Is Your Erectile Function Telling You Something?
Erectile function is a good indicator of your health too!
Is ED a warning sign of cardiovascular disease?
Recurring erectile dysfunction is not always an indication of an underlying heart condition. However, research does suggest that men with ED have no explanation. Also, the obvious cause should be assessed for heart disease prior to commencing treatment for erectile dysfunction. Also, erectile function clears us about the health too.
Previously the incidence of erectile dysfunction in men with heart conditions was believed to be a residual of heart disease. While now experts believe that ED actually precedes heart disease and may be a symptom. That is commonly caused by impaired blood flow to the penis that may reflect inadequate blood flow to the heart. While this occurs due to dysfunction of the blood vessel’s inner lining or endothelium aiding in the onset of atherosclerosis which occurs particularly in men over 60.
Primary diseases with erectile dysfunction symptoms include:
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease that may cause nerve and artery damage. Often in turn making achieving an erection difficult. Also, a high percentage of men with diabetes experience the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Kidney disease: Kidney disease can impact chemical changes in the body. Also, these changes can affect hormones, circulation, nerve function, and levels of energy, which may result in reduced libido or sex drive. Moreover, drugs prescribed to treat kidney disease can also trigger erectile dysfunction.
- Neurological diseases: Erectile dysfunction has a close relationship with the nervous system and performs a vital role with erectile function. So, men with diseases and conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke or spinal cord injury are prone to ED caused by impaired signals from the brain to the penis.
- Prostate cancer: Whilst not a cause of ED, treatments for prostate cancer may result in erectile function issues.
What else? Other common causes of erectile dysfunction
- Lifestyle risk factors: These may include smoking and excessive alcohol or drug use.
- Prescription drugs: There are a plethora of prescription medications that can adversely affect the ability to achieve and/or maintain erections.
- Psychological problems: From everyday issues such as stress or performance anxiety to more serious depression.
- Chronic illness: Experiencing any illness will impact your sex drive. While, Erectile dysfunction can also occur from post-operative prostate, colon and bladder cancers.
- Obesity: Whilst there is no clinical evidence that being overweight is a direct link to ED. It is widely acknowledged that obesity increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all major risk factors carrying the symptom of ED.
- Peyronie’s disease: Scar tissue in the penis.
Take the Next Step
If you are experiencing frequent bouts of ED the next step is to talk to your doctor. Seeking medical advice for your penis function may be embarrassing, however, speaking with a medical professional is a step in the right direction. While, Erectile dysfunction is common and often simply treated or if it is a symptom of an underlying condition, early treatment may save lives.
Things You Can do to Help Erectile function
Many of the following suggestions will not only assist in preventing ED. But have serendipities such as weight loss, cardiovascular health, reduced stress, improved relationships, self-esteem, and financial benefits. Resultingly, all aid in a longer and healthier life.
- Exercise
- Eat healthily
- Stop smoking
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid recreational drugs
- Meditation
What are the best erectile dysfunction medications?
Always seek your doctor’s advice on the range of prescription drugs available. As with any medication, erectile dysfunction medications do have a range of potential side effects. Also, it is important that you are aware of what you may experience.
Top 3 most commonly prescribed ED medications
One, and needs no introduction, with its active ingredient Sildenafil is Viagra®.
Two, and rapidly increasing in popularity due to its longevity is Cialis with the active ingredient Tadalafil.
Three is Levitra with the active ingredient Vardenafil.
All three are available in generic form from world-class pharmaceutical manufacturers globally branded as;
Cenforce, Tadacip, Tadora, Tadarise, Suhagra, Vilitra, Vidalista, Staxyn and the list goes on. While their dosage may vary from 2.5mg to 200mg.
Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)
Classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor). The drug is effective by blocking the degenerative action of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). While specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) effect’s on cyclic GMP are reactive within the smooth muscle cells that line the blood vessels and are responsible for supplying various tissues including the penis.
How to take Viagra: Sildenafil is an oral medication and best taken with water on an empty stomach. However avoid alcohol and taking it in conjunction with a prescription or recreational drugs, unless advised by your doctor.
How long does Viagra Last?: The effects of and generic Viagra generally take effect in thirty minutes and last for up to five hours. Also, effects may vary between individuals. Moreover, Sildenafil will not automatically provide an erection. Also, stimuli need to be present for the medication to work.
What are the side effects of Viagra? Your doctor should advise you of potential side effects prior to taking Sildenafil.
Less serious side effects of Viagra and generic Viagra are;
- Headache
- Hot flushes or redness
- Muscle pain
- Colour distortion
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Insomnia or sleep disruption
- Indigestion
More serious side effects of Viagra are;
(Important – seek urgent medical attention if this occurs)
- Allergic reaction swelling of tongue face
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
- Impaired vision
- Prolonged or painful erection
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
Cialis is also classed as a Classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor).
How to take Cialis: Tadalafil is an oral medication and best taken with water on an empty stomach. Moreover, avoid alcohol and taking it in conjunction with a prescription or recreational drugs, unless advised by your doctor.
How long does Cialis Last?: The effects of Cialis and generic Cialis generally take effect in thirty minutes and last for up to thirty-six hours. While effects may vary between individuals. Also, Sildenafil will not automatically provide an erection. While stimuli need to be present for the medication to work.
What are the side effects of Cialis? Your doctor should advise you of potential side effects prior to taking Sildenafil.
Less serious side effects of Cialis and generic Cialis are;
- Headache
- Hot flushes or redness
- Muscle pain
- Colour distortion
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Insomnia or sleep disruption
- Indigestion
More serious side effects of Tadalafil are;
(Important – seek urgent medical attention if this occurs)
- Allergic reaction swelling of tongue face
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
- Impaired vision
- Prolonged or painful erection
Vardenafil (Generic Levitra)
is also classed as a Classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor).
How long does Levitra Last?: The effects of Viagra and generic Levitra generally take effect in thirty minutes and last for up to five hours. While effects may vary between individuals. Also, Vardenafil will not automatically provide an erection. While Stimuli need to be present for the medication to work.
What are the side effects of Levitra? Your doctor should advise you of potential side effects prior to taking Sildenafil.
Less serious side effects of Levitra and generic Levitra are;
Headache
- Hot flushes or redness
- Headache
- Muscle pain including back pain
- Colour distortion with vision
- Decongestion including stuffy/runny nose
- Nausea
- Sleep disruption
More serious side effects of Levitra are;
(Important – seek urgent medical attention if this occurs)
- Allergic reaction swelling of tongue face
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
- Impaired vision
- Prolonged or painful erection
General warning; Do not exceed the recommended or prescribed dosage. While, if overdose occurs immediately seeking medical assistance.
Why does good sex matter?
The good news is erectile dysfunction can be treated. Also, your erectile function can be improved. And despite the sensitive topic, there’s no good reason to be shy. While, discussing concerns and receiving practical treatment will lead to a happier life, better relationships, and fulfillment.
Don’t wait for tomorrow.
Find out more about ED Meds here
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article or external links are to be used as a reference only, they are not intended or to be used as medical advice. Always consult your physician.