Erectile Dysfunction Treatment – A Quick Guide

Erectile dysfunction is a very common problem, potentially prevalent in up to 60% of men.Perhaps up to 20% of men aged 60-65 years have some form of erectile dysfunction. So it’s a very common issue and thankfully there are great options for treatment to maintain a healthy sex life.

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction or impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for a sufficient quality for sexual intercouse.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

There are many potential causes of ED. Generally these have been classified as organic, psychological in origin or mixed.

The likelihood is that almost all cases of ED have some element of stress, anxiety or depression contributing to the problem.

Some of the potential medical causes are:

• Psychological: stress, relationship issues, depression, anxiety.
• Nerve damage: disorders affecting the nerves from the spine (such as multiple sclerosis)
• Blood vessel damage: issues with the blood supply to the genital area.
• Diabetes: causes nerve and blood vessel damage.
• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Urological damage to the penis or pelvic floor
• Hormone disorders: testicular disease, testosterone deficiency, low thyroid levels
• Drugs and alcohol: cocaine, cannabis, nicotine
• Medications: such as beta blockers and antidepressants
• Unknown

It’s important to talk to a doctor about your background health profile and potential medical causes of ED.

The doctor will organise for any relevent investigations such as bloods tests to check morning testosterone levels, your kidney and liver function, glucose levels and thyroid hormone levels.

Sometimes the doctor may organise an ultrasound of the penis and genital area.

What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction?

Importantly, the doctor needs to rule out an serioes nerve and blood vessel issues that may be causing the problem.

Secondly, we need to consider management of background psychological issues such as anxiety and depression or relationship issues contributing to the ED.

It terms of medication, there are several medications that may be helpful. The mainstay of treatment are phosphdiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5):

• Sildenadil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)

These medications are about 70% effective.

They enhance the ability for you to have an erection. Sexual stimulation is still required.

These medications are NOT SUITABLE if you have:

• had a recent heart attack or stroke
• unstable angina
• been using nitrite medications

Viagra

How does Viagra work?

Viagra (sildenafil)  is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It works by relaxing the muscles of the penis and stimulating blood flow leading to a fuller erection.

The ususal dosages of sildenafil are 25, 50 or 100mg once a day.

How long does Viagra last?

The peak effect occurs in 1 hour and can last up to 4 hours.

Cialis

How does Cialis work?

Cialis (tadalafil) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It works by relaxing the muscles of the penis and stimulating blood flow leading to a fuller erection.

How long does Cialis last?

The peak effect occurs within 30 mins to 2 hours  hours and can last up to 36 hours.

The usual dosage of tadalafil is 5, 10 or 20mg once a day.

How to buy Viagra or Cialis Online?

Talk to a Medmate doctor about ED by booking in a Telehealth consultation.

If you have previously been prescribed Viagra or Cialis after intial investigations with your local GP, you can renew your prescriptions online with Medmate via an electronic prescription.

Medications can be express delivered to your home, conveniently and discreetly.