When ED Pills Stop Working:Treatments That Actually Work
Approximately 40% of men don't respond adequately to oral ED medications like Viagra and Cialis. When pills stop working, three advanced treatments offer significantly higher success rates: ICP injection therapy (98% effective), shockwave therapy (75% effective), and PRP regenerative treatment (70-80% effective).
Why Viagra and Cialis Stop Working
ED pills stop working for four main reasons: tolerance buildup, underlying vascular disease, nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, and low testosterone levels.
Tolerance and Adaptation
After prolonged use, the body can develop tolerance to PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Vascular Disease
ED pills require adequate blood flow to work. Men with significant vascular disease—common in those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes—often don't have sufficient blood flow for pills to be effective.
Nerve Damage
Diabetes, prostate surgery, and spinal injuries can damage the nerves required for oral medications to trigger an erection. Approximately 75% of diabetic men experience ED, and many don't respond to pills.
Low Testosterone Connection
Low testosterone reduces the body's response to ED medications. Men with testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL often need hormone optimization before pills become effective.
Three Proven Treatments When ED Pills Fail
When oral ED medications fail, three treatments have proven significantly more effective: injection therapy, shockwave therapy, and PRP (P-Shot) treatment.
1. ICP Injection Therapy (Trimix/Bi-Mix)
98% Success RateICP injection therapy is the most effective ED treatment available, with a 98% success rate even in men who don't respond to Viagra or Cialis. Trimix—a compounded medication containing alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine—is injected directly into the penis, producing an erection within 5-10 minutes that lasts 30-60 minutes.
- Success rate: 98%
- Time to work: 5-10 minutes
- Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Works regardless of nerve damage or vascular issues
- Self-administered at home after training
2. NuWave Shockwave Therapy
Restore Natural FunctionShockwave therapy for ED uses low-intensity acoustic waves to stimulate new blood vessel growth in the penis. Unlike pills or injections that provide temporary solutions, shockwave therapy can restore natural erectile function with results lasting 2+ years.
- Success rate: 75%
- Treatment course: 6-12 sessions over 6-12 weeks
- Results last: 2+ years
- Non-invasive, no medication required
- Works by stimulating angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth)
3. Eros PRP Procedure (P-Shot)
Regenerative TreatmentThe P-Shot (Priapus Shot), also called the Eros procedure, is a regenerative ED treatment using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from the patient's own blood. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration, improve blood flow, and enhance sensitivity.
- Success rate: 70-80%
- Results develop: 4-8 weeks
- Results last: 12-18 months
- Uses patient's own blood (no medication)
- Can be combined with other treatments
Comparing ED Treatments: Which Is Right for You?
Each advanced ED treatment has different success rates, onset times, and ideal candidates. The following comparison helps determine the best option based on individual needs.
| Treatment | Success Rate | Time to Work | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injection Therapy (Trimix) | 98% | 5-10 minutes | Per use (30-60 min) | Reliable, immediate results |
| Shockwave Therapy | 75% | 6-12 weeks | 2+ years | Restore natural function |
| PRP/P-Shot | 70-80% | 4-8 weeks | 12-18 months | Regenerative approach |
| Combination Protocol | 95%+ | Varies | Long-term | Comprehensive restoration |
| Oral Pills (Viagra/Cialis) | 60-70% | 30-60 minutes | Per use (4-36 hrs) | First-line treatment |
Many men achieve optimal results by combining treatments—for example, using injection therapy for immediate results while undergoing shockwave therapy to restore long-term natural function.
What to Expect: Your Treatment Path
Getting started with advanced ED treatment involves five steps.
Free Consultation
Meet with our physician to discuss your history, previous treatments, and goals.
Medical Evaluation
Physical exam and any necessary lab work to identify underlying causes.
Treatment Recommendation
Personalized plan based on your specific situation.
Treatment & Training
For injection therapy, includes hands-on training until you're comfortable.
Follow-Up & Optimization
Ongoing support to adjust dosing and monitor results.
Frequently Asked Questions About ED Treatment
What should I do if Viagra stopped working?
If Viagra stopped working, you have several effective alternatives. ICP injection therapy has a 98% success rate for men who don't respond to pills. Shockwave therapy can restore natural function over 6-12 weeks. A consultation can determine which option is best based on your specific situation. Many men who thought they were out of options find success with these advanced treatments.
Is there anything stronger than Viagra for ED?
Yes. ICP injection therapy (Trimix) is significantly more effective than Viagra, with a 98% success rate compared to Viagra's 60-70%. Injections work through a different mechanism—directly relaxing smooth muscle tissue—so they're effective even when oral medications fail due to nerve damage, vascular disease, or other underlying conditions.
What is the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction?
The most effective ED treatment is ICP injection therapy using Trimix, with approximately a 98% success rate. This is significantly higher than oral medications (60-70%) and other treatments. Injection therapy works for nearly all men, including those with diabetes, vascular disease, nerve damage from surgery, or who haven't responded to pills.
What is Trimix and how does it work?
Trimix is a compounded injectable medication containing three active ingredients: alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine. When injected into the side of the penis, these medications relax smooth muscle tissue and increase blood flow, producing an erection within 5-10 minutes that lasts 30-60 minutes. Unlike oral medications, Trimix works regardless of nerve function or arousal.
Does shockwave therapy actually work for ED?
Yes, clinical studies show shockwave therapy improves erectile function in approximately 75% of men. It works by delivering low-intensity acoustic waves that stimulate angiogenesis—the growth of new blood vessels—improving blood flow to the penis. Results typically develop over 6-12 weeks of treatment and can last 2 or more years.
What is the P-Shot for ED?
The P-Shot (Priapus Shot) is a regenerative ED treatment using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) extracted from your own blood. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration, improve blood flow, and enhance sensitivity. Results develop over 4-8 weeks and typically last 12-18 months. The P-Shot is also known as the Eros procedure.
Can ED be cured permanently?
While oral medications and injection therapy manage ED symptoms, shockwave therapy and PRP treatments may provide longer-lasting improvement by addressing underlying causes. Shockwave therapy stimulates new blood vessel growth, with results lasting 2+ years. Many men achieve sustained improvement through combination protocols that restore natural function while managing symptoms.
What ED treatments work for diabetics?
Diabetic men often don't respond to oral ED medications due to nerve and vascular damage. Injection therapy (Trimix) is highly effective for diabetics because it bypasses these issues—the medication works directly on erectile tissue regardless of nerve function. Shockwave therapy and PRP can also help by promoting tissue regeneration and improving blood flow.
ED Treatment Locations
Advanced ED treatments are available at our clinics in Green Bay, Wisconsin and Skokie, Illinois, serving the greater Chicago area.
Green Bay Clinic
Serving Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, and Northeast Wisconsin
Skokie Clinic
Serving Chicago, Naperville, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Highland Park, and the North Shore
Don't Give Up on Your Sex Life
If pills have stopped working for you, you're not out of options. Our advanced treatments help men every day who thought they had no solution. Schedule your free consultation today.
Medical Disclaimer: Success rates cited are based on clinical studies and internal data. Individual results may vary. Consult with our medical team to determine the best treatment for your situation.