Vitaros Cream: How to Use It Safely? A Complete Guide

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common. It affects a man’s ability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex, and it can be frustrating, embarrassing, and damaging to your self-esteem.

But there are treatments available, including Vitaros cream, a prescription medication that’s applied directly to the penis. The active ingredient in Vitaros is alprostadil, which helps increase blood flow to the penis.

If your doctor has prescribed Vitaros, you probably have a lot of questions about how to use it, what to expect, and whether it’s the right choice for you. This guide will explain everything you need to know about Vitaros cream, including detailed instructions on how to use Vitaros cream safely and effectively, potential side effects, how it compares to other ED treatments, and important precautions to keep in mind.

Understanding Vitaros and Alprostadil

Vitaros is a prescription medication that’s used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). If you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection, your doctor might prescribe Vitaros to help.

What is Vitaros?

Vitaros comes in the form of a cream. It contains the active ingredient alprostadil. You’ll apply the cream directly to the head of your penis when you want to have sex. The medicine helps increase blood flow to the penis, which can help you get an erection.

What is Alprostadil?

Alprostadil is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring substance in your body called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). It’s a type of drug called a vasodilator, which means it helps widen blood vessels.

When you apply Vitaros to your penis, the alprostadil helps relax the blood vessels in the penis. This allows more blood to flow into the penis, making it easier to get an erection.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Vitaros Cream

Vitaros cream is pretty simple to use, but you’ll want to be sure you do it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of each application.

Preparation Before Application

1. First, wash your hands very well. You’ll need to wash them again after you’re done, too.
2. Next, go to the bathroom and pee.
3. Make sure your penis is clean and dry before you start.

Applying the Cream

1. Carefully open the AccuDose container.
2. Hold your penis upright.
3. Gently apply the cream to the tip of your penis using the applicator that comes with the cream.
4. Be sure to use the entire contents of one AccuDose container each time you apply the medication.

Post-Application Instructions

1. Keep holding your penis upright for about 30 seconds after you’ve applied the cream.
2. Don’t touch the tip of your penis after you put the cream on. You don’t want to accidentally transfer the cream to other parts of your body or to another person.
3. Throw away the applicator after you’ve used it. Don’t try to reuse it.

Important Considerations

If you’re going to have sex with a pregnant partner, or if you’re not sure whether your partner is pregnant, you need to use a condom.

You’ll need to wait about 5 to 30 minutes after you apply the cream before you have sex.

Dosage and How Often to Use Vitaros

Vitaros cream typically comes in a 3mg/g strength, meaning each 100mg of cream contains 300 mcg of the active ingredient, alprostadil.

It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions, but here are some general guidelines:

• Don’t use Vitaros more than 2-3 times per week.
• Use only one AccuDose™ container per application.
• Never use more than one application within a 24-hour period.

Using Vitaros exactly as your doctor prescribes is key to its effectiveness and your safety.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like any medication, Vitaros can cause side effects. It’s important to be aware of these before using the cream.

Common Side Effects

Some of the more common side effects you might experience include:

• Mild pain, burning, redness, or itching where you applied the cream
• Penile swelling or numbness
• Headache
• Aching testicles

Serious Side Effects (and what to do)

While less common, some side effects are more serious and require immediate medical attention:

• Prolonged erection (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours: This is a medical emergency and can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Seek immediate medical attention if this occurs.
• Allergic reactions: Symptoms may include rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. These are signs of a serious allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.

Precautions

Before using Vitaros, be sure to discuss the following with your doctor:

• Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications can interact with Vitaros.
• Medical Conditions: Do not use Vitaros if you have certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia, as these can increase your risk of priapism.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Do not drive or operate machinery within 1-2 hours after using Vitaros, as it may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after application to avoid accidental exposure to the cream to other people.

Vitaros vs. Other ED Treatments

Erectile dysfunction treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s compare Vitaros to other options.

Vitaros vs. PDE-5 Inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis)

Viagra and Cialis are known as PDE-5 inhibitors. Here’s how Vitaros stacks up against them:

• How they work: Vitaros is a cream that you apply directly, while PDE-5 inhibitors are pills.
• How fast they work: Vitaros usually gets to work in 5-30 minutes. Viagra can take 30-60 minutes to kick in.
• How long they last: Vitaros lasts for 1-2 hours, while Viagra can keep you going for around 4 hours.
• How well they work: Vitaros has about a 52% success rate. Viagra’s success rate is higher, ranging from 62-82%.
• Side effects: Vitaros might have fewer side effects throughout your body compared to pills.

Advantages of Vitaros

Vitaros could be a good choice if:

• You can’t take ED pills because of other health issues or side effects.
• You want something that works faster than some pills.

Disadvantages of Vitaros

Keep in mind these potential downsides:

• You have to be careful when you put it on.
• It might cause some local side effects, like pain or irritation in the penis.
• It might not work as well as some ED pills.

Lifestyle Modifications and Natural Alternatives

It’s important to remember that a healthy lifestyle has a significant impact on erectile function and overall sexual health. Sometimes, making changes to your daily habits can improve your symptoms.

The role of lifestyle

Many factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and exercise, can affect your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise can improve blood flow and boost your overall health.

Natural Alternatives

Some natural alternatives that may help improve erectile function include:

• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Exercising regularly
• Making dietary changes
• Using stress reduction techniques

These strategies may improve your overall health and, in some cases, help improve erectile function.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It’s crucial to understand that natural alternatives should not be used in place of medical treatment for erectile dysfunction. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your ED and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Vitaros cream is a topical medication containing alprostadil that can help with erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s important to apply it correctly and follow the recommended precautions.

It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor before using Vitaros or any other ED treatment. Tell your doctor about any health conditions you have and any other medicines you’re taking. If you have any concerns about Vitaros or if you experience any side effects, let your doctor know.

Vitaros can be an effective way to manage ED when used correctly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you have questions about whether Vitaros is right for you, schedule an appointment with your doctor.