However, the FDA doesn’t regulate these because it considers them supplements. In addition to PDE5 medications, standard treatment options for ED management include:įinally, some over the counter (OTC) treatments might help mitigate the symptoms of ED. For this reason, not all men are eligible for ED treatment like Viagra. However, PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra can interfere with certain medications, including alpha blockers and heart medications that contain nitrates. This helps improve the ability to get and maintain erections. They work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide to relax the penile muscles, expand blood vessels that go into the penis, and improve penile blood flow. There are four FDA-approved medications to treat ED in men: sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil ( Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra).Īll of these are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, it’s important to talk with your provider to determine the cause and right course of treatment for you. Whether or not psychological conditions contribute to the cause of your ED, the condition can have negative effects on your psychological well-being, including mood, quality of life, and intimate relationships. Studies also suggest that there is often a psychogenic component of ED, even in cases with organic causes. Non-endocrine related causes of ED include medical conditions that affect blood supply, blood flow, and nervous system function. Endocrine-related causes are often connected to low testosterone levels, though more research is required to fully understand how the two intersect. The causes of ED are often categorized into two types: organic (physical) and psychogenic (mental).Īpproximately 80% of ED cases are organic, meaning they’re caused by endocrine or non-endocrine factors.
There are several potential causes of ED, including underlying health issues such as heart disease or diabetes. Difficulty achieving an orgasm during sexual activity.Difficulty keeping an erection during sexual activity.Difficulty getting an erection during sexual activity.This often places an unwanted burden on intimate relationships and takes a toll on physical and emotional health. An estimated 30 million men in the US live with ED.Īmong other symptoms, ED can make it difficult to get and maintain erections during sexual activity. Start today Symptoms of Erectile DysfunctionĮrectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition that primarily affects men older than 40. Get erectile dysfunction treatment for as low as $35 However, it can cause side effects, including dizziness, nausea, rash, pain in the arms or legs, and abnormal vision. Instead, Viagra is most effective when taken on an empty stomach.įor most men, Viagra is a safe and effective treatment option for ED. The most common dose is 50 milligrams (mg), and it should not be taken with food. It can last in your system for up to 4-5 hours and help you become erect anytime during that window. It can be prescribed as an oral tablet, oral liquid, or subcutaneous injection.ĭesigned to be taken as needed shortly before sexual activity, Viagra can take 30 minutes to an hour to take effect. Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of ED. Since ED can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, I’ll also explain when it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your ED and which treatment options might be right for you.
In this article, I’ll describe the symptoms and causes of ED, how to get a prescription for Viagra, and whether or not you can get it OTC in the United States. Since it’s so commonly prescribed, many want to know if you can get Viagra over the counter (OTC). Because Viagra ( sildenafil) was the first erectile dysfunction (ED) medication on the market, doctors often suggest it first when treating a patient with ED.