Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and/or keeping the erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.  ED is also known as ‘impotence’.  It is not uncommon for men to have problems with erections from time to time, especially as they get older.  However, ED which happens often during sex in a healthy young person, is NOT normal and should be treated.

Symptoms of ED

ED symptoms include;

• Difficulty getting an erection
• Difficulty keeping an erection long enough
• Reduction in sexual desire

Causes of ED

Sexual arousal is a complicated process which involves emotions, nerves and blood supply.  As such, any health condition affecting this process can cause ED.

1. Medical conditions

• Coronary heart disease
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol (causing atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries)
• Diabetes
• Prostate issues
• Being overweight or unfit
• Cancer treatment
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury

2. Mental health issues

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Poor quality sleep

Management of ED

1. Prevention

Living a healthy lifestyle and keeping good control of any existing health conditions (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol) is the best way to prevent ED.  Do take regular exercises like walking, maintain a good sleep pattern, quit smoking or reduce excess alcohol consumption.  Consider mental health counselling if you have depression, anxiety or stress.

2. Medication

Medications known as PDE inhibitors increase penile blood flow. For the best effects, they should be taken 30-90 minutes before sexual intercourse.  They include;

• Tadalafil (such as Cialis)
• Sildenafil (such as Viagra)
• Vardenafil (such as Levitra) 
• Avanafil (such as Stendra)

Side effects of PDE inhibitors are usually mild and temporary. They include headache, facial flushing, stuffy nose and muscle or back ache.

Caution before starting medication

Before taking any medication for ED, discuss with your pharmacist or doctor about any health conditions which you have and the medication you are taking.  You should NOT take ED medication if you are taking the following medications or have the following health conditions;

• Taking nitrate drugs for angina (such as Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Mononitrate or Isosorbide Dinitrate)
• Heart failure
• Low blood pressure

Talk to your Pharmacist or Doctor to discuss your treatment options

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Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.