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:
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:
Doctors
sometimes prescribe testosterone to treat ED. In fact, PDE5 inhibitors
are most effective when used alongside testosterone therapy in men with a
testosterone deficiency. However,
the drug does come with risks. Testosterone can increase your chance of a
heart attack or
stroke. Because of these risks, the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source says that only men who have low testosterone due to certain health issues should use testosterone.
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:
Testosterone
for ED comes in many forms. The table below lists the forms of
testosterone and their brand-name versions. Some forms may also be
available as generic drugs.
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:
Your doctor can review the drugs you’re currently taking. They may make some changes that can improve your ED.
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
