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Erectile difficulties

There are a number of treatment approaches. No treatments for people with TBI have been published. The current approach has been to use existing treatment approaches.

See a doctor

A doctor may be able to help or refer on to an urologist for more specialised assessments.

Medication

If medication is the cause of the erectile difficulties, discontinuation or replacement of responsible medications may be an option.

Sexual counselling

Going to see a sexual counsellor. Research has suggested that even self-help strategies work more effectively with some contact with a sexual counsellor. Sexual counsellors can be found at local sexual health clinics, or by contacting ASSERT [Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists] or the Family Planning Association.

Viagra

Viagra can be a useful option for men. Clinically, a number of men with TBI have found it helpful. However, there have been no studies at this stage testing the efficacy of Viagra for men with TBI.

Constriction bands and vacuum erectile devices

Vacuum or constriction devices both assist the penis to become erect.

Penile injections

Either the person themselves or their partner can inject medication into the penis before the anticipated sexual activity. Scarring of the penis may be a long-term complication of this approach.

Surgical options

Men with irreversible erectile problems may be able to access surgical options, although this is rare. For example inserting a penile prosthesis into the penis using a simple surgical procedure. This penile prosthesis helps the penis to become erect when the person wants to have sex.

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