Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability for a male to obtain and/or sustain an erection for sexual purposes.
Although most men feel embarrassed by the condition, ED is a common experience affecting close to three million Canadians. By the age of 65, between 15 and 25 percent of men experience ED. Transient erectile dysfunction and inadequate erection affect as many as 50 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70.
Fortunately, many options exist to treat ED, from natural remedies to prescription drugs.
Although they are usually reluctant to admit it, most men have, at one time or another, experienced erectile failure. Almost all men describe this experience as “embarrassing” or “humiliating.” (Interestingly, their partners are likely to have a different view of the matter, referring to it as “sweet,” “endearing” or a welcome sign of “new age sensitivity.”)
The occasional inability to achieve an erection is perfectly normal and not a sign that the individual is any less of a man. Stress, fatigue, excessive consumption of alcohol or “new partner nervousness” are all common causes of erectile failure.
Some men - almost 25 percent of those under the age of 65 - experience erectile difficulties each time they attempt sexual activity. This is known as erectile dysfunction or ED.
It is important to recognize that ED is not a disease. Rather, it is a treatable condition. No man has to live with ED as there are many types of treatment, depending on the nature and cause of the dysfunction.
Before we discuss the treatments available to remedy ED, let’s take a closer look at how an erection occurs and the actual causes of ED.
Increased Blood Flow
The process of erection begins when a man experiences physical or psychological stimulation (arousal). In response to this, the brain sends messages to the nervous system to direct blood flow to the penis. The resulting increased pressure within the spongy erectile tissue of the penis causes it to become hard and erect. Elastic sheaths surrounding the erectile tissues then tighten to prevent the blood from flowing back out during erection. When stimulation ends, or ejaculation takes place, the sheaths relax again, the blood flows out, and the penis resumes its normal size and shape.
Causes of ED
Close to 85 percent of ED cases have a physical cause that can be remedied. The most common cause of ED is a problem with circulation. This is particularly true for men over the age of 50. Any health condition that reduces the amount of blood flowing through the vessels that supply the penis can impede engorgement. Sometimes, blood flows into the penis normally, but flows back out again almost immediately. This leads to the inability to sustain an erection.
The second most common cause of ED is the use of medications. Over 200 prescription drugs may cause some degree of erectile failure as a side effect. The most common are diuretics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure. Other medications that can cause ED include tranquilizers, antidepressants, sedatives, cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers) and many over-the-counter medications, including decongestants and antihistamines.
Natural Enhancers
Not surprisingly, most “natural” sexual enhancers for men consist of herbs and other ingredients that help increase penile blood flow. Veromax® Natural Male Sexual Enhancer goes a step further by increasing nitric oxide and cyclic-GMP - chemicals that are produced inside the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. (This action is assisted by the presence of the amino acid L-arginine and Jujube date within this formulation.)
In November 2000, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed that supplementing with Veromax® for three months could help restore sexual function. In this study, 76 percent of the men taking Veromax® improved their erectile function, compared to 46 percent taking a placebo (sugar pill). Veromax® is taken daily and therefore does not necessitate the planning of intercourse for a specific time.
Neophase™ Natural Sex Enhancer Formula for Men is an ancient formulation of traditional Chinese herbs. Neophase™ enhances penile blood flow within 45 minutes, without side effects or drug interactions. This formula is not taken every day, but rather works on an “as required” basis. Neophase™ inhibits the enzyme primarily responsible for ED and exerts a prolonged therapeutic effect on the erection-enhancing enzyme, cyclic-GMP.
Your Pharmacist Says:Prescription drugs for ED do not cure the condition permanently. Nor do they increase sexual desire or protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. These drugs also do not act as birth control. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to guard against STDs.
Your Doctor Can HelpA Prescription Drug for ED
Sometimes, erectile dysfunction requires the targeted efficacy and expediency of a prescription drug. Your doctor will help evaluate your specific symptoms and, together, you can decide on the best source of treatment. Prescription drugs that target ED include sidenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). Both sidenafil and vardenafil are taken as soon as sexual intimacy is anticipated, as the beneficial effects normally last up to four hours.
Tadalafil differs from other prescription drugs for ED in that it allows for spontaneity. Like sidenafil and vardenafil, the tablet is usually effective within 30 minutes, but the effects last for up to 36 hours. This means you do not have to overly schedule sexual intimacy and have an improved “window of opportunity.”
Tadalafil (the active ingredient of Cialis®) belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors. Following sexual stimulation, tadalafil works by helping the blood vessels in the penis to relax, increasing the flow of blood. This results in improved erectile function.
As with all prescription drugs, tadalafil is not for everyone. The most common side effects are headache, upset stomach, back pain, and muscle aches. These side effects usually go away after a few hours. You should call your doctor or other healthcare professional if side effects continue to bother you.
Before taking tadalafil, you should tell your doctor about any heart problems (such as angina, heart failure or irregular heart beat), low blood pressure or high blood pressure that is not controlled, history of a stroke, liver problems or kidney problems, or any other medical condition.