Understanding ED6 min read
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED is common, treatable at every level of severity, and often the first sign of a health problem worth catching early. Learn what it is, how erections work, and what causes it.
Read More →ED Treatment Information — Dr. Matthew Mutter MD, FGPS
Erectile Dysfunction · Expert Care · New Orleans
Take Back Control. Know Your Options.
ED affects over 30 million American men — and there are more effective treatment options today than ever before. This is the straightforward information you deserve.
30M+
Men Affected
95%
IPP Satisfaction
4
Treatment Paths
Matthew J. Mutter MD, FGPS
Associate Professor of Urology · Metairie, Louisiana
"Erectile dysfunction is not a life sentence — it's a medical condition with real solutions. Whether you're managing it conservatively or considering a permanent fix, understanding your options is the first step."
Treatment Paths
ED Treatment Pathways
Every man is different. The right treatment depends on your health history, lifestyle, and personal goals. Below is a straightforward breakdown of the four main approaches — no guesswork, no jargon.
01First-Line Therapy
Oral Medications (PDE5 Inhibitors)
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed ED medications. They work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the penis, allowing increased blood flow in response to sexual stimulation. Common options include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). These medications do not cause an automatic erection — sexual arousal is still required. They are generally well-tolerated, though they are contraindicated in men taking nitrate medications for heart conditions.
Learn MoreBest Suited For
Men with mild-to-moderate ED, without cardiovascular contraindications.
02Non-Invasive Device
Vacuum Erection Device (VED)
A vacuum erection device uses negative pressure to draw blood into the penis, followed by a constriction ring placed at the base to maintain the erection. VEDs are non-invasive, drug-free, and covered by most insurance plans when prescribed. They require some practice to use effectively and may feel less natural than medication-assisted erections. They are also used therapeutically after prostate surgery to preserve penile tissue health.
Learn MoreBest Suited For
Men who prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach, those with contraindications to oral medications, or men in penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment.
03Injection Therapy
Intracavernosal Injections (ICI · Alprostadil · Tri-Mix)
Injectable medications are delivered directly into the erectile tissue of the penis using a very fine needle. Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex) is FDA-approved for this use; compounded "Tri-Mix" (a combination of alprostadil, phentolamine, and papaverine) is widely used off-label and often more effective. Injections typically produce an erection within 5–20 minutes and last 30–60 minutes. They are highly effective even in men who have not responded to oral medications.
Learn MoreBest Suited For
Men who haven't responded to oral medications, those with nerve damage from diabetes or prostate surgery, or men seeking a reliable on-demand option.
04Definitive Solution
Penile Implant (AMS 700 IPP)
A penile implant is the gold-standard, permanent solution for men with moderate-to-severe ED who have not responded to or are not candidates for other treatments. The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) — most commonly the AMS 700 — consists of two cylinders implanted in the penis, a small pump in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir in the abdomen. The device is completely concealed and allows the user to achieve an erection on demand. Over 500,000 devices have been implanted worldwide, with a 95% patient satisfaction rate. Dr. Mutter is a high-volume IPP surgeon and director of a designated AMS 700 Center of Excellence.
Learn MoreBest Suited For
Men with moderate-to-severe ED unresponsive to other treatments, those with Peyronie's disease, post-prostatectomy patients, or men seeking a permanent, spontaneous solution.
Emerging Therapy
Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LiSWT)
Low-intensity shockwave therapy uses acoustic wave energy to stimulate neovascularization — the growth of new blood vessels — in penile tissue. It is being studied as a treatment for vasculogenic ED and may improve response to oral medications or serve as a standalone option for select patients. While not yet FDA-cleared specifically for ED, it is offered at some specialized centers and continues to be evaluated in clinical trials. Dr. Mutter can discuss whether this emerging option may be appropriate for your situation during a consultation.
Learn More About LiSWTAbout the Physician
About Dr. Mutter
Matthew J. Mutter MD, FGPS is a board-certified urologist and nationally recognized leader in male sexual health and penile prosthetic surgery. He serves as Associate Professor of Urology and Director of Cancer Survivorship & Men's Health at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Metairie, Louisiana.
