Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to have sex due to the lack of an erection, is one of the most distressing conditions that a man can experience and, despite work to raise awareness and understanding of the condition, it is often a cause for feelings of guilt and shame. This is not a rare condition; some estimate that up to half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will suffer from erectile dysfunction at one time or another.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors and influences, both physical and psychological. The most common physical causes include diabetes, heart disease, hormonal problems and high blood pressure. Psychologically speaking, stress, relationship issues, depression and anxiety can all lead to an inability to become erect and maintain an erection.

Many men will require no medical treatment if they only have a small number of incidents of erectile dysfunction or if the condition resolves on its own. Others may require counselling or treatment for an underlying condition such as heart disease or diabetes, the management of which may resolve the erection problems. 

Men for whom these solutions do not suffice may want to consider taking medication that is specifically intended to treat erectile dysfunction. Medications such as Viagra and Cialis sparked a revolution in the treatment of erectile dysfunction giving a new lease of life to many who had previously been suffering in silence. Any GP is able to give advice about erectile dysfunction and possible treatment options.

Erectile Dysfunction – Treatments

Erectile dysfunction is commonly treated by medication such as Viagra or Cialis.  However, other treatments can be tried.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

The pelvic floor muscles run around the underside of the rectum and bladder.  One of this group of muscles, called the bulbocavernosus, partially runs around the base of the penis and helps prevent blood escaping during an erection.  Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can cure erectile dysfunction in some cases.  Studies have shown that around four in 10 men regain normal erectile function after a course of pelvic floor exercises.  The exercises are performed once a day for three months.

Injections

This treatment works well and involves injecting a medicine into the base of the penis.  The medicine increases blood-flow to the penis and an erection can usually be achieved within 15 minutes.  Unlike treatments such as Levitra an erection can be achieved even if the individual is not sexually aroused.

Urethral Medication

Alprostadil is used in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction.  It works by dilating the blood vessels of the penis and involves the insertion of a pellet into the end of the urethra.

Vacuum Devices

There are several types on the market, but the principle is the same.  The penis is placed in a plastic container and the air is sucked out to create a vacuum, which causes blood to be drawn into the penis.  Once erect a rubber band is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection.  The rubber band must be removed within 30 minutes.

Penile Prosthesis

This procedure involves a surgeon inserting a rod into the penis.  The rod is inflated by means of an inbuilt pump whenever an erection is required.

Erectile Dysfunction and Treatments

Most cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable.  The problem can occur at any age, but the older the person the more common it becomes.  50%of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will suffer from the condition and 70% of men aged 70 and above will have it.

Sometimes a referral to a specialist will be needed for the assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction, but GPs are now treating more cases.

Medication

The first tablet for treating erectile dysfunction was introduced in the UK in 1998 and there are now four types licensed for the treatment of the condition.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

Three of the tablets work by inhibiting the breakdown of the chemical cGMP, which is involved in dilating the blood vessels during sexual arousal.  This increases blood-flow to the penis enabling an erection to occur.  The three types of tablet are sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).  The tablets are taken a short time before attempting sexual intercourse.

Apomorphine (Uprima)

Apomorphine works by raising the levels of chemicals in the brain that are involved in sending signals to the penile nerves during sexual arousal.  The tablet is dissolved under the tongue 20 minutes before sexual intercourse.

Success rate and contraindication

These drugs are not capable of causing an erection unless the individual is sexually aroused.  The success rate is good, but the tablets do not work in every case.  Nitrate medicines, such as glyceryl trinitrate, which are also used to treat angina, should not be taken with a PDE5 inhibitor.  Individuals taking alpha-blockers, such as doxazosin or prazosin, for the treatment of high blood pressure need to stabilise before taking a PDE5 inhibitor as the combination can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. 

Erectile Dysfunction – Causes

During sexual arousal, signals travel from the brain to the penis.  Chemicals released from the penile nerves cause the arteries of the penis to dilate, filling it with blood and producing an erection.  If the normal operation of the nervous or circulatory system is compromised it can cause erectile dysfunction.

Psychological Factors

Stress or depression can reduce libido, making it more difficult to achieve an erection.  A change in hormonal levels may also reduce libido.  Some cases of erectile dysfunction, which have a physical cause, can be exacerbated by the loss of confidence and anxiety that the condition frequently causes.

Physical Causes

If erectile dysfunction is caused by a physical condition then the individual will generally have a normal libido. 

There are four main types of condition that can cause erectile dysfunction.

