Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Medications
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual problems in men that affects nearly 30 million males in the USA. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when the man’s penis does not achieve or maintain an erection necessary to perform sexual intercourse completion. Although many men face erection problems at one time or another, regular erection problems need medical attention and treatment. For some, ED medication has helped many men to resolve the problem, while for others treating the underlying condition may prove helpful.
The basics of ED medications
You can find many prescription ED medications on the market. However, each medicine works in a different way. But their basic mechanism is to stimulate blood flow to your penis that improves erection and sexual activity.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Some common causes of erectile dysfunction(ED) are:
- Limited blood flow within the penis or damage to the penis nerves
- Stress
- Emotional causes
- Health conditions such as:
- high blood sugar because of diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- low blood pressure
- Low testosterone
- Poor lifestyle
- Alcoholism
- Injury or surgery in the pelvic region
- Mental health conditions
- Obesity
- High cholesterol levels
Identifying the root cause(s) of ED helps in erectile dysfunction treatment and improves men’s health and well-being. Talk to your doctor about your condition to identify the main cause of the problem.
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
The most common type of ED medication is phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors which your doctor may prescribe to treat ED. These medications work by blocking the certain activity of enzymes that cause ED. This category of ED medications includes oral Viagra (Sildenafil), Levitra, Cialis, and Avanafil (Stendra), which are FDA approved for sexual stimulation.
Others include Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) which are available as injections and in the form of a penile suppository. However, you should not take this if you are also taking nitric oxide to treat heart diseases.
Some common side effects of these medications used to treat ED include headache, runny nose, flushing, upset stomach, muscle aches, etc. You need to have medical advice diagnosis before you start taking any of these medications to keep an erection.
Sometimes your doctor may prescribe testosterone therapy to improve the levels of testosterone in the blood if your physician detects low testosterone. Other ED treatment options for treating sexual dysfunction in males include:
- Penile injections
- Penile implants
- Intraurethral medication (such as IU, Alprostadil)
- Surgical intervention
However, discussing your treatment options with your doctor for successful treatment of ED is necessary.
What prescription meds can and can’t do
Prescription ED medications can improve your penile erection only if you don’t have any underlying health condition. If your ED is due to some medical condition, first, the treatment of that condition is essential. This is also likely to improve your erection without the need for an ED medication.
What is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction?
Here are some ways which you can adopt to improve your sexual dysfunction and enjoy your sex life:
- life-style changes
- talk to your doctor
- taking prescription medicines like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (brand name Cialis), vardenafil (brand name Levitra, Staxyn), avanafil (brand name Stendra)
- Intracavernosal injections therapy when taking oral pills cannot give results
- Prescription vacuum device
Benefits of Compounded Erectile Dysfunction Medication
You can benefit from the compounded medicine to treat your condition and improve the flow of blood vessels to the penis. To make sure that you get the right compounded medicine, you need to discuss your condition with a qualified and experienced pharmacist.
By working with you, they will develop a customized compounded treatment plan that treats your unique condition and concerns.