Erectile Dysfunction Cream

Erectile dysfunction creams are topically applied creams that are used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. With these creams, you can apply an ED medication straight to your penis rather than taking a pill right before sex.

Before using these medications, there are a few things you should know. This article goes into great detail on what it is, its types, what it does, various brands, and how you may use it to your advantage.

Let’s get started.

What is Erectile Dysfunction Cream?

Erectile dysfunction creams contain drugs that are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is the inability of certain men to get an erection. The majority of individuals affected are averse to discussing this issue.

Topical creams are useful because they allow you to apply an ED medication straight to your penis rather than taking a pill just before sex. Erectile dysfunction creams are useful mainly for those men who cannot take oral medications for ED.

There is little information on the efficacy of topical creams because they are a more recent kind of ED treatment. Yet, certain studies that have just been published indicate that some ED creams might work.

Particularly for people with diabetes or heart problems, these drugs may have fewer systemic adverse effects.

How to Use Erectile Dysfunction Cream

With the provided applicator, ED cream must be applied directly to the penis. It will cause an erection quite rapidly, so you should make sure you are otherwise ready for sexual activity before using it. Then, wash your hands before continuing with the following:

To enlarge the hole in your urethra, hold the tip of your penis in your hand and gently massage the skin. Carefully pull back your foreskin to reveal the hole if you are not circumcised.

Apply the cream slowly on the opening of your penis while holding the applicator bearing it in place. Although the cream should go into your penis’ entrance, it’s usual for some of it to flow out onto the nearby skin.

During 30 seconds, keep your penis upright, and during that time, gently massage any remaining cream into the opening of your penis and the skin around it.

Throw away the applicator, then clean your hands.

Erectile dysfunction cream should only be applied two to three times each week, and never more than once every 24 hours.

What are The Types of Erectile Dysfunction Creams?

Various creams help in treating erectile dysfunction. They are:

Alprostadil such as Vitaros

Vitaros is an ED cream containing alprostadil. As an alternative to oral medications for men with erectile dysfunction, it initially hit the market in 2014.

Vitaros is a topical alprostadil cream. Alprostadil, a natural prostaglandin, is used to widen blood arteries and enhance blood flow, as was previously indicated. Alprostadil facilitates the onset and maintenance of an erection when administered to the penis.

Vitaros cream is comparable to early erectile dysfunction medications like Caverject and Edex, which use an injectable form of alprostadil to boost blood flow to the tissue of the penis.

Although Vitaros has undergone phase II and phase III medical studies, the FDA has not yet approved it. It isn’t currently accessible in the United States as a result. It is nevertheless accessible in the UK and a few other nations.

Mechanism of Action of Alprostadil

Alprostadil mimics the actions of prostaglandin E1, a hormone-like compound that is involved in several physiological activities, including controlling blood flow. Alprostadil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by reducing smooth muscle contractions in the blood arteries that supply the penis, which enhances blood flow and aids in erection production.

As a vasodilator, alprostadil opens up blood vessels and boosts blood flow. In particular, it functions by energizing the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which turns ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP). Myosin, a protein present in smooth muscle cells, is then phosphorylated as a result of protein kinase A being activated by cAMP. Myosin is phosphorylated, which causes the smooth muscle to relax, increasing blood flow to the penis and causing an erection.

Alprostadil not only affects smooth muscle, but it also has antiplatelet and antithrombotic actions, which means it can enhance blood flow in other parts of the body and prevent blood clots.

Alprostadil’s overall mode of action is boosting blood flow to the penis by relaxing the smooth muscle and enhancing vascular function, both of which can assist men with ED in achieving and maintaining an erection.

Vitaros can cause erection between five and 30 minutes after application. It can last for almost 1 to 2 hours at a time. The maximum dose is once per day.

Sildenafil Cream Such as SST-6006

The same active ingredient found in Viagra, sildenafil, is present in SST-6006, a topical erectile dysfunction cream. Strategic Science and Technologies LLC (SST) were still working on SST-6006 as of June 2015, and it was about to start phase II clinical trials.

SST-6006 transports sildenafil through the skin directly into the penis rather than throughout the body as an oral pill does to treat ED. SST-6006 has not received approval from the FDA and is not available in the USA.

Mechanism of Action of Sildenafil

Sildenafil increases the amount of blood flowing through the arteries that supply the corpora cavernosa, the region of the penis where erections occur. PDE5 is mostly found in platelets, skeletal muscles, vascular, and visceral muscles as well as the corpora cavernosa.

Normally, after sexual stimulation, the nerves in the pelvic area become active. Nitric oxide (NO) will then start to circulate in and around the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa and penile arteries. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthesis is increased by nitric oxide (cGMP). The smooth muscles and corpora cavernosa of the penis likewise relax as a result, and the blood flow to the penis also increases, causing an erection.

In ED patients, these arteries are frequently damaged and dysfunctional.

PDE5 prevents cGMP from operating normally in ED patients, which prevents the smooth muscles of the penis from relaxing. The penis consequently doesn’t get enough blood flow. There isn’t an erection as a result.

After sexual stimulation, sildenafil aids in getting an erection. During an erection, the amount of genital blood in the bloodstream significantly increases.

L-Arginine Creams

L-Arginine creams may help in treating erectile dysfunction too. They have been found to produce nitric oxide, promote cGMP and thus cause erections. However, there is not enough research to prove the effectiveness of such creams.

Creams from the Extracts of Bark and Seeds

Some over-the-counter ED lotions include natural components such as ginkgo biloba leaf, cuscuta seed, and several types of exotic tree barks. These products are said to contain various therapeutic qualities and can help to cause erections for a longer time. However, there is no sufficient proof for this.

