For years, erectile dysfunction (ED) has been shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. Thanks to the advent of ED medication and therapy, understanding and treating this condition has become much more straightforward. What is ED, and does Viagra really help with ED? Let’s unpack this question and find out.
What Is ED?
ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. It is often described as a ‘performance issue’ or a ‘failing’ of the ‘erectile machinery’. If you’re unfamiliar, your ‘machinery’ is made up of two primary parts: Your brain and your penis. In simple terms, if you can’t think up or maintain an erection that is suitable for your partner’s pleasure, then you have ED.
ED is also known as ‘impotence’ or ‘sexual dysfunction’ and can develop at any age. However, it is most prevalent in men aged between 40 and 70 years. In other words, the ‘baby boomer’ generation is most at risk of developing this medical condition. In fact, one study showed that nearly half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 have ED. Thus, if you’re in this age group and are having persistent issues with your erections, it might be time to seek help.
Does Viagra Help With ED?
You’ve probably heard of Viagra, the ‘wonder pill’ that allows men to achieve and maintain an erection. Unfortunately, while Viagra has revolutionized the treatment of ED, it’s also become very popular among patients who aren’t actually suffering from ED. As a result, doctors are now experiencing an uptick in demand for this medication, and many are prescribing it for patients who don’t need it. For instance, some men are taking Viagra to help them sleep or to enhance their love life. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Viagra is effective in these instances; it’s simply a case of ‘pumping up’ the pill before use.
On the contrary, there is a wealth of scientific research that shows that Viagra is highly effective in the treatment of ED. According to clinical trials, Viagra is more than 94% effective in eliciting an erection among men with ED. In addition, when taken as prescribed by a doctor, Viagra is known to increase the odds of pregnancy in women by acting as a ‘progesterone antagonist’. This is a significant discovery considering that, in the United Kingdom, there are currently over 230,000 pregnancies each year that are entirely preventable. This is largely due to the fact that many men fail to take the pill as directed by their doctor or don’t even realise that they’ve been prescribed it for ED treatment. If you’re worried about becoming a father and want to lower your chances of conceiving, then consider discussing this with your doctor.
Is ED Always Due to Blood Fluctuations?
It’s often said that ED is often caused by ‘blood problems’ or ‘blood pressure issues’. Sadly, this is not completely true. In fact, there are numerous cases where ED is caused by purely psychological issues. For example, some men with ED believe that they are not ‘manly’ enough to seek medical help due to feelings of shame or inadequacy. Therefore, if you’re experiencing persistent ED that you don’t feel comfortable discussing with your doctor, then perhaps it’s time to seek professional help. In cases like these, the blood tests and physical exams that your doctor orders as part of the routine analysis for ED will typically return normal results. However, if these tests don’t help you to get a better understanding of what is causing your ED, then it is time for further investigation. This may involve psychological assessment followed by either psychotherapy or antidepressant medication.
How Is ED Different From BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia)?
You may be wondering how ED is different from ‘benign prostate hyperplasia’ or BPH, another common cause of erectile dysfunction. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland, and it often goes hand-in-hand with urinary problems. However, BPH and ED are different when it comes to their treatment. Whereas BPH can be treated with medications and surgical procedures, ED is often managed with holistic treatments. One of the most effective treatments for ED is phototherapy. In this instance, a small laser is pointed at the base of the penis to target the nerve endings and cause relaxation. This is one of the few sexual health treatments that can actually enhance libido and increase sexual pleasure for both parties involved. In most cases, the sessions are quite painless and more akin to a mild hair cut than an invasive surgery.
Are There Any Side Effects To Living With ED?
Living with ED doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to experience the ‘bad’ effects of this condition. After all, in recent years, ED has become a lot more manageable. This is largely due to the fact that doctors are now aware of the condition and have developed therapy and medication to help patients manage their symptoms. One of the most common side effects of living with ED is headaches. Indeed, approximately 25% of men with ED in one UK study reported having a headache on at least one day a week. In some cases, these headaches are so severe that they disrupt sleep patterns and daily activities. It is also worth bearing in mind that men with ED are twice as likely as those without to suffer from heart disease. This is largely due to the fact that poor blood circulation and an inability to maintain an erection for a prolonged period of time place a man at a higher risk of heart attacks. In most cases, these heart problems are preventable with lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
It’s also important to note that, while ED can occur in any race or ethnic group, it is most prevalent among black men. This may be due to the fact that there are fewer clinical trials focusing on ED and its treatment in this population. Thus, more opportunities to learn about and try new medicines exist. This is particularly important in cases where a black male hasn’t experienced the benefits of a treatment and considers it ‘quackery.’ In these instances, the onus is on the doctors and scientists to prove to the men that their suspicions are unfounded. In the meantime, it would be wise to try and reduce any risks as much as possible.
How Do You Know If Viagra Is The Right Choice For You?
It’s important to bear in mind that there is more than one type of ED medication. Thus, if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for sexual health advice, then Viagra may not be the answer. In these instances, you may need to try a different drug or combination of drugs. In many cases, the doctor will start you off with a low dose and increase the strength until you find the right level for your body. As mentioned before, while Viagra can be very effective in treating ED, it’s also become popular due to its side effects. Thus, if your main concern is having a safe and meaningful sex life, then you may want to ask your doctor about other treatment options, such as medication or counselling. In some cases, these can help to treat ED and its associated anxiety or depression. If you’re not dealing with these issues and just want to increase your odds of having a successful sexual encounter, then Viagra may not be the right fit for you.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
As mentioned above, Viagra is a medication that is often prescribed to treat ED. However, this drug is available in many different forms, including liquids, tablets, and even a gel. In most cases, Viagra is taken as a tablet or capsule, and it needs to be taken at least 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. For best results, it is recommended that you follow the exact instructions your doctor gives you, as taking the medicine in a different manner or at a different time can cause adverse effects.
When it comes to the treatment of ED, the most important factor is to ensure that you follow the guidelines your doctor gives you. If you don’t understand what these are, or you think that they’re not suitable for you, then it may be worth discussing this with your doctor. Otherwise, you could end up with an adverse reaction that leaves you seriously disabled.