Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction known as the male impotence is a sexual dysfunction characterized by inability to develop an erection or maintain an erection of penis during the sexual act. The causes may be physiological or psychological but they can be definitely treated. There are 1 in 10 men who face this problem but many of them keep them in silence because they are tied with notions of potency, success and masculinity.

There are different medical and surgical interventions available to treat this problem depending upon the cause identified.
If the problem is because of hormone deficiency then it is corrected by testosterone supplements. These are very helpful and solves the problem completely. But if the problem is because of lack of blood supply to the penis due to age or damaged blood vessels or due to certain disease, then they are temporarily treated with medicines which will help to maintain an erection long enough for an intercourse. These medicines are taken 20 minutes to 1 hour before the sexual act.

Medicines are given orally or as injections or as penile suppository.
1.Nitric oxide(NO) has best results these days, which dilates the blood vessels of corpora cavernosa.
2.PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are prescription drugs which are taken orally. They work by blocking the action of PDE5 and thereby causing smooth muscle of the arteries in the penis to relax, allowing the corpus cavernosum to fill with blood.
3.Prostoglandin E Analogs Caverject includes Edex (injectable alprostadil) and Muse (intraurethral alprostadil). These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the penis to enhance blood flow to the area and thus helps to achieve and maintain an erection.

There are certain medicines known to have good results but no proof how the problem is been corrected. Doctors say that to be placebo effect.
Alkaloid such as Yohimbine may be beneficial in individuals who experience erectile dysfunction as a result of nonphysical disorders such as anxiety, stress, or negative feelings toward a sexual partner.
Herbal and other alternative treatments are generally ineffective when tested blind, but may be useful for their psychological (placebo) effect.They are expensive too.

Zinc is known to help prevent the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, and testosterone is essential for proper erectile function and the synthesis of sperm. Zinc seems to have positive effects.

Psychological therapy and behavior modifications are other options to treat erectile dysfunction.Quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and increasing physical activity may help some men regain sexual function.

As other medications, medications that treat erectile dysfunction also has its own side effects. Men with heart problem or hypertension are supposed to inform their physician in advance, otherwise will cause adverse effects. Doses are adjusted accordingly for older adults, men with serious liver and kidney problems.

The most common side effects of VIAGRA are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

In rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral erectile dysfunction medicines, including viagra) reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these medicines or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including viagra, and call a doctor right away.

If you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw during sexual activity, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of sildenafil. Do not take sildenafil more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.

If you feel you are facing this problem, feel free to visit your doctor because you are not the only one struggling with this problem. Follow your doctor's advice and hope for the best.