According to Newsweek magazine, an astonishing 20 to 30 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), otherwise known as impotency. Thanks to science and technology there are many remedies for this ailment today. I have chosen two articles, one on treatment and the other on the satisfaction of treatments. One article from Newsweek magazine is on alternatives to Viagra and the other by the American Urological Association, Inc is on satisfaction rates of erectile dysfunction treatment. The first article, Alternatives to Viagra, was a result by the adverse side affects of the drug Viagra (sildenafil). Viagra is a drug that increases blood flow to the penis, which assist men with erectile dysfunction attain erections. Unfortunately, some men don't respond to Viagra, while others respond adversely with side effects such as headaches, upset stomachs, and vision disorder. In addition, men with heart problems or men who are taking certain heart medicines such as nitroglycerin or other nitrates make taking Viagra unsafe. Fortunately for these men, there are alternatives such as alprostadil, vacuum pumps, penile implants and counseling. (Sexual Function; Newsweek, June 16, 2003).
Alprostadil is similar to Viagra in that it increases blood flow to the penis by dilating blood vessels. Unlike Viagra, instead of ingesting a pill, the patient needs to administer the drug directly into the penis either through an injection, or a soft urethral pellet. These treatments have good results with an 80 and 50 percent success rate respectively. (Sexual Function; Newsweek, June 16, 2003).
There are also vacuum pumps out on the market to aid men in attaining an erection. Prior to coitus, the man places his flaccid organ into a plastic tube and uses a hand-pump to remove all the air. As the air is removed, pressure drop resulting in blood being pulled into the penile arteries and thus the penis becomes erect.
