Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse or in response to sexual stimulation. This condition can affect men of all ages but becomes more common with age. In fact, around 50% of men aged 40 to 70 experience ED at some point.
How Erections Work:
Sexual arousal sends signals from the brain to the nerves in the penis, increasing blood flow and
causing an erection. ED occurs when this process is disrupted, which can be due to
physical, psychological, or medicinal reasons.
Physical Causes:
Psychological Causes:
Medicinal Causes:
ED can stem from various health complications, and gaining insight into these can aid in finding suitable treatments. For instance, back injuries or spinal problems can disrupt nerve signals and blood flow, potentially leading to ED. Poor circulation in the legs can impede blood flow necessary for an erection, which is another significant factor affecting ED. This issue is discussed in detail in the context of blood thinners that can either exacerbate or alleviate ED symptoms. Additionally, the potential effects of tamsulosin (Flomax) on sexual health could be significant. Antidepressants such as Zoloft (sertraline) may also contribute to erectile problems. Lastly, the blood pressure medication telmisartan has been linked to ED.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) presents itself as an inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection during sexual intercourse. Understanding and identifying the underlying cause is crucial. For instance, if you can achieve and maintain an erection while masturbating but not with a sexual partner, the cause is likely psychological. However, if erections are not possible in any circumstance, the issue is probably physical or medicinal.
Common Causes of Reduced Blood Flow to the Penis:
Reduced blood flow is a major cause of ED and can be an early indicator of heart disease. It is essential to get a full health check with your doctor.
Symptom Patterns:
Other Causes of ED:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can often be self-diagnosed based on the clear symptoms of difficulty in achieving or maintaining a satisfactory erection. However, discussing any new symptoms with your doctor is recommended as ED can be a sign of underlying health issues like heart and circulatory problems.
Doctor Consultation:
When consulting your doctor about ED, be prepared to answer questions about your sexual history. Honest
answers are crucial for accurate diagnosis. Questions may include:
General Health Questions:
Tests and Examinations:
The doctor may perform several simple tests to identify any serious underlying conditions, such as
cardiovascular disease or diabetes:
A physical examination of the penis might be necessary to rule out any anatomical reasons for ED. For men over 50, a rectal (prostate) exam may be performed to rule out conditions like prostate cancer.
In some cases, a blood sample might be taken to check hormone levels, which can help identify conditions like hypogonadism (low testosterone levels).
Additional Testing:
ED is relatively rare in men under 40 if due to physical problems. Therefore, further testing may be
required for younger men. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a specialist.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) has improved significantly, allowing most sufferers to resume normal sexual activity. Treatments typically include a combination of medicines, lifestyle changes, and addressing any psychological causes.
Medications:
There are four main types of ED medications:
Each medication works similarly but has distinct differences. Choosing the right one depends on your health, other medications, and personal preference.
Cream Treatment:
Vitaros is a new cream applied directly to the penis, offering a fast onset of action for men who cannot
take or do not respond to traditional ED tablets. Additionally, Eroxon Gel is another effective cream option
that provides similar benefits. For a detailed analysis and user experiences, please refer to our
comprehensive Eroxon Gel Reviews.
As with all four types of ED tablets, Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis, Spedra, and Levitra, the right strength for you won’t relate to the size of an individual or their blood pressure. It is recommended that new patients start on the middle strength so in the case of Sildenafil and Viagra, 50mg. For Levitra, the starting dose is 10mg, Spedra is 100mg and Cialis, the lower strength of the 'when required' dose is 10mg, which will be the entry-level dose.
This initial trial should be attempted at least four times before it is judged whether that dose is effective or whether it needs to be altered to a higher or lower strength. In some cases, if one drug is proving completely ineffective then trying one of the other drugs may be a more prudent option rather than attempting a higher strength.
Viagra, Sildenafil, Cialis, Spedra, and Levitra all need to be taken before sexual intercourse. Their effect should remain viable for several hours after taking. There is a slight variation between them with regards to how long before and for how long these effects last.
For clarity, stating ‘effects last for 4-5 hours’, does not mean the erection will remain constant for this time. The penis will still require stimulation or sexual arousal to maintain an erection.
Headaches and flushing are the most common side effects of Sildenafil (Viagra), Cialis, and Levitra. Additionally, many people wonder if erectile dysfunction drugs can affect hair growth or loss, which is an important consideration for those concerned about their appearance.
As with all prescription medicines it is very important to remember that you only take these medicines after having the proper medical consultation. Buying them without a consultation with a medical practitioner can be dangerous and leave you susceptible to ineffective, fake or even dangerous medicines. Additionally, some may consider using supplements like Extenze. It's important to understand the side effects and benefits of taking Extenze for men.
If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a site you are thinking of buying from, then make sure you understand how to recognize a regulated online pharmacy.
