Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the condition of not being able to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s often caused by an underlying health problem.
The Urology Care Foundation estimates that this condition affects 30 million men in the United States. For some men, treatment with drugs may resolve their ED.
If you’re looking for options to treat your ED, check out the list below. Information such as how to take these drugs and what the side effects are can help you discuss drug treatment options with your doctor.
Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) comes as an injectable solution and as a penile suppository.
You’ll inject the solution directly into your penis 5 to 20 minutes before having sex. You can use it as needed up to three times per week. You should let at least 24 hours lapse between injections.
With MUSE (or Medicated Urethral System for Erections), the suppository should be administered 5 to 10 minutes before sex. It shouldn’t be used more than twice in a 24-hour period.
The more common side effects of this drug include pain in the penis and testicles, as well as burning in the urethra.