Medical Treatments

After your initial consultation, including a thorough history, physical examination, and a panel of diagnostic tests, you physician should be able to suggest one or more treatment option(s). The most commonly recommended treatment options follow. Please note that this is general information, and that you should always follow your physician’s instructions.

1. Antioxidants: Your doctor should be able to recommend a vitamin supplement that is high in antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C. Antioxidants combat reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are molecules with an extra electron. ROS in excessively high levels can cause minor injury to cells in the genital tract, including sperm. Antioxidants can be found in supplements such as Male Fertility Supplement.
2. Carnitine: Carnitine is found in high concentrations in the epididymis and is thought to improve sperm motility. Studies are currently underway to confirm or refute this hypothesis. Carnitine can be found in supplements such as Male Fertility Supplement.
3. Arimidex (anastrazole): Originally designed for breast cancer patients, this drug has been found to be useful in the treatment of male factor infertility. This tablet, taken once daily, is generally not recommended for use over 1 year, unless directed by your physician. Anastrazole has been shown to improve the ratio of testosterone to estradiol, as well as improve semen analysis parameters. Side effects may include headache, diarrhea, nausea, back pain, weakness, and reduced energy.
4. Clomid (clomiphene citrate): This drug comes in tablet form. This drug binds to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain. In doing so, they block estrogens from binding there, thereby stopping estrogen from inhibiting the production GnRH. Enhanced GnRH production leads to greater LH and FSH levels, promoting the production of testosterone, which may improve sperm production. Side effects may include increased energy, improved mood, and libido.
5. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): hCG behaves much like LH, stimulating the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. This injectable medication is commonly recommended for patients diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition in which sperm production is hampered due to deficient levels of LH and FSH.

Click here for a demonstration of how to use an injectable medication.

Medications for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The listed medications are the most commonly used medications in treating erectile dysfunction. They are phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5),  which relax the arteries of the penis, which allow it to fill with blood, resulting in an erection. They generally do not result immediately in an erection; you still must be aroused in order to attain an erection. If you are interested in these medications, be sure to tell your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure or have diabetes or heart problems. You should not use these medications if you are using nitrates for a heart condition. The side effects are generally mild and transient. They include headache, stuffy nose, muscle aches, and flushing.

Be sure that you are taking these drugs exactly as instructed; 40% of med who have not responded to Viagra will respond after receiving proper instruction on use of the medication.

**IF YOU HAVE AN ERECTION LASTING OVER FOUR HOURS, PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION**

1. Viagra (sildenfil citrate): The pill originally intended to treat heart disease is now used to treat erectile dysfunction. This particular PDE-5 agent can cause, on rare occasions, blue-green shading of vision due to high blood levels of the drug. This temporary and poses no long-term risk. Viagra usually works 1-4 hours after you take it. For more information, you can visit www.viagra.com.
2. Cialis (taladafil): This tablet is similar to Viagra, though it may have a longer duration of action. For more information, you can visit www.cialis.com.
3. Levitra (vardenafil HCl): This tablet should be taken approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. For more information you can visit www.levitra.com.
4. Caverject (alprostadil): This ED medication is injected directly into the corpora cavernosa of the penis. For more information you can visit www.caverject.com.
5. MUSE: MUSE is a urethral suppository of alprostadil, eliminating the need for injection. It is inserted directly into the penile urethra using a small, narrow tube. This application of the drug, however, decreases the effictiveness to 40%. Side effects include a burning sensation in the penis and prolonged erection. For more information you can visit www.muserx.com.