The most common disorder among men in the world is erectile dysfunction, which occurs in millions of men. It refers to the incapacity of a man to erect or maintain an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse. Though some of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction include stress, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction usually manifests physically or physiologically. Fortunately, medications can be quickly used to treat ED in order to get sexual function back. In this essay, let us have a closer look at ED drugs and their efficacy in curing the disorder.
The most popular ED medications are PDE5 inhibitors. These medicines increase the levels of nitric oxide, a chemical that allows the muscles of the penis to relax and draw in more blood. This extra blood flow induces and sustains an erection. The three most commonly prescribed PDE5 inhibitors are sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).
If a man is sexually stimulated, the release of nitric oxide activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase. The enzyme then transforms GTP into cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP acts by contracting the soft muscles of the penis to increase blood circulation and produce an erection.
PDE5 inhibitors work by preventing the breakdown of cGMP so that it can remain longer in the penis. This creates a thick and robust erection that is the cornerstone of sex. Such medications don’t automatically result in an erection – they still need to be stimulated by sex. They don’t exacerbate sexual appetite or libido either because they only target the physical aspect of ED.
ED medications work well depending on who you’re dealing with and what the problem is. A group of researchers have discovered that PDE5 inhibitors improve erectile function in 70-80% of ED men. But they may not work as well in men with profound nerve injury or prostate surgery. You need to know that these drugs are not ED cures, and they only work while they’re being used. As soon as the medication wears off, the erection will disappear.
You need to recognize that ED drugs might not be effective for all people. They can vary in their success, based on age, health, and chronic disease. For instance, men with diabetes or heart disease may be less responsive to ED drugs. What’s more, drugs like alpha-blockers to treat high blood pressure might also interfere with the action of PDE5 inhibitors.
ED medication should always be prescribed by a physician. They will test your overall condition and whether or not the drug is safe for you to use. They’ll also determine the right dose for your condition. Always consume within the recommended dose, don’t take more than advised and you will end up experiencing unwanted effects.
The most common complaint about ED drugs is their side effects. Some of the most common adverse effects are headaches, flushing, dizziness and nausea.
Headaches:
Headaches are a widespread side effect of ED drugs, and as many as 25% of men who take them report having them. The precise mechanism for headaches caused by ED drugs is unclear, but it’s thought to result from the swelling of brain blood vessels. ED medications usually cause mild headaches that are easily treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Flushing:
Flushing, or skin redness, is another of the most commonly reported side-effects of ED drugs. This effect is caused when blood vessels of the skin expand, boosting the blood supply to the skin. Flushing is normally mild and mostly occurs in the face, neck, and chest. Yet in some cases, flushing can be very scaly and painful. This is a condition in which it is important to talk with a physician about increasing the dose or switching to another drug.
Dizziness:
Dizziness is a relatively rare adverse effect of ED drugs, and occurs in up to 5% of men taking them. They think that dizziness is caused by a drop in blood pressure, which can occur when taking ED medications in combination with other drugs or alcohol. The dizziness associated with ED drugs is typically temporary and disappears naturally. However, sometimes dizziness can be so intense that it causes a fainting fit. If this is the case, you should contact a physician to discuss changing the dose or medication.
Stomach Upset:
Nausea and diarrhoea are typical side effects of ED drugs. This effect is attributed to ED medications impacting the gut. Typically, stomach bloating associated with ED drugs is mild and self-limiting. But occasionally, stomach cramps are so bad that they lead to dehydration. When this occurs, you should talk to a physician about reducing the dose or switching medications.
The side effects have included, on occasion, more extreme conditions such as priapism (a long, painful erection) and deafness. If you experience any of these side effects, you must visit a doctor.
Simply put, ED drugs enhance nitric oxide to promote increased blood flow and erection. So they’re good for treating ED for the vast majority of men, but not all. It is extremely crucial to consult a physician before taking an ED medication and take it as prescribed. Although these medications were extensively tested for safety and effectiveness, there is always a need to be aware of the possible side effects and see a doctor if you find them.
