therapy for phenomenal results.
Make the Right Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Choice with Help from Dr. Padra Gad Nourparvar
If you are tired of expensive treatments in the Los Angeles area that only offer you short-term results and that are invasive and uncomfortable, it’s time to explore new alternatives. To learn more about our natural and innovative solutions to ED, pain treatment and men’s health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Los Angeles’ leading ED expert. Give us a call today at (213) 797-0902 to learn more.
The claims made in this blog are based on ongoing research. Results may vary based on individual patient medical conditions and age. A consultation with our Board Certified, trained physician will be scheduled before any treatments to ensure your eligibility.
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