| TREATMENT | INFORMATION | BEST FOR | PRESCRIPTION-ONLY | STRENGTH | ACTIVE INGREDIENT | HOW IT WORKS | DURATION | MANUFACTURER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis | A popular, long-acting treatment for erectile dysfunction, often dubbed ‘the weekend pill’. | Men seeking a long-lasting ED treatment | Yes | 10mg, 20mg | Tadalafil | Opens the blood vessels to the penis and helps to produce and maintain an erection. | 36 hours | Lilly |
| Levitra | More effective than other ED treatments at treating men over 50, as well as those with health risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. | Men over 50 and men with diabetes | Yes | 10mg, 20mg | Vardenafil | Increases blood flow to the penis. Together with sexual stimulation, the increased blood flow will help achieve and maintain an erection. | 10 hours | Bayer |
| Sildenafil | A generic, cheaper version of Viagra. Sildenafil is available at a much lower price, with the same effect and quality you would expect from branded Viagra. | Men seeking a cheaper alternative to Viagra | Yes | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | Sildenafil citrate | Increases blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection. Will only produce an erection if you are sexually aroused. | 4-5 hours | Various |
| Spedra | One of the fastest solutions for ED available - takes effect as soon as 20 minutes after use. Can last for up to 4 or 5 hours. Does Spedra work better than Viagra? | Men seeking a fast-acting ED treatment | Yes | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | Avanafil | Increases blood flow to the penis. Together with sexual stimulation, the increased blood flow will help achieve and maintain an erection. | 4-5 hours | Menarini |
| Tadalafil | Cheaper than the popular branded Cialis, Tadalafil has been recently made available in the UK thanks to the expiration of the Cialis patent. | Men seeking a long-lasting ED treatment | Yes | 10mg, 20mg | Tadalafil | Opens the blood vessels to the penis and helps to produce and maintain an erection. | 36 hours | Various |
| Viagra | The iconic ‘blue pill’ from Pfizer, launched back in 1998. Very prone to counterfeiting - never buy it from a retailer who isn’t fully licensed and reputable. | Men seeking to achieve and sustain an erection for 4-5 hours | Yes | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | Sildenafil citrate | Increases blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection. Will only produce an erection if you are sexually aroused. | 4-5 hours | Pfizer |
| Vitaros | A fast-acting topical treatment for ED where tablets have not been effective or are not a good solution. Can help to produce an erection in as little as 5 minutes. | Men who want a fast-acting ED treatment, and/or who have found tablets to be ineffective | Yes | 300mcg | Alprostadil | When administered to the tip of the penis, it helps to create an erection by increasing blood flow to the area. | 1-2 hours | Ferring |
Additionally, women also have similar problems and often find themselves asking, is there a Viagra for females and how does it work?
Often there are underlying psychological factors that cause erectile dysfunction, and it may be that group psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, counseling, or sex therapy will be helpful for treating the causes. These are thought to be most successful when combined with physical therapy.
Other treatments available for erectile dysfunction that does not respond to drug treatment or counseling include:
These should only be considered for severe cases of erectile dysfunction that are unresponsive to first-line treatments.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of treatments for erectile dysfunction, and even if it means trying a few different types, it’s still reassuring to know that there are solutions to a medical condition that causes much disruption in your life.
There are many lifestyle changes that you can make that could help reduce the effects or risk of erectile dysfunction. These include:
Ultimately, a major cause of erectile dysfunction is cardiovascular disease, and changes you would make to improve your health for a heart attack, are actually going to be the same changes that will help your ED.
Amongst younger men with erectile dysfunction, being checked by a medical professional, due to it being an early indicator of heart disease.
Oral medications for erectile dysfunction vary in their speed depending on which one you use, and how long you have been taking it for.
Usually, you will find them effective between 15-60 minutes after taking them. Some of the oral medications, like tadalafil, can begin to work more quickly after you have been taking it for a while. The best way to take Viagra can also influence how quickly it works and whether it should be taken on an empty stomach or after eating. Additionally, many wonder if expired Cialis or tadalafil can still be effective, which is an important consideration for those with older prescriptions.
As you can see from our comparison above, the correct treatment for you will be impacted by your own sex life, lifestyle choices, sex drive, and whether or not you have existing health issues.
For many men, they will benefit from prescription medications (or Viagra Connect), you can see here more about the best pills to take for erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused or contributed to by lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight, and feelings of stress and anxiety. You can reduce the risk of developing erectile dysfunction by making simple lifestyle changes:
These lifestyle changes will significantly improve your physical and general health, decreasing the chances of developing conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, both of which can cause ED. Maintaining good general health also reduces the likelihood of needing prescription medicines, thereby lowering the risk of ED-inducing side effects.
For more information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent ED, consider exploring related topics such as obesity and ED.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be addressed with various natural alternatives, providing options outside conventional medications. For instance, understanding whether L-arginine can be taken with tadalafil or Cialis is important for those considering this combination. Additionally, using L-arginine itself as a supplement for ED is explored for its potential benefits. Several dietary choices may also play a role in improving ED symptoms:
Even unconventional remedies like Vicks VapoRub are explored for their unexpected uses in managing ED symptoms.
There are a number of non-prescription alternatives for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction such as:
It is essential to understand how different substances can affect the efficacy and safety of ED medications.
First, examining combinations with beta-blockers is crucial, as they are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. An important question is whether Viagra can be taken with beta-blockers, given the potential cardiovascular implications.
Another area of interest is the interaction between sildenafil (Viagra) and other common medications or substances. For instance, the combination of dapoxetine with sildenafil for daily use is often queried due to both drugs being used for sexual health issues. Similarly, understanding if caffeine can be consumed with Viagra is essential for those who regularly intake caffeine. The safety of using nitric oxide supplements with sildenafil is another critical consideration due to their overlapping effects on blood vessels.
Over-the-counter pain medications and their interaction with ED drugs are also significant. Questions often arise about the use of aspirin to help with erectile dysfunction or whether ibuprofen can be taken with Cialis or tadalafil, which could affect those managing pain alongside ED.
Antibiotics and painkillers used concurrently with ED medications need careful consideration as well. The interaction between amoxicillin and Viagra or tramadol and Viagra can have implications for both effectiveness and safety.
Lastly, whether Viagra can be detected in drug tests is a common concern for those subjected to routine screenings.