Erectile dysfunction is a problem that man faces in achieving or maintaining an erection. It is can be the reason for unsatisfactory sex life and also lead to many other problems like:
- Low self-esteem;
- Depression;
- Embarrassment;
- Anxiety;
- Problems in the relationship
The problem is known to occur in the majority of men. Age is the most important factor leading to the problem of ED. Older men are most likely to suffer from this problem than younger ones.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
It is considered to be normal if you suffer from this problem occasionally. The problem is referred to as erectile dysfunction if the following symptoms occur more frequently or last for a longer period of time:
- Difficulty in obtaining an erection;
- Difficulty in maintaining an erection;
- Reduced sexual desire
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Achieving and maintaining erection involves physical as well as psychological factors and condition can have several different causes. These are:
- High cholesterol;
- Atherosclerosis or the condition of narrowing of the arteries;
- Obesity;
- Diabetes;
- Parkinson’s disease;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- High blood pressure;
- Sleeping problem;
- Substance abuse that includes alcoholism
You can also have ED if you have suffered an injury and undergone a surgery in the pelvic region or around the spinal cord. Treatment of BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia can also be the cause of ED. There is a condition called metabolic syndrome which can also lead to ED. Men who suffer from metabolic syndrome have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, excessive fat near the waist, and high level of insulin.
Psychological factors are quite often involved in ED. These are:
- Stress;
- Anxiety;
- Depression
There are several other factors that can increase the risk of ED. Taking medications like antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs can increase the risk of ED. Injury to the penis or to the nerves that are in control of erection can also increase the risk of developing ED.
Treatment of ED with Drugs
ED drugs are also known erection pills and these are the most common way to treat ED. It is usually very effective. These drugs include:
- Generic Viagra or sildenafil
- Generic Levitra or vardenafil
- Generic Cialis or tadalafil
- Generic Stendra or avanafil
All these impotence drugs increase the supply of blood to the penis. When combined with sexual stimulation, this drug can lead to an erection that is good enough to initiate as well as sustain intercourse. All these drug work quite similarly. However, there is a subtle difference in how the drug works.
Levitra works a little while longer than the drug Viagra. Both these drugs start being effective just after half an hour of consumption. When you take the effect lasts for about five hours and on the other hand, if you take Viagra, the effect lasts for four hours.
Cialis has a much longer effect than the other drugs. It can work for about thirty-six hours. Stendra can start working within just 15minutes of its consumption and lasts for about 6 hours.
Precautions
You should avoid taking these medicines if you are taking nitroglycerin or other medication for your chest paint. This is because this might lead to a drop in the blood pressure which can prove to be fatal. You should not start taking the medicines without consulting the doctor. Tell the doctor about prescribed or non-prescribed that you are taking. Avoid taking these drugs when you are taking alpha blockers, as it might dangerously lower your blood pressure. Always follow the recommendation of the doctor while taking the medications.
Side Effects of ED Drugs
Like all drug, drugs for erectile dysfunctions have some side effects, too. The less serious side effects are:
- A headache;
- Changes in vision;
- Back pain;
- Stomach upset;
- Flushing;
- Feeling warm;
- Nasal congestion;
- Heartburn
These symptoms generally go away few days after using the drug. However, call for medical help if the problem persists. You might have to go for an emergency treatment if you have:
- An erection that lasts for more than an hour;
- Rash;
- Painful erection;
- Chest pain;
- Fainting;
- Burning or itching while urinating
Few men developed a rare vision problem known as NAION after taking the drug. This is a problem by which there is a sudden loss of eyesight because the blood-flow to the optic nerve is blocked. People with high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and over the age of fifty have higher chances of developing NAION.