Dr. Mutter focuses on genitourinary prosthetic surgery and has performed hundreds of penile implant procedures. He is a high-volume AMS 700 implanting surgeon and a designated director of an AMS 700 Center of Excellence — one of a select group of surgeons in the country recognized for exceptional outcomes and patient care in penile prosthetic surgery.
Associate Professor of Urology
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Metairie, Louisiana
Male Sexual Health & Penile Prosthetic Surgery
FGPS — Fellow, Genitourinary Prosthetic Surgery
Director, Cancer Survivorship & Men's Health
AMS 700 Center of Excellence
Dr. Mutter is a designated director of a Mary Bird Perkins AMS 700 Center of Excellence — a distinction awarded to high-volume surgeons who demonstrate exceptional outcomes, patient education, and commitment to the AMS 700 inflatable penile prosthesis. This recognition reflects his expertise and dedication to providing the highest standard of care in penile prosthetic surgery.
Why Treat ED
Why ED Deserves Attention
1
ED Is a Medical Condition, Not a Personal Failing
Erectile dysfunction is caused by physiological factors — vascular disease, nerve damage, hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, and more. It is not a reflection of masculinity, desire, or character. Treating it as a medical condition — rather than something to be ashamed of — is the first step toward effective care.
2
ED Is Often a Warning Sign of Cardiovascular Disease
The same arterial disease that causes ED can cause heart attacks and strokes. In many men, ED precedes a cardiac event by 3–5 years. Addressing ED is not just about sexual function — it is an opportunity to identify and manage underlying cardiovascular risk factors before they become life-threatening.
3
Untreated ED Affects Relationships and Mental Health
ED has well-documented effects on self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and relationship satisfaction — for both partners. Men who seek treatment report significant improvements in quality of life, emotional well-being, and relationship intimacy. The psychological burden of untreated ED is real and deserves the same attention as the physical cause.
4
Effective, Proven Treatments Exist at Every Stage
From oral medications to penile implants, there is a treatment option appropriate for virtually every man with ED — regardless of cause, severity, or health history. Modern treatments are safe, effective, and in many cases covered by insurance. There is no reason to accept ED as permanent when solutions are available.
Articles & Insights
Straightforward information on ED causes, treatments, and what to expect — written for patients, not physicians.
Treatment Options6 min read
PDE5 Inhibitors: Sildenafil, Tadalafil & Beyond
The most common first-line treatment for ED — effective for most men, simple to take, with a long safety record. Learn how they work, the one absolute safety rule, and how to choose between them.
Read More →Treatment8 min read
The AMS 700 Penile Implant: What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
A penile implant is a significant decision. This guide walks through the surgical process, recovery timeline, what the device feels like in daily life, and what outcomes patients can realistically expect.
Read More →Companion App
Introducing Reparo
A penile rehabilitation and ED tracking companion built by a urologist — giving men a structured plan, a clear view of their progress, and plain-language answers about every treatment option.
Penile Rehabilitation
Lays out the daily protocol clinicians recommend — PDE5 dosing and vacuum-device sessions — and makes logging each session quick so the routine holds through the months that matter most.
Progress Tracking
SHIM and EHS check-ins in under a minute. Trends across weeks and months, charted against your pre-treatment baseline as the recovery target.
Treatment Log
Record oral medications, vacuum-device sessions, and injections as you go — doses, dates, and response — organized along the standard treatment ladder.
Share With Your Care Team
One tap turns your history into a clean summary — diagnosis, score trends, and treatments tried — ready for your urologist or insurer when advanced options come into view.
Education Library
A genuinely comprehensive library written by a urologist: what causes ED, how every treatment works, and what recovery really looks like — in plain language, no jargon.
Private by Design
Your information is encrypted and locked behind Face ID. You control your record and decide who it's shared with. HIPAA-compliant safeguards actively being established.
Private Beta
Your recovery deserves a real plan.
Reparo is currently in private beta. Join the waitlist and we'll let you know when your spot opens.
Join the WaitlistBuilt by a board-certified urologist specializing in men's health and cancer survivorship.
Get in Touch
Let's Talk
Whether you're exploring treatment options for the first time or ready to schedule a consultation, Dr. Mutter's office is here to help. Reach out using the form or contact us directly at either location.