VigRX Oil is said to enhance blood flow to the penis by employing extracts from numerous plants, barks, and berries.

Most of these creams are counted as supplements and hence are not normally tested by the FDA. Most of the time, there isn’t any solid proof that they have any impact on erections or sexual performance.

Who Should Use Erectile Dysfunction Cream?

Erectile dysfunction creams are appropriate for men with ED. Men who are unable to sustain an erection long enough for penetration should use it. The users who will profit from this medication are those who cannot use ED medications because of health issues or contraindications. Nonetheless, a prescription is necessary. As a result, you should get checked out and have your diagnosis verified before using this drug.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Cream Safe?

Erectile dysfunction creams may be well tolerated by users. Like the vast majority of other medications, it does have some dangers and adverse effects. Although most of these side effects are minor, a few of them have the potential to be seriously detrimental. Always exercise caution when using this drug, and be aware of any possible adverse effects. If you experience any unfavorable side effects, speak with your doctor right away.

Common Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Cream

Erectile dysfunction cream’s side effects can take different forms. Most of these side effects are brought on by improper or excessive doses.

Some of the common side effects experienced by users of erectile dysfunction creams are:

Bradycardia
Dizziness
Hypotension
Inflammation surrounding the head of the penis
Itchiness
Itching or mild burning in your partner’s genital area
Numbness
Penis discomfort
Penis tingling or throbbing
Swelling of the skin around the penis
Tenderness

Who Should Avoid Using Erectile Dysfunction Cream

Patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease or trait, multiple myeloma, leukaemia, polycythemia vera, and thrombocythemia.
Patients with hypersensitivity to any of the types of erectile dysfunction creams
Patients with a history of Peyronie disease of the penis
Patients with a history of priapism
Patients with a history of urethritis
Patients with urinary tract infections

Medical Research Involving Erectile Dysfunction Cream

Alprostadil in erectile dysfunction cream induces smooth muscle relaxation of the corpus cavernosal after administration. Alprostadil is a highly effective endogenous vasodilator that is chemically equivalent to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Alprostadil induces smooth muscle relaxation of the corpus cavernosal after administration [1]. Similarly, SST-6006’s clinical trial showed that it is effective in causing erections [2]. While L-Arginine is effective in causing erections in rats, no research has been conducted to see its effects on humans [3].

Best Erectile Dysfunction Creams Alternatives

Erectile dysfunction creams can be replaced with a variety of products. While some might employ the same components, others might not. Nonetheless, the majority of their activity processes are the same. Using oral drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors is the most effective strategy to treat ED. These drugs improve blood flow and promote firmer, more dependable erections by widening the blood capillaries that provide blood to your penile tissue.

Find out what will work best for you by doing some research.

Pharmaceutical alternatives that can treat ED are:

Sildenafil (Viagra, Cenforce, Kamagra, Fildena, P-Force, Vygex, & more)
Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca, Vidalista, Tadacip, Forzest, & more)
Avanafil (Avaforce, Stendra, Avana)
Mirodenafil (Mvix)
Udenafil (Zydena)
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn, Vilitra, Zhewitra, Savitra, & more)

Natural Alternatives

Herbs and a few nutrients can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. Regrettably, research typically fails to back up the majority of claims. You can start with them if you are hesitant to utilise prescription drugs. If they don’t work, you can always switch to the pharmaceutical ones.

A few herbal and vitamin-based therapies for ED and PE are listed below:

Catuaba (Trichilia catigua or Erythroxylum Catuaba)— The bark of Catuaba trees, which are indigenous to the Brazilian jungle, is used to make catuaba, a natural herb. It can be used to treat low libido and ED. They can improve sexual prowess as well [4].

Zinc — Men with erectile dysfunction have been found to have lower zinc levels. Zinc supplementation can decrease the signs of sexual dysfunction and raise testosterone levels [5].

Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) — Muira puama can minimise ED signs while boosting sex gratification. The corpora cavernosa, which acts as a sponge and retains blood during an erection, is relaxed by this herb. By boosting the flow of blood to the penis, this relaxation encourages the erectile response [6].

Conclusion

Although topical ED creams offer a lot of potential as a kind of erectile dysfunction treatment, the FDA has not yet approved any of them. While some like Vitaros are available in the UK and other parts of the world, they are not yet available in the USA.

References Cited in This Article

Hanchanale, V., & Eardley, I. (2014). Alprostadil for the treatment of impotence. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 15(3), 421-428.
https://strategicscience.com/Topical-Sildenafil-ED.html
Moody, J. A., Vernet, D., Laidlaw, S., Rajfer, J., & Gonzalez-Cadavid, N. F. (1997). Effects of long-term oral administration of L-arginine on the rat erectile response. The journal of urology, 158(3), 942-947.
Lim, P. H. (2017). Asian herbals and aphrodisiacs are used for managing ED. Translational andrology and urology, 6(2), 167.
Dissanayake, D. M. A. B., Wijesinghe, P. S., Ratnasooriya, W. D., & Wimalasena, S. (2009). Effects of zinc supplementation on the sexual behavior of male rats. Journal of human reproductive sciences, 2(2), 57.
Ferrini, M. G., Garcia, E., Abraham, A., Artaza, J. N., Nguyen, S., & Rajfer, J. (2018). Effect of ginger, Paullinia cupana, Muira puama, and l-citrulline, singly or in combination, on modulation of the inducible nitric oxide-NO-cGMP pathway in rats penile smooth muscle cells. nitric oxide, 76, 81-86.