•    Vasculogenic conditions, which affect blood-flow to the penis; they include heart disease, atheriosclerosis, high blood pressure and diabetes. 

•    Neurogenic conditions, which affect the nervous system; they include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal injuries and tumours. 

•    Hormonal conditions, which affect hormone levels; they include hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome.

•    Anatomical conditions, which affect the physical structure of the penis; they include Peyronie’s disease and hypospadias.

Medicinal Causes

Some medicines can cause erectile dysfunction, including diuretics, antihypertensives, fibrates, antipsychotics, antidepressants, steroids, immunosuppressants, H2-antagonists and anticonvulsants.  Individuals who suspect that their medication may be causing the problem should ask their GP if there is a suitable alternative.

Other Possible Causes

Obesity, smoking, alcohol, tiredness and illegal drugs such as cocaine or cannabis can also cause erectile dysfunction.  Cycling for more than three hours a week can result in erectile dysfunction due to the saddle creating pressure on the nerves of the penis.

Treatment – NHS

Treatment such as Viagra is available to individuals with specific conditions.

Viagra – More than Just a Guy’s Pill

Sildenafil citrate, more commonly known as Viagra, is a type of drug most people have heard about. It was developed and marketed by Pfizer and became available on the market in 1998.

The drug’s primary use is in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Viagra works by relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow to certain parts of the body, particularly the penis. It has been given nicknames like ‘the Blue Pill’ or ‘Vitamin V’.

Viagra became an international sensation, spawning thousands and thousands of imitations, including ‘herbal Viagra’. However, this is more than just a guy’s pill and Viagra is used in the treatment other conditions, as you will learn from the following list.

Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is caused by many factors, including diabetes and the use of anti-depressants. Viagra is used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, otherwise described as the inability to maintain an erection for long enough to perform sexual intercourse.

Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease, for which Sildenafil is an effective treatment. Viagra reduces the workload of the heart’s right ventricle by relaxing the arterial wall, which in turn reduces pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance. This helps prevent right-side heart failure.

Altitude Sickness
High altitude pulmonary oedema or altitude sickness is treated with Sildenafil. This is a problem that afflicts many mountain climbers.

Sports
Since Viagra allows the muscles to relax and enhances the flow of blood through the body, some professional athletes use it to help improve their performance.

Plant wilting prevention
Cut flowers last longer if they are put in a mixture of Sildenafil diluted with water.

Sildenafil or Viagra is more than just a pill used by men to treat their erectile dysfunction. However, before popping any pills, be sure to consult your doctor.

Viagra: Learning About the Facts

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects many men, which is why Viagra is so popular. In fact it is so popular that we see ads for it all over the place and it has even spawned the creation of “herbal Viagra”.

The drug is used to treat sicknesses other than ED, even though many think of this as being its only function. It must be remembered, however, that Viagra is not for everyone and should be taken only after consulting your doctor.

Before taking Viagra, you should learn as much as possible about the drug. Here are some basic guidelines you should consider before taking Viagra.

Usage
Viagra cannot be taken more than once a day.
Sexual activity should commence 30-60 minutes after taking Viagra.
Having a full stomach or eating a fatty meal can delay the effects of the drug. It is therefore advisable to take it on an empty stomach.
An erection cannot be achieved unless there is arousal before the sexual activity.
For older males, of 60 years and above, a lower dose should be given.
Do not change your dosage unless prescribed by the doctor.

Side Effects
Viagra can cause sight problems, including blurred vision and in some cases, total loss of sight.
Flushes, headaches and indigestion are also common side effects of using Viagra.
Viagra can also cause urinary tract infection as well as congestion.
In some cases, where there was a pre-existing condition before taking the drug, it can even lead to death.

Warning
If you are taking other medication for ED, do not use Viagra.
If an erection lasts for more than four hours, consult your doctor immediately.
Do not use Viagra if you have illnesses related to high blood pressure or heart related illnesses.
Avoid Viagra if you are taking medicines such as nitrates or ketaconazole, cimetadine.

Viagra can help anyone suffering from ED. However, as with most drugs, it has side effects. Be especially wary of fake Viagra and be sure to consult your doctor before popping one of these pills.

Viagra Really Works!

Viagra works for most men who take it. In studies, more than 4 out of every 5 men taking Viagra had better erections. Viagra works in most men no matter how long they have had ED, what caused it, or how old they are. Also it is known that Viagra has been shown to work time and again in studies of thousands of men suffering from the problem of ED. In those studies that have been undertaken, the patients suffered ED which ranged from mild to severe.

