Health Tips

The Hardest Talk for Men…

Erectile dysfunction (ED), referred to as impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Occasional ED is a common condition where many men experienced it due to stress or exhaustion. Yes, you are not alone. The rate of erectile dysfunction among 40 to 70 years-old men is 52%.

However, if you experience ED quite frequently, you may have some underlying health conditions that requires treatment. So the question is, how frequent is considered frequent? Take the fun quiz here to find out! Or scan the QR code.

https://www.menshealth.com.my/take-the-fun-quiz

Causes of Erectile dysfunction

The most common cause of ED are cardiovascular disease or injuries to the cardiovascular system such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidaemia due to the reduction in blood flow to the penis. Besides that, stress, anxiety and depression or relationship problems can also cause ED. There are many more factors that can cause ED, hence it is vital to talk to a doctor to address the underlying issues.

Treatment for Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is reversible with proper treatment.

• Oral medication such as phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors are most often prescribed for ED (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra)
• Testosterone Therapy (when low testosterone is detected in blood testing)
• Penile Injections (ICI, intracavernosal Alprostadil)
• Intraurethral medication (IU, Alprostadil)
• Vacuum Erection Devices
• Penile Implants

However, some particular problems may lead to permanent ED problems. For instance, pelvic surgeries are among the most common causes of organic sexual dysfunction in men. As with any surgery, possible injury to surrounding nerves and or blood vessels may result.

Is the blue pill for everyone? Can you take it?

No, it is not for everyone. The blue pill contains Sildenafil that can have drug-drug interactions with a few medications that will increase its’ concentration in the body causing side effects such as hypotension, headache, dizziness or flushing. For example, antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and tacrolimus.

Taking the blue pill together with nitrates such as isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate and more can cause a serious drop in your blood pressure.

On the other hand, Etravirine, a medication used for treatment of HIV can decreases Sildenafil’s concentration in the body and reduce its effect.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor first before you proceed to purchase the blue pill from pharmacy. If you are taking any of the above medications, this does not mean you cannot take the blue pill, dose adjustment is needed in order to ensure safe dosing.

You can talk to our doctor now for FREE with the link provided after the quiz. 

Reference

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

2. https://www.doc2us.com/comorbidities-of-ed-1

3. https://www.doc2us.com/is-erectile-dysfunction-reversible

Written by

Ms Caryn Lee