Erectile dysfunction Ed also referred to as Impotence, is the inability to attain and maintain an erection rigid enough for sexual intercourse. According to a source, it is generally estimated that about 1 in 10 adult males per decade of life is affected by ED. This article ‘’Erectile dysfunction pills’’ will consider some effective drugs used in treating Ed.
What is Erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and sustain a strong erection that is firm enough for sex. In simpler terms, a man/male cannot keep an erection hard enough for sexual penetration. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not a rare condition, some people experience it occasionally, especially males that are over the age of 40. Although, if it’s becoming progressive and occurs frequently, it is advisable to seek treatment, as it could be an indicator of an underlying health issue. ED can be linked to difficulties in sexual fulfillment, reaching orgasm, and having an ejaculation.
How does an erection occur?
An erection happens when blood flows into the spongy tissues of the penis. This occurs mostly during sexual arousal. The penis becomes firm and rigid as a result of the inflow of blood into the spongy muscle tissue otherwise known as “Corpus Cavernosum”.
After an orgasm, the erect penis returns to its flaccid state. This is due to the outflow of blood through the penile veins.
How common is Erectile dysfunction?
By approximation, it is given that 1 in every 10 men is affected by ED on a long-term basis. ED affects up to 20milion men in the U.S. The prevalence rate is over 50% in men aged 40-70, and prevalence increases with aging. (MSD manual). Gay men report ED at a higher rate than heterosexual men, according to a 2019 review (Journal of sexual medicine, 2019). Men older than 40 are thrice more likely to experience complete ED than younger men. (The Journal of Urology, 1994).
ED does not have to be part of the aging process, although it is a known fact that some older men may require an added stimulation, it doesn’t hinder them from getting and keeping an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Causes of Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a result of the under listed conditions or factors:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood sugar (Diabetes)
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Neurological disorder (Multiple sclerosis)
- Prostate disease
- Pelvic and spinal trauma
- Drug abuse
- Excessive intake of alcohol and tobacco
A more prominent cause of ED is “Atherosclerosis”, which is a form of vascular disease that causes contraction or narrowing of the penile arteries, resulting in a reduced flow of blood required to attain an erection.
Aside from the aforementioned physical causes of Erectile dysfunction, in certain cases, ED may be a result of a psychological condition such as depression, anxiety, and excessive level of stress.
Erectile dysfunction therapy/medications
For the treatment of ED, it is advisable to first seek the medical opinion of a physician or doctor. Treatments for ED are known to be effective and yield the required results. Your doctor may prescribe medication pills that will help to enhance sexual function and performance by increasing the flow rate of blood into the penis.
A group of similarly functioning drugs generally referred to as PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors are usually prescribed.
Sildenafil (Viagra)
This drug (pill) is a PDE-5 inhibitor that functions by increasing or improving the rate of flow of blood into the penile tissues, thus enabling you to achieve and maintain a firm erection. Viagra is known to be more effective when taken without food, that is, on an empty stomach an hour before sexual intercourse and it also has a long-lasting functionality of up to 5 hours in the body. This implies that when aroused, after the drug intake, there is a sustained erection for about 4-5 hours. Viagra is produced as tablets that are administered orally and range from 25 to 100 mg.
It should be noted that Viagra does not produce an erection, but rather arousal. It is when you are sexually aroused that the drug starts to work.
Vardenafil (Levitra)
Vardenafil hydro chloride (HCL) or simply vardenafil also belongs to the class of PDE-5 inhibitors. It works by increasing the flow of blood into the penis for a firm erection. Vardenafil in combination with sexual arousal is what Maintains the erection. Vardenafil just as similarly as Viagra (Sildenafil) is most effective when taken one hour before sexual intercourse and this can be taken with or without food. It is effective for a couple of hours (4-5) for mild to moderate ED. Vardenafil comes in tablets that range in dosage from 2.5-to 20mg. The effective dosage is 10mg, although dosage intake can be increased and decreased depending on effectiveness and possible side effects. It is advisable you do not take this drug more than once a day.
Avanafil (Stendra)
This is a prescription pill for the treatment of ED, it is a medication administered for increased flow of blood into the penis for a rigid erection that is firm enough for sex. It is a PDE-5 inhibitor drug. Avanafil prevents the enzyme phosphodiesterase type-5 from functioning too rapidly. This enzyme is found and functions in the penis. By controlling the PDE-5, avanafil works to sustain or keep an erection during sexual stimulation. Avanafil doses are taken as tablets orally. The doses come in a range of 100 mg – 200 mg. The dosage is usually administered 30 minutes before sexual activity. In some cases, your doctor may increase your dose to a maximum of 200mg depending on the level of effectiveness and erectile response. Avanafil is not to be taken more than once daily.
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil is a treatment prescription for erectile dysfunction. It is used as a combination therapy with other medications. Tadalafil is also categorized as a PDE-5 inhibitor. This drug is administered orally and works in combination with sexual stimulation, it enhances the flow of blood into the penis to produce a firm erection. This drug is multi functional, as it may be used for other health-related issues such as Prostate by prophylactically relieving its symptoms such as urinary difficulties. Tadalafil is taken an hour before sexual intercourse, the dosage comes in the range of 2.5mg – 20mg and is taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Some common side effects associated with PDE-5 inhibitors
The use of ED pills has become widespread and due to their specific functions they may sometimes result in mild discomforts, such as:
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Facial flushing
- Back pain
Other side effects that may rarely occur are; Vision loss and Priapism.
Adult males who are on medications that contain nitrates such as nitroglycerin should avoid oral ED medications. The combination of nitrates and these specific medications can lead to low blood pressure (hypotension).
Ozah Oghenekaro, has B.sc in Microbiology, he has many years of experience as an article/content writer. He has diverse skills in writing and has a knack for medical science and health-related topics and content. His scope of writing Cuts across Parenting, Travel, How-tos, Lifestyle, Real estate, Business/finance, and Digital marketing.
Pills will only help directly with the blood flow. Stress affects you physically and mentally, and your body is not primed for sex when it is dealing with stress, which earlier in evolution helped us deal with more life-threatening circumstances. Instructions are simple. 1. Live (get food, don’t be food). 2. Fuck (stay in the gene pool). 3+ other stuff. If you’re in step 1, you might not be able to work on steps 2+