Erectile Dysfunction Medications Overview
Erectile dysfunction, often referred to as ED or impotence, is a common condition marked by a man’s difficulty or total inability to achieve an erection firm enough to perform sexual activities with his partner. ED is quite common in the male population, so numerous erectile dysfunction treatments are available to men in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area. Dr. Mark Allen, urology specialist, offers a number of treatment options, including erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED is not just a medical issue – it can deeply affect relationships and limit intimacy, as well as affect a patient’s self-esteem.
There are various causes of ED, including physical factors (kidney disease, diabetes, vascular disease and chronic alcoholism), chemical factors (antidepressants, tranquilizers, blood pressure medications and antihistamines) and psychological factors (stress, guilt, depression and anxiety).
Treatment with Erectile Dysfunction Medications
In many cases, the first course of erectile dysfunction treatment is to prescribe an oral medication. For most men who experience symptoms of impotence, such as keeping an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse, many erectile dysfunction medications on the market today have proven to be successful for thousands of sufferers.
Popular erectile dysfunction medications that can be considered are Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. All of these drugs can be obtained through a prescription and do not cause many side effects. They work by increasing the nitric oxide in the body, which is a chemical that opens and relaxes the blood vessels that reside in the penis. By creating this activity within the vessels, it helps to obtain and keep and erection. These medications are each made slightly different, but they work in similar ways. All of them work to create an erection when sexually stimulated, but they do not increase the actual sex drive of a man.
Some distinct differences in erectile dysfunction medications are:
- Viagra- Can take once a day, up to an hour before sexual intercourse, lasts for approximately 5 hours
- Levitra- Can take once a day, up to an hour before sexual intercourse, lasts for approximately 5 hours
- Cialis- This drug comes in a small dosage form, as well as a 36-hour dose. The smaller dose form can be taken anytime during the day, whereas the 36-hour dose should be taken 30 minutes before sex
There are new erectile dysfunction medications on the horizon that have yet to be approved by the FDA that will work in similar ways and continue to offer men hope for erectile dysfunction treatment.
Men who have heart problems, a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, who have blood pressure problems or kidney or liver disease should not take these medications. In addition, some prescription drugs can alter the effectiveness or cause dangerous side effects if taken simultaneously with erectile dysfunction medications.
It is important to discuss all of your symptoms, desires, lifestyle habits, etc. with Dr. Allen so the right medication can be prescribed and your erectile dysfunction managed effectively.
For more information on erectile dysfunction treatment, or additional resources on erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, please contact the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas urology office of Dr. Mark Allen.
