Erectile dysfunction
Prescription-strength treatments to overcome erectile dysfunction and get your mojo back
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Tablets, creams, gels, injections and compounded solutions, the largest range of treatments for erectile dysfunction in the UK.
What you should know about erectile dysfunction treatments
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It can affect men of all ages but is more common as men get older.
ED can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure; psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression; and lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or lack of exercise.
ED can be treated with lifestyle changes, oral medications (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil), vacuum erection devices, injections, hormone therapy, or, in some cases, surgery. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause and individual patient needs.
A doctor typically diagnoses ED through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and possibly some tests. The doctor may ask about your symptoms, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits to determine the underlying cause.
Oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) work by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection. These medications are typically taken before sexual activity and are effective for many men with ED.
Common side effects of ED medications can include headaches, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, back pain, and dizziness. Serious side effects are rare but can include vision or hearing loss, or an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), which requires immediate medical attention.
Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly improve ED symptoms. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, losing weight, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all help improve erectile function and overall health.
Yes, psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems can contribute to or cause ED. In such cases, therapy, counseling, or lifestyle changes may be effective treatments.
Additional information
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED), and what causes it?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a condition where a man struggles to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or in response to sexual stimulation. This common condition can affect men of all ages, though it becomes increasingly prevalent with age. Approximately 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience ED at some point in their lives.
An erection occurs when sexual arousal causes the brain to send signals to the nerves in the penis, increasing blood flow and causing it to enlarge and harden. If this process is disrupted—whether by physical, psychological, or medicinal factors—erectile dysfunction can occur.
Physical causes of ED
Physical issues are the most common causes of ED, as achieving an erection involves complex bodily processes. Common physical causes include:
- Vascular Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease can restrict blood flow to the penis.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like thyroid disorders, hypogonadism (low testosterone), and Cushing’s syndrome can disrupt normal hormone levels.
- Neurological Disorders: Diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can interfere with the nerve signals required for an erection.
- Anatomical Issues: Conditions like Peyronie’s disease, which affects penile tissue, can result in ED.
Psychological causes of ED
Mental and emotional health can also significantly impact erectile function. Psychological causes of ED include:
- Stress and Anxiety: High stress or anxiety levels can interfere with sexual arousal.
- Depression: Mental health disorders like depression can decrease sexual desire and performance.
- Relationship Issues: Emotional challenges or unresolved relationship issues can also contribute to ED.
Medicinal causes of ED
Certain medications can lead to erectile dysfunction. Common culprits include:
- Blood Pressure Medications: Beta blockers and diuretics can affect blood flow.
- Antidepressants and Corticosteroids: These can interfere with sexual function.
- Other Medications: Antihistamines, cytotoxic drugs, and recreational drugs can also contribute to ED.
Symptoms and diagnosis of erectile dysfunction
The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial:
- If you can achieve an erection during masturbation but not with a partner, the cause may be psychological.
- If you cannot achieve an erection at all, the issue is more likely to be physical or related to medication.
Reduced blood flow to the penis is the most common cause of ED, often due to narrowing of the blood vessels. This can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, so it’s important to consult a GP for a full health check if you experience symptoms.
Diagnosis usually involves a discussion with your doctor, who may ask about your sexual history, overall health, lifestyle, and current medications. Simple tests, such as blood pressure checks, blood glucose and lipid tests, or an ultrasound, may be necessary to rule out serious underlying conditions.
How to treat erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be treated with a range of therapies depending on the underlying causes and individual preferences. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the available treatments:
1. Caverject injections:
- What they are: Caverject is an injectable medication containing alprostadil, a synthetic version of prostaglandin E1, used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis.
- How they work: Caverject works by directly relaxing the smooth muscle in the penile blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and facilitating an erection. The injection is administered into the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Effects typically start within 5 to 20 minutes and can last up to an hour.
2. Invicorp injections:
- What they are: Invicorp is an injectable treatment that combines aviptadil and phentolamine to treat ED.
- How they work: Aviptadil dilates blood vessels, while phentolamine blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors to increase blood flow to the penis. The combination results in a stronger, more sustained erection. The injection is similar to Caverject, with effects typically occurring within 5 to 15 minutes and lasting up to an hour.
3. Triple combination erectile dysfunction transmucosal buccal films:
- What they are: This treatment involves a buccal film that combines sildenafil, tadalafil, and L-arginine. The film is designed to dissolve on the mucous membrane inside the mouth for rapid absorption.
- How they work:
- Sildenafil and Tadalafil are PDE5 inhibitors that increase blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection.
- L-arginine promotes nitric oxide production, aiding vasodilation. This combination offers both rapid onset and prolonged effects, with the buccal delivery system ensuring quicker absorption than oral tablets.
4. Vitaros cream:
- What It Is: Vitaros is a topical cream containing alprostadil, the same active ingredient as in Caverject, but applied externally.
- How It Works: Vitaros is applied directly to the tip of the penis, where it is absorbed through the skin. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to produce an erection. Vitaros typically begins to work within 5 to 30 minutes and the effects can last up to 1 to 2 hours. It offers an alternative for those who prefer not to use injections or oral medications.
5. Eroxon gel:
- What it is: Eroxon gel is a newer topical treatment for ED, designed to be applied to the head of the penis.
- How it works: Eroxon works by increasing local blood flow and sensitivity, which can help to achieve and maintain an erection. The gel is designed to act quickly, providing an erection within minutes of application. Eroxon is especially useful for men who are looking for a non-invasive, on-demand treatment.
6. Oral medications:
- Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5 Inhibitors): Commonly used first-line treatments for ED, including sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, enhancing blood flow during sexual stimulation.
These treatments offer a variety of options depending on personal preference, response to treatment, and the specific nature of the erectile dysfunction. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
Note: If considering any of these treatments, ensure you discuss them with your doctor to understand the potential benefits, risks, and correct usage. Proper administration, especially with injectable treatments, is crucial to avoid complications, and adherence to the prescribed regimen will maximize the effectiveness of the treatment
Additional treatments for erectile dysfunction
If medications are not suitable or effective, other treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Improving diet, exercising, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can significantly help.
- Psychological support: Counseling or therapy can address psychological causes of ED, such as stress or anxiety.
- Vacuum Constriction Devices (VCDs): These devices use suction to draw blood into the penis, helping achieve an erection.
- Surgery: Penile implants or prosthetics may be considered in severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.
Preventing erectile dysfunction
ED can often be prevented or mitigated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
- Quit smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which can cause ED.
- Moderate alcohol intake: Excessive drinking can affect sexual function.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves overall cardiovascular health.
- Manage stress: High stress levels can contribute to ED.
Common myths about erectile dysfunction
Several misconceptions about ED persist, leading to unnecessary stigma:
- Myth: ED only affects older men.
Fact: While more common with age, ED can occur at any age. - Myth: Taking ED medication guarantees an erection.
Fact: ED medications require sexual stimulation to work. - Myth: Needing ED medication means a lack of attraction to your partner.
Fact: ED can be caused by various factors unrelated to attraction.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition with various causes and effective treatments. If you experience ED, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options. With the right approach, ED can be managed successfully, allowing you to regain confidence and enjoy a satisfying sex life.
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases
Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.
Compounding pharmacist.
