Importance of erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Erectile dysfunction (ED)\u00a0is a medical condition in which men consistently have problems either achieving or maintaining erections. While these problems can occur in anyone from time to time, ED is more than just an occasional issue with arousal. It can be an ongoing health concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ED affects\u00a0about 30 million men\u00a0in the United States. Prevalence\u00a0increases with age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Men who experience ED can have other related health issues, including\u00a0anxiety\u00a0and\u00a0depression. They might also experience low self-esteem and decreased quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Men with ED may become even more\u00a0nervous and anxious\u00a0when engaging in sexual activity. They may experience continued erection problems as a result, leading to depression. Ignoring ED can even be dangerous, since it can be a sign of other health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a number of pills that help treat ED. Surprisingly, most men aren\u2019t taking advantage of them. In 2013, the American Urological Association (AUA)<\/a> reported that only 25.4 percent of men affected by ED sought treatment for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treating\u00a0the underlying cause of ED\u00a0is often the most important step.\u00a0Doctors\u00a0are also likely to suggest specific treatments for the symptoms themselves. Find out which ED pills \u2014 if any \u2014 may work best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most commonly recommended medications are called\u00a0phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. There are four PDE5 inhibitors on the market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They work by protecting a certain enzyme called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This enzyme helps trap blood in the penile tissue during sexual stimulation, encouraging an erection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those taking\u00a0nitrate drugs\u00a0for\u00a0angina\u00a0or using\u00a0alpha-blockers\u00a0to treat\u00a0high blood pressure\u00a0shouldn\u2019t take PDE5 inhibitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, men who go to the hospital emergency room for\u00a0chest pain\u00a0should tell their doctors if they\u2019ve recently taken a PDE5 inhibitor. If they\u2019re given\u00a0nitroglycerin\u00a0(Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur), it may cause their blood pressure to drop suddenly. It\u2019s a type of nitrate drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common side effects of these drugs include\u00a0headache<\/strong>,\u00a0flushing<\/strong>, and a stuffy or runny nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your\u00a0testosterone\u00a0levels naturally decrease by small amounts\u00a0as you age. However, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy if your testosterone levels are\u00a0too low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A\u00a02012 study<\/a>\u00a0published in BMC Surgery noted that age-associated testosterone deficiency is characterized by\u00a0symptoms such as ED.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helps restore testosterone blood levels, but it\u2019s still unclear if it helps improve ED. It likely depends on what\u2019s causing ED in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Side effects of TRT may include moodiness,\u00a0acne, fluid retention, and\u00a0prostate growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The drug alprostadil is available as both an injection (known as Caverject or Edex) and as a pill suppository (known as MUSE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n MUSE (or Medicated Urethral System for Erections) works by causing blood vessels to expand, allowing more blood flow into the penis. You simply place the pill into the opening at the tip of the penis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the medication is less effective when it\u2019s delivered this way than when it\u2019s delivered via injection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to findings from multi-center, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group studies,\u00a07 out of 10 men\u00a0were able to go through successful intercourse after using MUSE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Side effects may include pain and burning in the\u00a0genital region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yohimbine hydrochloride is derived from yohimbe bark. Yohimbe bark comes from an African evergreen tree and was historically used as an\u00a0aphrodisiac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yohimbine hydrochloride was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription treatment for ED in the late 1980s. It\u2019s also available over the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yohimbe herbal supplements\u00a0are available over the counter as well. They\u2019re different from yohimbine hydrochloride, chemically speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scientists believe yohimbe works by stimulating blood flow to the penis. Studies on yohimbe have seen\u00a0mixed results.<\/a> It\u00a0isn\u2019t known<\/a>\u00a0whether the supplemental extract form of yohimbe is safe or effective due to a lack of clinical trials on the substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yohimbine hydrochloride can also cause dangerous side effects, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You shouldn\u2019t use it if you have a\u00a0heart disease, a\u00a0mental health disorder, or\u00a0kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ED can be uncomfortable to discuss with your doctor at first, but keep in mind that it\u2019s a common medical issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since ED is often related to other health issues, it\u2019s best to get a complete\u00a0checkup\u00a0as well as\u00a0laboratory tests\u00a0and a psychological exam. Treating any underlying cause will often help improve the ED as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Massachusetts Male Aging Study<\/a>, a landmark study, found that depression and ED are often related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ED may also be associated with the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The better your overall health, the lower the risk of ED. Discuss any of these issues with your doctor thoroughly, as well as any medications you may be taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hormone replacement therapy<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Penile suppositories<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yohimbine hydrochloride<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
ED and overall health<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Outlook<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n