How Do I Know If I Have Erectile Dysfunction

Aug 10, 2022 Erectile Dysfunction

Sometimes men have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction is probably more common than people realise. Thankfully these days it is better understood and there are more ways to deal with the issue. Sexual contact and intimacy can play an important part in adult relationships so when ED occurs it is something that most people want to sort out as soon as possible. There are numerous solutions, from lifestyle changes to medication such as Viagra. The solution will depend on the cause.

 

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction, sometimes referred to as impotence, is when a man either can’t achieve an erection at all or perhaps is unable to maintain one long enough for successful intercourse. It can happen to anyone. It is often a temporary issue and fairly easily remedied with the right lifestyle changes and/or medication.

 

What Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

There are a number of possible causes of erectile dysfunction, both physical and psychological. Age can be a factor, although it may occur at any time of life. Often, lifestyle changes can remedy the issue. Other times it may be that the ED is an underlying side effect of something else therefore if it isn’t fairly easily remedied or is an ongoing problem. If this is the case it would be wise to consult a GP.

There are a number of lifestyle issues which can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction.

These include (but aren’t limited to):

• Anxiety or stress
• Depression
• Guilt
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Relationship issues

 

Most of these can be overcome with support and with time.

 

Medication Side Effects Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction

There are a number of medications that have impotence listed as a common, or known side effect. These medications can inhibit blood flow to the penis or affect the amount of testosterone a man produces. Both would be likely to result in trouble gaining and/or maintaining a satisfactory erection.

The types of medications which are more likely to cause an issue include:

• Cancer drugs
• Hormone drugs
• Antidepressants
• Anxiety medications
• Some painkillers
• Steroids (anabolic)
• Heart medications
• Amphetamines
• Some sleeping tablets

If you are dealing with erectile dysfunction and take any of these medications regularly it would be a good idea to speak to your GP to see if an alternative medication can be offered. Do not stop taking prescribed medications without first consulting a physician or pharmacist.

More useful information on the causes of erectile dysfunction can be found here.

 

How do I know if I have Erectile Dysfunction?

There isn't a specific number of times for erectile dysfunction to occur before you should consider treatment.  For some people it may happen very rarely, for others, the problem may be prolonged. This depends on the circumstances and the cause/s. If you are experiencing these issues then it is known as ED.

This handy reference from Pfizer can help you assess your level of erectile dysfunction, if applicable.

 

What Help is There for Erectile Dysfunction?

As well as making changes to your lifestyle, and dealing with any underlying psychological or physical issues, prescription medication can help.

Sildenafil (the generic same for Viagra) works by helping to increase the level of blood flow to the penis. This will enable the person taking them to achieve an erection when sexually aroused.

 

More about the medicine

Sildenafil (Viagra) is a PDE-5 inhibitor. It has been designed to deal with the physical issue causing the lack of a satisfactory erection. After taking the medication it can take, on average, up to half an hour to an hour to work.

A popular medication, Sildenafil was the first drug available that deals with ED. It has been proven to be highly effective in the majority of cases. This treatment is available from pharmacies and can only be issued by a pharmacist after a consultation to ensure that it is the correct medication for an individual, based on other health-related issues.

 

In Conclusion

If you have problems gaining or keeping an erection long enough to have successful intercourse this is known as erectile dysfunction. It is nothing to be embarrassed about and is a common occurrence.

Common enough for there to be a range of erectile dysfunction treatments available and for it to be widely understood and often, fairly easy to find the cause. Many men experience it to some degree at some point in their lives.

Our pharmacists would be happy to discuss whether Sildenafil is a suitable medication for you.