Scientific literature explains erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, as a condition characterised by the inability to get and keep an erection that is suitable for satisfactory sexual activity. This common condition affects about 50% of men between the ages of 40-70 years, and up to 70% of men over the age of 70. The prevalence generally increases with age as well as the occurrence of other medical conditions.
In the past, ED was considered to be the result of emotional issues, like anxiety. However, it is now known that this sexual health condition is mostly caused by physical health issues, particularly conditions that affect blood supply to the penis. The discovery of sildenafil citrate provided the first safe, oral medication that can improve blood flow, thereby offering an effective erectile dysfunction treatment.
Common erectile dysfunction symptoms include:
Other sexual problems that may be associated with ED include:
There are a number of erectile dysfunction causes and about 80% of cases are the result of health issues. These include hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and atherosclerosis, which is characterised by hardening of the arteries. If this is the case, this type of ED is referred to as organic ED. The organic type is the most common category of ED that affects up to 20% of middle-aged men.
When an erection happens, the penis fills with blood, giving it the rigidity that is needed for sexual intercourse. Health conditions like hypertension often cause damage to blood vessels and this disrupts blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to attain a firm erection. In addition to health issues, the following lifestyle choices can cause erection difficulties:
There are also psychological erectile dysfunction causes such as depression and performance anxiety. When erection difficulties are caused by psychological issues, this condition is known as psychogenic ED. For example, a patient with sexual performance anxiety may worry excessively about achieving an erection and pleasing his partner. This can activate the production of stress hormones, which cause blood vessels in the penis to become narrow, resulting in erection difficulties.
Depending on the underlying cause of ED, the potential treatments for this condition vary from one person to the next. Although the use of erectile dysfunction pills is generally safe and effective for most men, some people may also benefit from making certain lifestyle changes. This might include following an exercise routine, adhering to a healthy diet or quitting smoking.
Sometimes, side effects of other medications like antidepressants and antihypertensives may include erectile dysfunction. If this is the case, changing the dose or taking another medication may help. Otherwise, erectile dysfunction treatment available online is effective for both organic and psychogenic ED.
Exercise is essential for a healthy circulatory system and this is particularly important for normal erectile function. The reason for this is that erection difficulties can happen if there is an inadequate supply of blood to the penis. One type of exercise that can improve erectile function in particular is pelvic floor exercises.
Also known as Kegel exercise, pelvic floor exercises strengthen an area of the body that enhances the rigidity of erections. Having strong pelvic floor muscles helps prevent blood from leaving the penis by applying pressure to a critical vein. A clinical trial that was published in 2005 took place to investigate how pelvic floor exercises affect erectile function among men with ED.
In total, 55 men over the age 20 participated in the study. They were divided into two groups whereby the intervention group were taught pelvic floor exercises and advised on lifestyle changes. The control group, however, were only advised about lifestyle changes like losing weight and quitting smoking.
Patients in the control group who did not respond after months were also treated with pelvic floor exercises. The study found that after 3 months, the erectile function of the men in the pelvic floor exercise group was considerably better than the control group. These exercises also significantly improved erectile function among men in the control group after a further period of 3 months.
In a similar way that exercise improves blood flow and erectile function, a healthy diet may also improve the sexual health of men with ED. A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet as a way of improving erectile function in patients with metabolic syndrome and ED.
A total of 65 men met the criteria for the study and 35 were allocated to the above diet group. The remaining 30 patients continued with their usual diet and they formed the control group. The Mediterranean diet consists of various heart-healthy foods such as whole grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables, fruit, seafood and olive oil. After two years, the results of the study revealed the following:
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a self-administered assessment tool that consists of 15 questions. It measures the severity of ED and a score of 22 or higher indicates either no ED, or mild erection difficulties. The study concluded that the above diet may be effective at decreasing the prevalence of ED among men with metabolic syndrome.
In 1998, the first oral sex pills for the treatment of ED was introduced to the market, completely transforming the way this condition is treated today. Before erectile dysfunction pills like sildenafil were discovered, treatment for ED was limited to physical interventions like vacuum erection devices, penile injections and surgery.
Released under the brand name Viagra, sildenafil citrate is perhaps one of the most well-known medications ever produced. It has helped countless men worldwide regain their sexual confidence and wellbeing. Sildenafil citrate provides a convenient and discreet way to counteract erectile dysfunction symptoms. These erectile dysfunction tablets enhance blood flow to the penile region, which enables the penis to become erect and maintain its rigidity.
Sildenafil achieves its effect by selectively inhibiting an enzyme in the body called phosphodiesterase type (PDE5). During sexual stimulation, a chemical messenger in the body called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is released. This messenger causes blood vessels in the penis to relax and expand, allowing blood to flow into the penis, causing an erection.
PDE5 normally breaks down cGMP, so by inhibiting the activity of PDE5, these erectile dysfunction tablets cause cGMP levels to increase. As a result, it becomes easier for a man with ED to get and keep an erection during sexual arousal.
The patent for Viagra came to an end on 21 June 2013. This permitted other well-known pharmaceutical companies to produce less expensive, yet equally safe and effective generic versions of Viagra. You can now buy erectile dysfunction tablets online and choose brand Viagra or the less expensive generic version of sildenafil.
Since Viagra was released, other pharmaceutical companies have also successfully produced erectile dysfunction pills. These medications include Cialis and Levitra and the patents for these popular ED treatments have also expired, meaning affordable generics can be bought. The following table summarises three popular erectile dysfunction tablets available online:
Medication |
Description |
Sildenafil citrate |
Commonly known by the brand name Viagra, sildenafil citrate starts working within 30-60 minutes. It has a durational efficacy of 4 to 6 hours and an efficacy rate of 82%. |
Vardenafil |
Also sold under the brand name Levitra, vardenafil has been found to be particularly beneficial for ED caused by health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This medication can be taken 25-60 minutes before sexual activity and the effects last up to six hours. |
Tadalafil |
Also available under the brand name Cialis, tadalafil has the longest duration of effect. It can be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity and the effects last up to 36 hours. It is also known as the 'weekend pill' as it can be taken on Friday and the effects are often still felt on Sunday. |
Despite the availability of erectile dysfunction pills, most men with this condition are left untreated. In fact, research suggests that up to 90% of men with ED never seek advice for this condition. This may be due to feelings of embarrassment associated with sexual health issues. Untreated ED often leads to marital and relationship issues, loss of confidence, anxiety and other emotional problems like depression.
On a positive note, ED is highly treatable and most men respond well to erectile dysfunction tablets. You can buy erectile dysfunction tablets discreetly online, from the convenience of any location. Our established online pharmacy stocks high-quality pharmaceutical products, which are manufactured by leading companies.
If you are looking for a satisfying quality of service and cost savings, simply visit our website and place an order. When you buy erectile dysfunction tablets, the medication is efficiently dispatched and discreetly delivered to your specified address.
Visit our homepage to see our full range of products or follow one of the handy links to the three main treatment options for erectile dysfunction and other erection problems such as premature ejaculation!
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Last Reviewed: 15th July 2024
Next Review Due: August 2025
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