Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is an issue that affects many men . It consists of a problem getting or keeping an erection. Many patients find it difficult to explain this topic for shame . In the pharmacy we have a special sensitivity to talk about these types of very sensitive topics, and to refer affected patients to medical professionals. Those affected by erectile dysfunction, show many problems of dissatisfaction, insecurity, stress and psychological problems, which affect their relationships and their daily life.
As we have indicated, the main symptom of erectile dysfunction is a persistent problem getting or keeping an erection . It can usually be related to diabetes, heart disease, or other health problems . The cause lies in a male sexual arousal problem , which is a process where the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels . Sometimes physical and psychological causes are combined. In the case of psychological ones, the most frequent , are stress and concerns . In many cases, it is due to physical factors, such as a heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, alcohol abuse, low testosterone, surgery, sleep treatments, or a metabolic syndrome .
For more than 20 years, there are very good treatments, such as the use of selective reversible PDE5 inhibitors . The first to be commercialized, was the Sildenafil, whose trade name isViagra. But there are others, likeTadalafil (Cialis) orVardenafil (Levitra).
Curiously, Sildenafil was initially designed to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris . During clinical trials it was found to have a very mild effect for angina pectoris, and produced remarkable erections as a side effect . So they decided to market it for erectile dysfunction .
As we have commented, they are selective reversible inhibitors of PDE5, which maintain a high degree of cGMP, dilates the blood vessels of the penis, and consequently the erection appears. .
In the case of Sildenafil (Viagra), you have to take 60 minutes before sexual activity, and remains in the body During 4 hours . Tadalafil (Cialis) works much faster, since acts within the first 30 minutes , and remains in the body for more than 24 hours . In the case of Vardenafil (Levitra), it should be taken approximately 25 to 60 minutes before of sexual activity. In all three cases, It should NOT be consumed daily, nor more than once a day .
All these medications must be prescribed by a doctor . They are only effective if there is visual or physical arousal. You have to be careful if you are allergic to sildenafil, if you are taking nitrates to relieve angina pain, if you are taking riociguat, if you have a severe heart or liver problem; or if you suffer from retinitis pigmentosa or loss of vision due to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-NOA).
