Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medications are immensely helpful when it comes to addressing the issue of ED. These medications, including sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), work by increasing blood flow to the penis and allowing for weakened or interrupted erections to be sustained long enough for an active sexual experience. They do not treat the underlying causes of ED, such as other health issues, but can help with symptoms in many instances. It’s important that you talk with your doctor about any potential side effects before taking ED medications, as there can be interactions between certain medical conditions and the drugs themselves. Regardless, these medications can provide a valuable treatment option for those who struggle with ED.

Erectile dysfunction – Symptoms and causes

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is defined by difficulty getting and keeping an erection. It can be an embarrassing thing to talk about. It’s been reported that more than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience some form of ED.

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.

Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.

If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor — even if you’re embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.

Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble keeping an erection
• Reduced sexual desire

When to see a doctor?

A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erectile problems. See your doctor if:

• You have concerns about your erections or you’re experiencing other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation
• You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction
• You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction