This is the last article on my series of list of medications for common ailments/diseases in the US. I hope you found the series informative.
Medications Used to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the condition of not being able to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s often caused by an underlying health problem. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that this condition affects 30 million men in the United States. For some men, treatment with drugs may resolve their ED.
There are many types of drugs used to treat ED. Each drug works differently, but they all improve sexual activity by stimulating blood flow to the penis.
The most common ED drugs belong to a group known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They block certain enzyme activity that leads to ED.
If you have certain health issues, it may not be safe for you to take ED drugs. For instance, if you have heart disease, your heart may not be healthy enough for sex.
Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) comes as an injectable solution and as a penile suppository. You’ll inject the solution directly into your penis 5 to 20 minutes before having sex. You can use it as needed up to three times per week. You should let at least 24 hours lapse between injections.
With MUSE (or Medicated Urethral System for Erections), the suppository should be administered 5 to 10 minutes before sex. It shouldn’t be used more than twice in a 24-hour period. The more common side effects of this drug include pain in the penis and testicles, as well as burning in the urethra.
Avanafil (Stendra) is an oral drug and a PDE5 inhibitor. You should take it about 15 minutes before having sex. Don’t take it more than once per day.
You shouldn’t use any PDE5 inhibitors if you’re also taking nitrates to treat heart disease. Examples of nitrates include isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat). Taking nitrates with avanafil can cause severely low blood pressure and even death. The more common side effects of this drug include:
- headache
- flushing, or the reddening and warming of your face
- stuffy or runny nose
- back pain
- sore throat
Sildenafil (Viagra) is also a PDE5 inhibitor. Viagra is only available as an oral tablet. You should take it only once per day, about 30 minutes to an hour before sex. The more common side effects of this drug include:
- headache
- flushing
- stuffy or runny nose
- back pain
- upset stomach
- muscle aches
- vision changes, such as blurry vision and changes in how certain colors look
Tadalafil (Cialis) is an oral drug that increases blood flow throughout your body. You take this PDE5 inhibitor about 30 minutes before sex, no more than once per day. It may work for up to 36 hours. The more common side effects of this drug include:
- headache
- flushing
- stuffy or runny nose
- back pain
- upset stomach
- pain in the limbs
Testosterone is the main sex hormone in the male body. It plays many roles in overall health. Testosterone levels naturally drop with age. This change can lead to ED and other issues, such as:
- fatigue
- low sex drive
- reduced sperm count
- weight gain
Your doctor will watch you closely if they give you testosterone. They’ll test the levels of testosterone in your body before and during your treatment with this drug. If your testosterone levels are too high, your doctor will stop your treatment or lower your dosage. Side effects of testosterone may include:
- acne
- male breasts
- prostate growth
- fluid retention that causes swelling
- moodiness
- sleep apnea, or interrupted breathing during your sleep
Testosterone form | Brand names |
| Transdermal cream | First Testosterone Cream 2% |
| Transdermal gel | AndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, and Vogelxo |
| Transdermal patch | Androderm |
| Transdermal solution | None (only available as generic) |
| Topical gel | AndroGel and Natesto |
| Nasal gel | Natesto |
| Oral capsule | Testred |
| Oral tablet | Android 25 |
| Mucoadhesive film that dissolves under your gums | Striant |
| Pellet implant | Testopel |
| Solution for intramuscular injection | Depo-Testosterone and Aveed |
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) is an oral drug and a PDE5 inhibitor. You take it as needed 60 minutes before sex. You can take this drug up to once per day as recommended by your doctor. The more common side effects of this drug include:
- headache
- flushing
- stuffy or runny nose
- back pain
- upset stomach
- dizziness
There are many vitamins and supplements on the market that claim to help ED. Some promise better sexual function as well as increased energy and vitality. However, these supplements usually don’t work. They may also be unsafe.
Some supplements that are marketed as “natural” may even contain drugs. ED supplements can still interact with other medications you’re taking. They may also cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before using any vitamins or supplements for ED.
Not everyone with ED needs to take medications. If you think you have ED, see your primary care doctor. They’ll give you a physical exam and request certain lab tests, as well as a complete medical and psychosocial history.
They may also refer you to a mental health professional, who can help you manage performance anxiety or relationship issues related to your ED.
ED caused by underlying conditions
Your ED may be caused by untreated diabetes, high blood pressure, or another issue. Treating that condition first may improve your ED symptoms.ED caused by medications
ED may also be caused by other medications you’re taking. These may include drugs used to treat:- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- depression
- seizures
- cancer
ED caused by lifestyle choices
Sometimes lifestyle choices can contribute to ED. Adopting healthy habits may help improve your symptoms. Try avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and keeping your alcohol intake in check.Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/medication-list#work-with-your-doctor
Meanwhile, enjoy this photo from the Internet
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| Peter Peppers Also enjoy this video, https://youtu.be/7KqlAMqkxt0 |
