Health Conditions

What is on the horizon?

A new regular dosing schedule for sildenafil (Viagra) and the other phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitors like tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) may restore erectile function more effectively than an "as needed" dosing schedule. According to a recent study, Viagra taken every night may provide more nocturnal erections which may benefit patients with erectile dysfunction. The significance of the benefit, however, has yet to be determined by larger, more conclusive studies. The safety of an "every day" treatment pattern has also not been determined and is therefore discouraged at this time.

Because of the success and wide spread use with sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction, researchers are focusing on other noninvasive treatment options to treat erectile dysfunction. Currently, a form of phentolamine to be taken by mouth is being studied to determine its effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction. Another study is looking at the use of radiation treatments to improve erections.

There was a study conducted in patients taking sildenafil (Viagra) to see if this medication is still effective 8 hours after taking the dose. The study measured if patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction will have difficulty obtaining an erection 8 hours after the first dose of Viagra. This study is most likely being carried out to make Viagra more competitive with Cialis, which works up to 36 hours after the dose is taken. The study has been completed, however the results have not yet been reported.

Researchers think they may have found a way to help men avoid impotence caused by nerve damage. While they haven't tried their approach on humans yet, the researchers say tests on rats suggest that a type of gene therapy may bring back the ability to have an erection. Individuals with diabetes and/or whom have had their prostate removed are at risk for nerve damage.