What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called impotence, is when you find it difficult to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. The odd off night happens to most men at some point and isn’t usually anything to worry about. It’s generally only considered ED when the problem keeps happening and starts to affect your sex life or your confidence.
Who Does Erectile Dysfunction Affect?
Erectile dysfunction can affect men of any age, but it becomes far more common the older you get. Research by the British Association of Urological Surgeons suggests around 50 to 55% of men aged 40 to 70 in the UK have some degree of ED, which works out at roughly 4.3 million men. Despite how widespread it is, it’s thought that only about a third of affected men seek help, so the true figure is likely higher.
Younger men get it too, and in that group the cause is more often psychological, like stress or performance anxiety, than physical. You can recognise ED yourself, but it’s worth mentioning to your GP as well, since it can sometimes be an early warning sign of an underlying health condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
You might have erectile dysfunction if you regularly notice:
- difficulty getting an erection
- difficulty keeping an erection long enough for sex
- needing more stimulation than usual to stay hard
- a drop in your interest in sex
An occasional problem isn’t usually a concern, but if it’s happening most of the time, it’s worth getting some advice.
What is the cause of Erectile Dysfunction?
ED can be down to physical or psychological factors, and often it’s a mix of both. Physical causes tend to involve reduced blood flow, which can be linked to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, narrowed arteries and hormonal problems such as low testosterone and can also be a side effect of certain medicines.
Stress, anxiety, depression and relationship worries are common psychological causes, especially in younger men. Your lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and not exercising are all making ED more likely. Because it can occasionally point to something more serious, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP if it keeps happening.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
ED is very treatable, and there’s a range of treatment options to choose from, with medication the simplest place to start for most men. Lifestyle changes can work well alongside it, and where stress, anxiety or depression are behind the problem, counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy can help tackle the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Erectile dysfunction often improves with a few simple lifestyle choices, including:
- losing any excess weight
- stopping smoking
- cutting back on alcohol
- exercising regularly
- reducing your stress levels
For some men, it’s worth trying these changes before starting medication, and for others, doing both together gives the best results.
Erectile Dysfunction Medication
Erectile dysfunction medication works by increasing blood flow to your penis, which helps you get and maintain an erection when you’re aroused. These tablets treat the physical side of ED, but they don’t increase sexual desire on their own. Most erectile dysfunction tablets belong to a group of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors.
Some ED medications are prescription only, while a couple of options are available over the counter from a registered pharmacy. At Click2Pharmacy, you can buy ED meds online after a brief consultation, and our prescribers will prescribe the right option after they’ve talked it through with you.
Viagra and Sildenafil
- Viagra also comes in an unbranded (generic) version called sildenafil, which works in exactly the same way for less.
- Both are available in three doses: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
- You take one tablet around an hour before sex.
- The effect lasts roughly 4 to 5 hours.
- It’s best not to take it on a full stomach, as a heavy meal can slow down how quickly it works.
Cialis and Tadalafil
- Cialis also comes in an unbranded (generic) version called tadalafil.
- It’s available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets.
- You can take the 2.5mg or 5mg dose every day, or the 10mg or 20mg dose only when you need it.
- Take it around 30 minutes before sex.
- The effects last up to 36 hours, which is why it’s often called the weekend pill, and you can take it with or without food.
Spedra and Avanafil
- Spedra contains the active ingredient avanafil and comes in 50mg, 100mg and 200mg tablets.
- The higher doses can be taken around 15 minutes before sex.
- On the lower 50mg dose, take it about 30 minutes beforehand.
- The effects last roughly 4 to 6 hours.
- It can be taken with or without food.
Levitra and Vardenafil
- Levitra also comes in an unbranded (generic) version called vardenafil.
- It’s available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets.
- You take it around 25 to 60 minutes before sex.
- The effects last roughly 4 to 5 hours.
- A very heavy or fatty meal can slow down how quickly it starts working.
Topical and Over-the-Counter Options
Not everyone wants to take a tablet, and there are alternatives. Eroxon is a topical gel you apply directly to the head of the penis around 10 minutes before sex, and it’s available without a prescription. Vitaros is a prescription cream containing alprostadil that can suit men who can’t take PDE5 inhibitor tablets.
