Which ED Drug Should I Use? – Introduction
Millions of men in the world are suffering from erectile dysfunction, which has been defined as the failure to create and sustain a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse. Regardless of the reason, whether it is psychological, medical, or lifestyle, medications can make erectile dysfunction disappear. ED medications come in different forms and strengths. On this page- (What ED Pill Should I Take? ), let’s look at a few types of ED medication to see how you can determine which to take.
What ED Drug Should I Take?
Choosing an ED Drug: The Things You Should Consider Before Taking an ED Drug:
1. Safety and Efficacy:
The very first, and most important consideration, is the safety and effectiveness of the drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has endorsed various ED medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Stendra). These drugs are safe and effective in the laboratory.
2. Side Effects:
Every drug has side-effects. The most frequent side effects of ED drugs include headaches, flushing, indigestion, congestion of the nose, and changes in vision. Make sure you discuss all possible side effects with your doctor prior to starting a new medication.
3. Dosage:
The ED medications come in different doses. The dose depends on your history, medications, and your health conditions. It’s very important to follow the prescription precisely to keep the medication safe and effective.
4. Cost:
ED medications can be extremely expensive. Insurance might cover some drugs, but not others. Cost is one factor that must be taken into account when it comes to deciding on an ED drug. There might be cheaper generic versions of certain ED medications.
5. Contraindications:
Certain medical conditions and drugs can interfere with the use of ED drugs. Remember to discuss with your doctor all your past medical history (heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes) and any medications you are currently taking (nitrates, etc.) before taking an ED drug.
Types of ED Medications:
1. Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors (PDE-5 Inhibitors):
Oral medications – especially PDE5 inhibitors – are used as first-line treatment for ED. They work by bringing more blood to the penis, creating a tight and long-lasting erection. The most widely used PDE5 inhibitors include Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil).
a. Viagra, or the “little blue pill”, is the first and most well-known ED drug. It’s administered on demand, between 30 minutes and an hour before sex. Viagra has a duration of four hours, which makes it a popular choice for men who want a short-acting drug. However, men with certain diseases like heart disease or high blood pressure should avoid taking it as it might interact with other medications.
b. Cialis, however, lasts longer, up to 36 hours. It’s a popular option for men who want spontaneity in their sex life. It is available in two forms – a daily pill for long-term use, or an as-needed pill. However, it isn’t recommended for men who have liver or kidney disorders, because the medication is metabolised by these organs.
c. Levitra is another PDE5 inhibitor and works in the same way as Viagra and Cialis. It works quicker, starting to show its effects as early as 15 minutes after taking it. It is also administered sporadically, but for a shorter period, around five hours. For men who have trouble with other ED drugs, it may be an advantage because it has a lower potential for visual disturbances.
2. Alpha-Blockers:
Alpha-blockers are most commonly used for high blood pressure. But, in some instances, they can even treat ED. Alpha-blockers relax muscles of the blood vessels and bring more blood to the penis. Examples of alpha-blockers include doxazosin (Cardura) and terazosin (Hytrin).
3. Vacuum Constriction Devices (VCDs):
VCDs are medical non-invasive instruments for the treatment of ED. They work by leaving a hole around the penis and pulling blood towards the penis, creating an erection. VCDs are often prescribed alongside ED drugs.
4. Penile Injections:
Other ED medications include alprostadil in addition to PDE5 inhibitors. In contrast to PDE5 inhibitors, alprostadil is not ingested, but is injected into the penis or a pellet implanted in the urethra. It saturates the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis, giving rise to an erection. Alprostadil is ideal for men who are unable to take oral drugs because of side effects or who wish to take them in a less invasive way.
The alternative to PDE5 inhibitors is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone is a male hormone that regulates sexual function. Decreased testosterone causes ED, and TRT helps restore normal levels of testosterone. TRT is administered by injections, patches, gels, or pellets under the skin. But it’s not a recommended treatment for men with prostate or breast cancer, and it has side effects including acne, enlargement of the breasts, and sleep apnea.
The ED medication one takes depends on many factors, such as the reason for ED, personal preference, and any existing conditions. You should talk with a physician about these considerations in order to decide which treatment is appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into account your medical history, current medications and possible drug interactions prior to recommending an ED medication.
Conclusion: Which ED Drug Is Best For Me?
In short, ED medications don’t work for everyone. Not only does it matter which medications are being prescribed, but what the effects and risks are. PDE5 inhibitors are the three most common prescription drugs used for ED, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. But some men will benefit from other medications, including alprostadil and TRT. It is crucial to talk to a doctor about which ED remedy should be taken. In some cases, with the right medications and advice, ED can be very well-managed, resulting in a satisfying sex life.
