About erectile dysfunction treatment

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when you have difficulty either getting or maintaining an erection that is firm enough to have sex. Many men experience ED, and it is more common if you are over 40. ED is also called impotence and is different from premature ejaculation, where you ejaculate sooner than you or your partner would like.

While it is common to experience ED, if it happens frequently you should talk to your doctor or visit your local sexual health clinic where you can get help and advice.

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is diagnosed by a doctor or nurse after they have asked you several questions and carried out some basic health checks.

You will be asked about your lifestyle, relationships, and anything causing you stress or anxiety. The doctor or nurse will also examine your genitals in case there is an obvious physical cause, take your blood pressure and measure your height and weight, and ask you about any other symptoms such as needing to pee more often.

How do erectile dysfunction tablets work?

Erectile dysfunction tablets are called PDE-5 inhibitors. They work by relaxing your blood vessels so that the blood flow to your penis increases and this helps you get and keep an erection. It is important to note that ED tablets will not work if you are not sexually aroused.

Erectile dysfunction medication

Viagra and Sildenafil

Viagra is the brand name for a PDE-5 inhibitor called sildenafil. You can request both Viagra and generic sildenafil on ZAVA.

Sildenafil usually works within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts about 4 hours. It is considered the most effective treatment for ED (74% effective), but people also report the most side effects.

Viagra Connect

Viagra Connect is the same medication as Viagra and generic sildenafil. It works in the same way as these two treatments. The difference is that it is the only treatment for ED that you can buy over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. It is also only available in the standard dose of 50mg, whereas Viagra and generic sildenafil are available in lower (25mg) and higher (100mg) doses.

Cialis and tadalafil

Cialis is the brand name for a PDE-5 inhibitor called tadalafil. Tadalafil is 60-70% effective and is considered to be a fastest-acting ED treatment as it usually works in 15 to 30 minutes and lasts up to 36 hours. In consultation with your doctor, you can also repeat the dosage the next day.

You can request both Cialis and generic tadalafil from ZAVA.

Levitra

Levitra contains the PDE-5 inhibitor called vardenafil.

It usually works within 30 minutes and lasts 5 to 8 hours. Vardenafil has the fewest reported side effects and is considered the most suitable ED treatment if you have diabetes.

Spedra

Spedra contains the PDE-5 inhibitor called avanafil.

It usually works within 15 to 30 minutes and lasts up to 4 hours. Avanafil interacts with grapefruit, so you must not drink or eat grapefruit in the 24 hours before taking Spedra.

Possible side effects

As with all medication, it is possible to experience side effects when taking treatment for ED. The side effects can vary depending on which PDE-5 inhibitor you take.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek immediate medical help:

• signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, a raised itchy rash, swollen lips, tongue or face
• chest pains
• prolonged and painful erections
• loss of or change in vision
• seizures
• severe skin reaction including blistering of the mouth, genitals and around the eyes and severe peeling and swelling of the skin

People have reported the following milder side effects:

• pain in your head, muscles or back
• migraines
• going red or getting flushed
• indigestion
• feeling or being sick
• blocked or runny nose
• vision disturbances

If the side effects you experience do not go away or affect your life, talk to your doctor about trying a different treatment for ED.

Alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction

If you do not want to take medication, you can try using a penis pump or a penis ring to stop your erectile dysfunction. Make sure you read the information leaflet for both the pump and the rings carefully.

Lifestyle changes that improve your overall health and fitness can also reduce your likelihood of experiencing ED:

• stop smoking
• drink less alcohol
• take regular exercise
• maintaining a healthy weight
• pelvic floor exercises

Some people use supplements or herbal products such as horny goat weed, arginine, maca, red ginseng and Vitamin E. The evidence to prove that these work is limited.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Different factors can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). In some cases, it is your mental and emotional (psychological) state; in others it can be physical factors such as smoking, being overweight or a health condition; or it can be a combination of both. Certain medications can also cause ED.

Psychological factors

Emotional and mental factors causing erectile dysfunction include:

• depression
• anxiety
• stress
• relationship difficulties
• sexual issues in your past, including experiencing sexual abuse

Physical Factors

The following conditions in your body can cause erectile dysfunction:

• side effects of specific medicines
• changes in hormone levels
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• heart disease
• obesity
• injury
• surgery

How common is erectile dysfunction?

A number of studies are available that indicate erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 1 in 10 men will have ED at some point in their lifetime. Research from the American Journal of Urology has shown that the incidence of ED increases the older you get.

Is erectile dysfunction permanent?

You cannot cure your erectile dysfunction (ED) so it never comes back, but most men find they can stop their erectile dysfunction (ED) by understanding its cause and then getting the proper treatment.