Firstly, let’s define the problem. ED means an inability to get a good enough erection to achieve satisfactory intercourse. Some sufferers can’t get a hard-on at all; others get one but it isn’t firm enough to penetrate the partner; and others can manage penetration for a bit, but then lose it. Men suffering these problems overcome them through buying genuine Viagra from trusted online pharmacies.

Erectile Dysfunction Medication – Sildenafil

Erectile dysfunction is sometimes referred to as impotence. This physical phenomenon occurs when a person is constantly unable to get or maintain an erection sturdy enough for sexual intercourse. The term impotence is also used to define a number of other issues that prevent or restrict sexual activity and reproduction, but when erectile dysfunction is involved, these issues are of no concern. There is a drug with the generic name of Sildenafil citrate, which is used to treat this physical disorder; it is sold under the trade name of Viagra.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical company, originally developed this wonder drug as a remedy for high blood pressure or hypertension and ischaemic heart disease, but it was later found to also prevent erectile dysfunction. Viagra inhibits an enzyme responsible for controlling the flow of blood to the penis by releasing nitric oxide inside the corpus cavernosum of the organ. Since the enzyme guanylate cyclase is not bound, the result is boosted levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which lead to the relaxation of the smooth muscles. Blood can easily flow in, causing an erection and preventing erectile dysfunction.

Apart from the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Viagra is also efficient in preventing a rare disease known as pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH. It works by relaxing the arterial walls, thereby easing the resistance of the pulmonary arteries. This process takes away some of the work done by the right ventricle in the heart, reducing the chances of suffering right-sided heart failure. High altitude pulmonary oedema or altitude sickness is another disorder that Viagra can cure and professional athletes are now using the drug, because they believe that if their blood vessels are opened, it will let blood flow more efficiently through their muscles, thus boosting their performance.

Viagra – A Miracle or a Curse?

Since its introduction, Viagra has become an international sensation and is now a household name, much like Aspirin or Vicks. Today, we are bombarded by ads and emails telling us about this great pill that promises to give a much-needed boost in terms of sexual performance.

However, there are also claims that Viagra causes blindness, which leads to the question, is this miracle drug really a miracle or a curse? However, we must scrutinise what the drug is all about and what it does, in order to understand it better.

Viagra is a treatment that helps men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction, by relaxing the muscles and dilating the blood vessels in the penis, in order to produce an erection. However, an erection cannot be achieved unless the subject is aroused or stimulated.

Studies show that Viagra is effective in overcoming erectile dysfunction, but there are still many negative comments regarding its side effects. Reports state that the number of deaths associated with Viagra continues to rise and there are also reports of people losing their sight after taking the drug.

It cannot be disputed that loss of sight is one of the side effects of Viagra. This is something that happens when there is a reduction in blood supply to the optic nerve. Although the manufacturer has disputed such claims, studies show that users of Viagra are at a higher risk.

It should be noted that the people who died or lost their sight due to taking Viagra had pre-existing conditions, such as hypotension, diabetes or heart problems. Males over 50 with high blood pressure and those who smoke are most likely to experience adverse side effects.

Viagra, like any drug, has its good and bad sides. You should always consult your doctor before taking Viagra and be sure to inform him or her of any medication or pre-existing conditions that may affect the use of the drug.

Why You Should Take Cialis

Today, men have a choice of which drug to take in order to help them with their impotency issues, especially since brands such as Levitra, Viagra and Cialis are competing against each other for worldwide market dominance. Viagra stayed at the top for over five years, before the US Food and Drug Administration approved Tadalfil, which is sold as Cialis, in August 2003. This changed everything and customers can now purchase the drug at virtually any local pharmacy. However, many men still choose to buy it on the Internet, as it offers convenience, privacy and speed. So why is it that men who are affected by erectile dysfunction are buying Cialis? Let us explore some of the reasons:

First and foremost, Cialis is a safe drug. The manufacturers did their homework and researched the product for years, carrying out intensive product testing to determine if it would treat erectile dysfunction effectively. As with many drugs currently on the market Cialis has side effects, but they are relatively minor, like flushes, diarrhoea and headaches. While there are reported incidences of some men suffering vision loss, they already had underlying ailments, like diabetes or heart problems.

Cialis works quickly and for a longer period of time. Men experiencing erectile dysfunction issues often have difficulties with spontaneity during the act of sex and as some impotency drugs are only effective for a few hours, there is often a need to complete the act of sexual intercourse quite quickly. However, if Cialis is used, the man can be as spontaneous as he likes, as the drug can be effective for up to a day and a half.

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