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Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, with 4.3 million men in the UK experiencing symptoms. Some 25% of cases occur in men under 40, but there are treatment options available to help manage the condition.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is also known as impotence, characterised by an inability to produce or maintain an erection sufficiently long enough to enjoy satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is one of the most common health conditions in men and, although the risks can increase with age, symptoms can present themselves at any time and at any age, with a range of different physical, psychological and lifestyle causes. Physical causes include:

Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Hypothyroid/hyperthyroid
Prostate surgery

Psychological causes include:

Anxiety
Stress
Low self-esteem
Depression
Relationship issues

Lifestyle causes include:

Smoking
High alcohol intake
Fatigue
Drug abuse

In order to identify the most appropriate form of treatment for ED, it is advisable to consider the root cause of the problem. For example, if it’s down to lifestyle choices, making changes such as getting more regular exercise, quitting smoking, following a healthy well-balanced diet and getting good quality sleep can be beneficial. However, if the cause is psychological, you may be advised to go for therapy and counselling, as well as (or instead of) taking medication.

How Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Treated?

There are various treatments available for ED, including Viagra, Cialis, Sildenafil and Tadalafil. These medications are PDE-5 inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis temporarily. They are successful in approximately 70 per cent of men, although note that results will vary from person to person.

Viagra

Viagra is the most well-known form of ED medication, working to relax the smooth blood vessels around the penis to increase blood flow and produce an erection. It’s available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses and is most effective when taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal. You should start to feel the effects between 30 and 60 minutes after taking it, with the effects lasting for four hours or more. Note that sexual arousal is necessary for the medication to be effective.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra (the marketable brand name of the drug) and is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.

Cialis

Cialis is an oral medication for the treatment of ED, taking effect within half an hour of taking it. The effects can last up to 36 hours. It is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is available in tablet form and typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes to start working. Sexual arousal is necessary in order for it to be effective. It is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets. At Enimed Group, our specialist pharmacists can administer the appropriate treatments, as well as providing a walk-in clinic service and up-to-date health advice for a range of different conditions. If you’d like to find out more about our range of services, get in touch with the team today.

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