[Jim091866]

Hi, my wife and I are on SSRI and are having issues with ED. The meds such as viagra, cialis, etc are not covered by insurance. An alternative is a pump device. Has anyone used this method? How well does it work? Anything I should be aware of, problems. etc.? Thanks

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Jim0918

Hi, my wife and I are on SSRI and are having issues with ED. The meds such as viagra, cialis, etc are not covered by insurance. An alternative is a pump device. Has anyone used this method? How well does it work? Anything I should be aware of, problems. etc.? Thanks

Hi Jim,

It may not be an either/or situation; not all SSRIs have that side effect.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selecti...l_side_effects

IMO, pills are the way to go unless there's a more compelling (like, medical) reason. The pumps work for ED (not for permanent enlargement) but do carry inherent risks even when used correctly. (What doesn't, eh?)

Viagra's patent is due to expire next year, and the others ~8 years later, which means the cost should drop significantly.
http://www.accessrx.com/research/viagra-patent-expires

There are ways of reducing the cost - supplemental prescription insurance, drug company subsidy programs, herbal alternatives, and possibly (I don't know if it's viable anymore) ordering from Canada.

I know a fellow who was prescribed Cialis, and the side effects (headache, backache) were so bad they were self-defeating. He titrated down, and found that he only needed 1/4 of a pill to achieve the desired effect, it lasted him 48 hrs (instead of the average 36) and no side effects. He informed his doctor, who had no objections, so now he effectively gets his prescription @ 1/4 of the price. His experience may not be typical, but they do make several strengths of these drugs, and everyone is different. Working with your doctor to try is the only way to find out.

Doc