How Does Erectile Dysfunction Medication Work?

More information about erectile dysfunction drugs and their effects

About half of all men over the age of 40 experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. While the cause of Erectile dysfunction may not be known, it may be due to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, hormone imbalance, or a neurological disorder. While there are a few treatment options for the dysfunction, Erectile Dysfunction drugs are usually the first course of action.

You're probably at least somewhat familiar with Viagra (sildenafil) although there are now a few different ED medications on the market. Here's what you should know about how these medications work and the side effects to be aware of.

If your sexual performance fails because of erectile dysfunction, one of the treatments involves drugs and medications that can deal with the problem effectively.

How Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Work

All erectile dysfunction drugs currently on the market -- including Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra -- are medications known as PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing the blood vessels to ease blood flow into the penis for longer-lasting and stronger erections. Medication like Viagra blocks an enzyme in the body that breaks down chemicals in the penis that build up during an erection. This allows these chemicals to survive for longer to sustain an erection.

Erectile dysfunction or sexual potency drugs work for around 65% of men but they will not work for everyone. Many men only require ED medication for a short period of time -- sometimes just a few weeks or months. These medications cannot help stimulate libido or sexual desire.

These drugs serve many purposes. Erectile dysfunction medication improves blood flow to the penis and it reduces the recovery time necessary between sex for more erections. About 40% of men who have premature ejaculation also benefit from the medication.

Timely treatment for erectile dysfunction can help men restore their confidence in sexual matters.

What are the Side Effects?

As with any medication, ED drugs do have side effects to be aware of. The most common side effects include indigestion, headaches, dizziness, runny nose, and flushing of the skin. Your doctor will likely begin on the lowest dose to see how you respond and to minimize these side effects.

ED medications are not safe for all men. Men who are taking nitroglycerine, nitrates, or alpha blockers can develop low blood pressure on erectile disfunction medication. If a particular potency drug does not help you, trying a different medication likely will not help as they all work similarly. If you have tried Levitra in the past, you should not take Staxyn.

ED drugs are most effective for men who have erectile dysfunction due to diabetes, high blood pressure, or poor circulation. The best way to find out if you're a good candidate for medication is scheduling a consultation with a physician to review your medical history and symptoms.

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