When we talk about sexual problems in men, erectile dysfunction is the most widespread condition that affects millions of men. Some may experience this issue only later in life while others can notice the worrisome symptoms much earlier. Erectile dysfunction affects relationships and confidence of men, so finding the right way to treat this problem is essential.
ED is a complex issue that can be caused by a range of health problems. The reason is that the mechanism of arousal involves both physical and psychological processes. It is something that happens thanks to the complex coordination between the nervous system, muscles, hormones, blood vessels, and emotions. Determining the right treatment in each case is the only way to ensure that a man can continue to lead a satisfying sex life.
Physical and psychological causes of ED
Erectile dysfunction is the inability of men to achieve erections or maintain them long enough to have normal sexual intercourse. ED can develop as a result of psychological or physical problems. At the same time, it often happens that a combination of these factors leads to the inability to get firm erections or maintain them. For instance, a man may not be able to get an erection due to his heart condition and this, in turn, leads to anxiety and stress that only make ED worse.
When it comes to physical causes of erectile dysfunction, the most common ones include the following health issues:
- High levels of cholesterol
- Chronic hypertension or hypotension
- Atherosclerosis or other severe blood vessel conditions
- Certain heart diseases
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Low levels of testosterone
- Parkinson’s disease
- Injuries affecting the spine or pelvic area
- Peyronie’s disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Serious sleep problems
In some men, these health problems won’t lead to the development of ED but they definitely increase the chances of experiencing this issue. Proper diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests can help determine whether any of the mentioned health conditions cause your sexual dysfunction.
Psychological causes of ED are also not rare because sexual arousal starts in the brain. If a person experiences certain emotional or psychological problems, it becomes difficult to relax and get sexually excited. The following problems can either be the main causes of ED or worsen its symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Relationship problems
It is also important to note that there is a link between certain harmful lifestyle habits and the development of ED. Tobacco use, substance abuse, and excessive consumption of alcohol – all these factors can cause the inability to achieve erections. They affect the body on both physical and mental levels, so it’s only natural that they have to be excluded if a man wants to experience normal sexual functions. Drugstore solutions against bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcoholism and overeating can be found at My Canadian Pharmacy, alongside with the erectile health medications. The pharmacy consistently works on reducing the cost of ED pills and other drugs on its formulary.
Medications as the cause of Erectile Dysfunction
A lot of people don’t realize that some drugs for the treatments of various health problems can cause ED as one of side effects. It is important to be aware of this fact if you consume any drugs and carefully study any potential adverse reactions. In most cases, drugs that can cause ED have this problem listed in their leaflet but it’s also possible to experience such a reaction to drugs that don’t commonly cause sexual dysfunction.
Medications that most often lead to erectile problems in men include:
- Drugs for the treatment of enlarged prostate
- Prostate cancer medications
- Antidepressants
- Tranquilizers
- Anti-ulcer medications
- Diuretics
- Some antihistamines
- Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Drugs used to treat arrhythmia
If you suspect that some drugs may cause your symptoms of ED, it’s important to consult a doctor who prescribed them. It may be that this drug is not right for you and you need to change it. Or, you may simply require an adjustment of the dosage or another schedule of taking this drug to resolve your problems with erections.
Lifestyle changes after proper diagnostic
A healthy lifestyle, which involves exercising, a balanced diet, an absence of harmful habits, and proper stress management are important to prevent the development of ED. For some men diagnosed with ED, it is enough to change their lifestyle to restore their ability to have normal erections. For others, the process is more complicated.
A lifestyle that promotes better sexual health in men involves:
- Getting enough rest and minimizing stressful situations
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Treating health conditions that are not chronic and can cause ED
- Getting proper sleep for 7-8 hours a night
- Exercising according to one’s abilities and state of health
- Removing harmful habits, such as smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, etc.
- Lowering cholesterol levels
Medical treatment of erectile dysfunction
However, it’s not always possible to overcome ED with just the mentioned changes. There are many chronic conditions that cause erectile problems. Also, even if certain health issues can be treated, this may take a long time. In these cases, using modern drugs designed specifically for the treatment of ED is a great way to still enjoy sexual activities despite your health problems.
The most commonly used and effective drugs for the treatment of ED are Viagra (Sildenafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), and Cialis (Tadalafil). These drugs share the same principle of work and help men achieve erections if ED was caused by some physical ailments.
Viagra in the treatment of ED
Viagra has become a revolutionary drug when it was first discovered that it can treat ED. The drug features Sildenafil Citrate and ensures an increased supply of blood during arousal and thus allows men to achieve erections. Viagra doesn’t offer a permanent solution and needs to be taken only on occasions when you want to have sex.
The drug comes in different dosages – 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The standard initial dosage that can be decreased or increased is 50 mg. This medication needs to be taken only once a day about 30-40 minutes before intercourse. During this time, it can fully absorb into your system to deliver the effect. During the next 4 hours, you will be able to engage in sexual activities and get a firm erection. If you decide not to have sex after you take a pill, you can go about your day as normal and nothing will bother you.
Levitra – a highly effective ED drug
Just like Viagra, Levitra is a drug in the category of PDE5 inhibitors and it boosts the flow of blood to the penis during arousal. It is an effective ED solution that has Vardenafil Citrate as its main active ingredient.
Levitra can be purchased in the dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. It is best to start with lower dosages of 5 mg or 10 mg and then increase if you don’t get the results you don’t have side effects. Compared to Viagra, most patients notice that Levitra continues to work for up to 5 hours.
Cialis – the most long-lasting formula
Another drug that should be mentioned is Cialis. This medication, which works thanks to Tadalafil Citrate, is the most long-lasting ED medication on the market.
Cialis is available in several dosages, such as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The most common dosage of Cialis is 10 mg and it can be increased or decreased depending on a person’s reaction. A single pill of Cialis continues to work in the body for up to 36 hours. During this time, you don’t need to worry about taking another tablet and you can fully be present in the moment with your partner.
The mentioned drugs have certain precautions and contraindications that you need to be aware of before you start your treatment. Consulting a medical professional can help you make the right decision and avoid any issues.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex problem that requires a personalized approach to the treatment. Modern ED drugs allow you to continue engaging in sexual activities despite your health problems or when you are in the process of treating them.
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