Restoring hope for men with erectile dysfunction
Posted: May 29, 2026 | Word Count: 1,010
Lately, it may feel like you can't go a day without seeing an ad on TV or online about erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite the attention paid to this condition, many men may be hesitant to talk about it due to its sensitive and personal nature. In reality, ED is a common condition that affects over 18 million men in the U.S.1
Misconceptions about ED, coupled with the deeply personal nature of sexual health, may prevent many men from discussing it, which could lead to feelings of isolation and shame. The hesitation to discuss ED, even with their partner, may profoundly impact a man's sexual confidence and relationships. This is especially relevant if they don't fully understand the medical condition and the potential causes.
ED occurs when blood flow to the penis is limited or when nerves are damaged. There are many factors that can contribute to ED, including age and medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.2
For men experiencing ED, it's important to seek care from a healthcare professional. A complete examination, usually with a urologist, can be an important first step in determining the cause and extent of ED and identifying appropriate treatment options. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, dieting and reducing stress can also help improve symptoms.2
Treatment advances offer safe and effective options
A variety of options are readily available and can be pursued based on each patient's needs. For most men, the first line of treatment often involves oral medications, which can be taken an hour or two before intercourse or as a low, daily dose to maintain a consistent level of medication in the body.
Oral medications may not always be an effective treatment since they may increase blood flow to other tissues of the body.3 Some may experience side effects like headaches, facial flushing or muscle aches.3 Other users may dislike the need to plan sexual activity around their medication as it can take away from spontaneity. It is important for men to continue talking to their urologist, who may recommend alternative treatments such as penile injections, vacuum devices or a long-term treatment, like a penile implant.
Exploring a discreet approach to treatment
For men who don't respond to initial treatment options, a penile implant may be an effective long-term treatment. Implanted surgically, a penile implant can enable a man with ED to achieve and maintain an erection whenever desired, for as long as desired. A penile implant allows direct control of both the timing and duration of an erection.
One type of penile implant is the AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis, which is designed to closely mimic a natural erection, providing rigidity when inflated and a natural, flaccid appearance when deflated. When deflated, the device can't be seen from the outside, allowing men with a penile implant to maintain discretion. The implant is also designed to feel natural, which can be a key feature. A natural feel design combined with the spontaneity of achieving an erection on demand can enable intimacy with partners.
Taking the first step to ED treatment
For men experiencing ED, an important step is to initiate a conversation with a healthcare professional who understands the condition and available treatments. Know that you are not alone: ED is a common, treatable medical condition and there are safe and effective treatment options available.
If you think a penile implant might be an option for you or to learn more, ask your doctor about the AMS 700 penile implant. To find a specialist who offers penile implants, visit EDCure.com.
Important Safety Information
The AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) is intended for use in the treatment of chronic, organic male erectile dysfunction (impotence).
With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure and the use of the device, including long term implantation.
Implanting a penile prosthesis will damage or destroy any remaining ability to have a natural erection, as well as make other treatment options (oral medications, vacuum devices or injections) impossible. Men with diabetes, spinal cord injuries or skin infections may have an increased risk of infection. Implantation may result in penile curvature or scarring. The device is not suitable for patients with active urinary tract, genital or skin infections in the region of surgery. Some AMS 700 devices contain an antibiotic (InhibiZone™ Antibiotic Surface Treatment). AMS 700 with InhibiZone is not suitable for patients who are allergic to the antibiotics contained within the device (rifampin and minocycline HCl) or other tetracyclines, or for patients with systemic lupus, so devices that do not contain InhibiZone should be considered for these patients.
The risks include but are not limited to: device malfunction/failure leading to additional surgery, device migration potentially leading to exposure through tissues, wearing away/loss of tissue (device/tissue erosion), infection, unintended-inflation of the device, pain/soreness, redness or rash near the incision or scrotum, swelling near the incision, scrotum or penis, hives, fever, problems with urination, device in an inappropriate position (device malposition), a second surgery may be required to reposition or remove the reservoir (reservoir revision or removal).
The device can be MRI scanned under specific conditions. Scanning under other conditions may result in injury or device malfunction. Be sure to talk to your doctor before undergoing MRI scanning.
Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the use of the device.
CAUTION: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
This article is sponsored by Boston Scientific.
References
- Selvin E, Burnett AL, Platz EA. Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the US. Am J Med. 2007 Feb;120(2):151-7. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.06.010.
- Leslie SW, Sooriyamoorthy T. Erectile dysfunction. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Updated January 9, 2024. Accessed May 20, 2026.
- "Erectile Dysfunction (Ed)." Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation. www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)#Treatment. Accessed April 2026.
