Many men have trouble maintaining an erection throughout sexual activity. The condition, known as erectile dysfunction (ED), can be caused by a number of factors. One cause can be medical, such as diabetes or heart disease. But many men with ED discover that the real cause is a drug or alcohol abuse problem. Unfortunately, this can make treatment more difficult. To find out more, we spoke with Richard Smith, PharmD, BCPS, about the potential connection between ED and prescription drugs.
What Is The Connection Between ED And Prescription Drugs?
For centuries, pharmaceutical companies have been trying to find a reliable way to treat ED. Until recently, the only options were Viagra (sildenafil) and the older drug Metoprolol (tête-à-tête). But many men are experiencing severe side effects with these older drugs, which is driving the search for new medications. The good news is there are now a number of promising treatments for ED. One of the newest drugs to obtain FDA approval is avanafil (Starmaker), an oral medication that can be taken as part of a daily routine. It is highly effective for treating ED and has fewer side effects than other available drugs. It also works with nitrates, which is a class of drugs typically used to treat heart disease. This new drug may be a real breakthrough for men with ED—especially those who also have heart problems.
What About Other Prescription Drugs And Their Effect On ED?
Other prescription drugs have been known to cause ED. This has led to some concern about their safety in combination with nitrates. But many doctors and pharmacists believe that the risk of ED is low when compared to the benefits of these medications. For example, a man with diabetes may develop nitrate tolerance, which leads to loss of penis sensitivity. The benefit of treating this condition outweighs the risk of ED. So if a doctor determines that a patient with diabetes needs treatment with nitrates, he may also prescribe ED drugs to maintain penile sensitivity.
Is There An ED / Nitrate Combination That Is Safe?
Combinations of nitrates and ED drugs have been known to be unsafe. But this only applies to cases where the patient already has a history of heart disease. There is a slight risk that taking nitrates with certain drugs may cause a drop in blood pressure that could result in a stroke or heart attack. However, this risk is extremely low when compared to the benefits of treating ED. So, if a doctor determines that a patient needs treatment with nitrates, he may also prescribe ED drugs to reduce the risk of side effects.
The point is that men with ED should not avoid seeking treatment because of concern that their medication will react with nitrates. These drugs have been around for a long time and have proven to be effective in treating ED. The key is to find a treatment that is right for you and that will not cause unpleasant side effects.
Are There Any Other Risk Factors For ED?
There are various other risk factors associated with ED. These include aging, smoking, and poor nutrition. Men with ED who also have these other risk factors may need to seek treatment sooner than men who do not have these additional problems. Poor nutrition may contribute to ED via vitamin deficiency, which can result in a poor state of sexual hormone production. This, in turn, can lead to a lowered threshold for penile stimulation, causing ED. Men who are overweight may also have ED because of the extra weight that obstructs blood flow to the penis, preventing adequate arousal. Finally, aging can make male sexual function decline because of a decrease in testosterone production. This, in turn, can cause ED.
In conclusion, ED can be caused by a variety of factors. However, most cases can be attributed to one of the following issues: (1) a physical problem, such as an enlarged prostate or heart disease; (2) a psychological problem, such as depression or anxiety; or (3) drug or alcohol abuse. If your doctor suspects that any of these factors may be the cause of your ED, he may prescribe you a medication or therapy to treat it. If you follow his instructions and take the medication as prescribed, you should experience fewer and less severe episodes of ED. So, if you are suffering from ED, rest assured that it is not your fault, and you should not be ashamed to seek help.