Erectile Dysfunction Pills
Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that can arise in any man at any point in his life. Getting hard requires arousal, a hormonal response, and adequate circulation. Many factors can impede the process, resulting in soft or absent erections.
Despite its complexity, the condition is highly treatable when properly diagnosed. Experienced doctors can identify the underlying cause of ED and recommend treatment to restore the quality and duration of the patient’s erections. One of the most common interventions is oral ED medication.
This article discusses the various types of ED pills, how they work, and what types of benefits and side effects men can expect when taking them. Understanding the signs of ED and familiarizing yourself with the available medications will enable you to have a productive discussion with your doctor about this condition.
ED Symptoms
The telltale signs of ED are erections that are too soft or do not last long enough for sex. For some men, changes in the quality of their erections are sporadic, while others are consistently unable to get and stay hard.
Secondary symptoms include a loss of confidence or feeling down. These emotional changes can lead to withdrawal from relationships and create stress between a man and his partner. This symptom can exacerbate ED. Some men also experience lowered sex drive tied to altered self-image.
Types of Oral ED Medications
The most commonly available oral ED medications are sildenafil (Viagra), avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). They require arousal to initiate an erection, making them ineffective with ED related to a psychological condition or diminished libido.
Depending on the pill, effects begin 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion and last for four to 36 hours. There is also a daily form of tadalafil that provides continuous symptom improvement. Talking with your doctor can help you determine which timing is right for you and if anything in your health history contraindicates one of the medications.
How Do ED Pills Work?
Phosphodiesterase type 5 is an enzyme that hinders the ability to circulate blood to the penis during arousal. The substance naturally accumulates in the body as men age. Most ED pills are PDE-5 inhibitors because they limit the adverse effects of the enzyme, enhancing blood flow to the penis.
ED that persists despite treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors requires further evaluation and may result from a hormonal, cardiovascular, or emotional condition that alters sexual function. Getting evaluated for ED is essential to a man's health because altered erections can be an early sign of a serious underlying health condition.
Are ED Pills Effective?
Yes. PDE-5 inhibitors are effective at improving the quality and duration of erections. All treatments require proper evaluation and following the doctor's recommendations to be successful, though. A recent systematic review of 23 studies that include over 150,000 patients concluded that low doses of sildenafil and tadalafil are effective and safe.
Disclosing your complete health history to the doctor will help rule out underlying health conditions that could dampen the effectiveness of ED medications. In addition, moderating alcohol consumption, increasing exercise, and losing weight can amplify the impact of the pills by eliminating factors that can exacerbate ED.
Side Effects of ED Pills
Although side effects from the pills are uncommon when they’re used with a doctor's instructions, the following ones are possible:
Back pain
Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and a blue tinge to vision
Flushing
Headache
Indigestion
Stuffy or runny nose
More serious side effects are rare and require immediate medical attention. Hearing and vision loss have occurred in some users. Researchers are unsure if these result from the medication or if a pre-existing health condition is triggered by the pills. Priapism, in which an erection lasts more than four hours, is also possible. This condition can be painful and cause permanent penile damage if left untreated.
Are ED Pills Right for You?
Most men are strong candidates for ED pills if they experience dysfunction without a hormonal, neurologic, or other serious underlying cause. The best way to confirm your suitability is by consulting an experienced men's health doctor.
They will discuss your ED symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order blood work. The doctor can then recommend medication, monitor your response to it, and suggest lifestyle modifications. While ED can be a complex and frustrating condition, doctors can treat it effectively with the aforementioned pills.
See results on your first visit.
90% of the time ED can be treated and treated effectively.
June 21, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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