Drugs for Treating Erectile Dysfunction ED Treatments – Know Your Options
Oral ED Medications
You are probably familiar with Viagra as the “little blue pill” solution for men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction. While Viagra was the first such oral ED medication developed to help men be all that they could be in the bedroom, it is no longer the only option. Depending on your circumstances, Viagra, or one of the other ED medications currently available, such as Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), Staxyn (Vardenafil), or Stendra (Avandaifl), may be suitable. It all starts with a thorough evaluation by our physicians to determine which, if any of the available oral ED medications are right for you.
Who Are They For?
All of the currently prescribed oral ED medications are indicated for men who have trouble achieving or maintain an erection. It is important to understand that none of the oral ED medication has any effect on sex drive or the libido. They only help you achieve and maintain an erection and require some sexual stimulation. The main differences among the drugs have to do with the time it takes to be effective, daily use versus “on-demand,” and the way they interact with certain foods, and other medications. The good news is, these differences give you and your physician much more treatment options and greater flexibility in exploring oral ED medications that fit your particular needs and lifestyle.
How Can They Help?
All of the oral ED medications belong to the same “family” of drugs and work the same way. They are known as phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5 inhibitors. The concentration of this enzyme, PDE5, in the penis, is what “turns off” your erection. A PDE5 inhibitor, therefore, slows the buildup of this enzyme and promotes a more sustainable erection.
How are the different?
Viagra and Levitra have been shown to be less effective when taken with food, or soon after eating particularly fatty foods. To be most effective they should be taken a half-hour to an hour before engaging in sexual activity. The effects of each last about 4 to 5 hours. Cialis, on the other hand, is not affected by food, and the low-dose “daily formula” can be taken anytime. There is also a higher dose, or “36-hour” version of Cialis, which can also be taken about a half-hour before sex, and the effects last for up to 36 hours. So you can see which one is right for you really depends on your lifestyle and your relationships.
Are they safe?
As a group, the PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to be a safe and effective ED treatment for about 65% of men suffering from Erectile Dysfunction. Most commonly reported side-effects to include:
- Headache
- Flushing (with Viagra and Levitra)
- Indigestion
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Back pain and muscle aches (with Cialis)
- Temporary vision changes, including “blue vision” (with Viagra and Levitra)
- Dizziness or fainting (rare)
Men with a history of heart disease, or who take nitrates for any condition should not use oral ED medications and should seek alternative treatments.
