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Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity or sexual intercourse. It is commonly called impotence and affects roughly half of all adult men in the United States. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age. At age 40, roughly 40% of men are affected. By age 70, nearly 70% of men have some trouble with erections.
It is worth noting that having occasional problems with erections is not a cause for concern and may not qualify for a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. However, if this is an ongoing issue, it can lead to reduced self-esteem and problems in your relationship.
If you are having problems getting or keeping erections, it is important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider because this can be a symptom of another undetected health condition that needs treatment. For example, erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease like atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).
When to see a doctor for erectile dysfunction
Symptoms of ED include trouble getting and/or maintaining an erection and reduced libido or sexual desire. You should see a doctor if you have continuing problems with erections or are experiencing other sexual problems like delayed or premature ejaculation. Men who have health conditions like heart disease and diabetes should seek a medical opinion for erectile problems because these conditions can be linked.
Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
The first thing doctors do is try and identify a cause for erectile dysfunction. It may be possible to improve your symptoms by giving you the appropriate treatment for a health condition that is causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction. There are various treatment options available for erectile dysfunction, including oral medications. Medications used to treat ED belong to a class called PDE5 inhibitors. They work by enhancing the effect of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes the muscles and increases blood flow to the penis. Four oral PDE5 inhibitors are available in the United States.
- Viagra (sildenafil) starts working in 30-60 minutes and the effects last for 4-5 hours.
- Levitra or Staxyn (vardenafil) starts working in 30-60 minutes and the effects last for 4-5 hours.
- Cialis (tadalafil) starts working in 30-45 minutes and the effects last for 24-36 hours.
- Stendra or Vivus (avanafil) starts working in 15-30 minutes and the effects last for 6-12 hours.
Viagra is usually the first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction because it has been around the longest and its side effects and interactions are well known. However, your doctor may try different medications to see what works best for you. Yours and your partner’s preferences may also play a role in the treatment choice. For example, some men prefer Cialis because its effects last longer, allowing for more spontaneity.
Other drugs used for erectile dysfunction include alprostadil self-injection. The drug is injected into the base or side of the penis with a very fine needle. It is available under brand names like Edex and Caverject. Alprostadil works by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels in the penis to keep blood in the penis longer for an erection to occur.
There are dozens of supplements available over the counter to treat erectile dysfunction. Most of these products are marketed as male enhancement pills. They claim to boost erectile function, increase stamina, enhance libido, and increase testosterone levels. Many of the products claim to be 100% natural. It is worth noting, however, that the efficacy and safety of these products are unconfirmed. Some of them have been found to contain undeclared amounts of prescription ED drugs.
Supplements are not subject to the same rigorous regulations as prescription medications by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA does issue health warnings against some OTC male enhancement pills from time to time. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you read the label carefully for the ingredients in an OTC erectile dysfunction supplement and do some research. It is always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Common Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Medications
The most common side effects of ED medications are headache, upset stomach, flushing, nasal congestion, problems with vision, dizziness, diarrhea, and rash. Rarely, the medications can cause a prolonged erection. Any erection that lasts for 4 hours or more is an emergency and should be evaluated in a hospital because there is a risk of permanent damage.
None of the medications used to treat erectile dysfunction are safe to be taken with heart medications called nitrates because the combination can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. ED drugs must also be taken at least 4 hours apart from some other medications, such as alpha-blockers used to treat high blood pressure.
Common Side Effects of Bladder and Prostate Medications
Side effects of alpha-blockers include headaches, lightheadedness, diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, blurred vision, and retrograde ejaculation (a benign condition in which there is a backflow of semen into the bladder rather than out of the penis tip).
Common side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include decreased libido (sex drive), mild gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), breast soreness, and erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection).
Possible side effects of antimuscarinic drugs include dry mouth and constipation.
Beta-3 agonists can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. They can also lead to a fast heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. Your doctor may, therefore, check your blood pressure before prescribing these medications to you.
Common Questions
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Both physical and psychological factors can lead to erectile dysfunction. In men, sexual arousal is a complex process involving chemicals in the brain, hormones, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. A problem with any of these can result in ED. Mental stress and depression can cause or worsen erection problems. Also, known physical causes of erectile dysfunction include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, alcoholism, substance abuse, and low testosterone levels, among others.
How can I prevent erectile dysfunction?
Leading a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation can reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction. If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, you should consider getting help for these conditions. See your doctor regularly and work with them to keep chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control.
Can I get a discount on erectile dysfunction medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including ED drugs like Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, and Stendra—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776
2. https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355782
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/which-drug-for-erectile-dysfunction
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492/
Common Erectile Dysfunction Health Medications
Erectile Dysfunction
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter erectile dysfunction drugs.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity or sexual intercourse. It is commonly called impotence and affects roughly half of all adult men in the United States. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age. At age 40, roughly 40% of men are affected. By age 70, nearly 70% of men have some trouble with erections.
It is worth noting that having occasional problems with erections is not a cause for concern and may not qualify for a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. However, if this is an ongoing issue, it can lead to reduced self-esteem and problems in your relationship.
If you are having problems getting or keeping erections, it is important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider because this can be a symptom of another undetected health condition that needs treatment. For example, erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease like atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).
When to see a doctor for erectile dysfunction
Symptoms of ED include trouble getting and/or maintaining an erection and reduced libido or sexual desire. You should see a doctor if you have continuing problems with erections or are experiencing other sexual problems like delayed or premature ejaculation. Men who have health conditions like heart disease and diabetes should seek a medical opinion for erectile problems because these conditions can be linked.
Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
The first thing doctors do is try and identify a cause for erectile dysfunction. It may be possible to improve your symptoms by giving you the appropriate treatment for a health condition that is causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction. There are various treatment options available for erectile dysfunction, including oral medications. Medications used to treat ED belong to a class called PDE5 inhibitors. They work by enhancing the effect of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes the muscles and increases blood flow to the penis. Four oral PDE5 inhibitors are available in the United States.
- Viagra (sildenafil) starts working in 30-60 minutes and the effects last for 4-5 hours.
- Levitra or Staxyn (vardenafil) starts working in 30-60 minutes and the effects last for 4-5 hours.
- Cialis (tadalafil) starts working in 30-45 minutes and the effects last for 24-36 hours.
- Stendra or Vivus (avanafil) starts working in 15-30 minutes and the effects last for 6-12 hours.
Viagra is usually the first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction because it has been around the longest and its side effects and interactions are well known. However, your doctor may try different medications to see what works best for you. Yours and your partner’s preferences may also play a role in the treatment choice. For example, some men prefer Cialis because its effects last longer, allowing for more spontaneity.
Other drugs used for erectile dysfunction include alprostadil self-injection. The drug is injected into the base or side of the penis with a very fine needle. It is available under brand names like Edex and Caverject. Alprostadil works by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels in the penis to keep blood in the penis longer for an erection to occur.
There are dozens of supplements available over the counter to treat erectile dysfunction. Most of these products are marketed as male enhancement pills. They claim to boost erectile function, increase stamina, enhance libido, and increase testosterone levels. Many of the products claim to be 100% natural. It is worth noting, however, that the efficacy and safety of these products are unconfirmed. Some of them have been found to contain undeclared amounts of prescription ED drugs.
Supplements are not subject to the same rigorous regulations as prescription medications by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA does issue health warnings against some OTC male enhancement pills from time to time. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you read the label carefully for the ingredients in an OTC erectile dysfunction supplement and do some research. It is always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Common Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Medications
The most common side effects of ED medications are headache, upset stomach, flushing, nasal congestion, problems with vision, dizziness, diarrhea, and rash. Rarely, the medications can cause a prolonged erection. Any erection that lasts for 4 hours or more is an emergency and should be evaluated in a hospital because there is a risk of permanent damage.
None of the medications used to treat erectile dysfunction are safe to be taken with heart medications called nitrates because the combination can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. ED drugs must also be taken at least 4 hours apart from some other medications, such as alpha-blockers used to treat high blood pressure.
Common Side Effects of Bladder and Prostate Medications
Side effects of alpha-blockers include headaches, lightheadedness, diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, blurred vision, and retrograde ejaculation (a benign condition in which there is a backflow of semen into the bladder rather than out of the penis tip).
Common side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include decreased libido (sex drive), mild gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), breast soreness, and erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection).
Possible side effects of antimuscarinic drugs include dry mouth and constipation.
Beta-3 agonists can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. They can also lead to a fast heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. Your doctor may, therefore, check your blood pressure before prescribing these medications to you.
Common Questions
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Both physical and psychological factors can lead to erectile dysfunction. In men, sexual arousal is a complex process involving chemicals in the brain, hormones, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. A problem with any of these can result in ED. Mental stress and depression can cause or worsen erection problems. Also, known physical causes of erectile dysfunction include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, alcoholism, substance abuse, and low testosterone levels, among others.
How can I prevent erectile dysfunction?
Leading a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation can reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction. If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, you should consider getting help for these conditions. See your doctor regularly and work with them to keep chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control.
Can I get a discount on erectile dysfunction medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including ED drugs like Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, and Stendra—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776
2. https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355782
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/which-drug-for-erectile-dysfunction
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492/
Common Erectile Dysfunction Health Medications
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