There are medications available in drug stores that can help men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity. It can also be described as the inability to engage in sexual activity because of a deficiency of blood flow to the penis or a neurological defect. In addition to causing distress and dissatisfaction in sufferers, this condition can lead to significant social and psychological issues. It is therefore important for doctors and patients to fully understand the various causes and treatments available for ED.
Medications That Treat And Prevent ED
There are three main classes of medications that are useful for the treatment of ED:
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as sildenafil)
- Agents that increase available nitric oxide (such as Viagra and sildenafil)
- Agents that directly stimulate blood flow to the penis (such as prostaglandin E1).
These medications can be quite beneficial for men with ED and allow them to engage in sexual activity with their partners. However, not all men will be able to benefit from these medications. Only certain subsets of patients will be able to use them effectively. For example, men with severe heart disease often cannot take nitroglycerin because of the hypotensive effects it has on the blood vessels. In these situations, alternative treatments may be necessary.
Possible Alternative Treatments For ED
If a patient is not considered a good candidate for one of the above medications, then he may be a good candidate for an alternative treatment. Some of the more common and effective alternative treatments for ED include psychological counseling and herbal remedies.
It is important to keep in mind that the causes and mechanisms of ED are not completely understood. For this reason, alternative treatments should be considered as a last resort and only after all other treatments have been tried and failed. A number of compounds have been shown in clinical trials to be effective in treating ED. Some of these medications are very costly and can be quite difficult to obtain. Others are just as effective but much easier to find and much less expensive. So, if a patient is unable to afford or use the medications mentioned above, he may have no other choice than to try one of these less-well known treatments.
When To Seek Help From A Physician
The above information should not be construed as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Always seek the assistance of qualified physicians if you are seeking treatment for a medical problem.
In most cases, ED will require medical consultation to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Based on the information presented above, it is clear that there are many different causes of ED and that all these causes should be considered along with the individual’s symptoms. This is especially important if the patient is not responding to a medication or if the medication is causing additional problems.
Summary
ED is a common problem that can cause significant distress to both the patient and his partner. There are many different causes of this condition and it is often necessary to try a number of different treatments before finding the right solution for a particular patient. The above information should help doctors and patients understand the various causes of ED and the medications that are available to treat it. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that ED is often a symptom of other medical problems and not a disease in itself. So, if a patient is not responding to treatment or is taking medications that are causing additional problems, then he should seek help from a qualified physician.