By Suzana 
Anyone who has watched a sports game on cable has no doubt been ambushed by an awkward commercial or two promoting Viagra. This medication is designed to assist men struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED) to be ready for action at a moment’s notice. Although it may not seem very “manly” to face hindrances in the bedroom, more men experience ED than you might think.
In a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, from a pool of 27,000 men across 8 different countries, 8% of those aged 20-29 and 11% of those aged 30-39 experienced ED. As men age, ED becomes more prevalent. Another report by the NCBI shows a sharp increase in ED rates after age 40, topping out at 64% for those 70-years and older. What causes ED in younger and older populations, and what types of cures are available today?
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Although ED was previously thought of as a purely psychological disorder, new discoveries are now linking ED to other common health issues as well. There are three main ways a man can experience ED. The first is lack of interest in sexual activity. The second is failure to obtain or sustain an erection. The third is failure to experience orgasm or ejaculation. Determining at which step there is a problem can help your doctor narrow down from the possible causes listed below:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Neurological diseases
- High cholesterol
- Low testosterone
- Hormonal imbalances
- Injury to the penis
- Injury to the spinal cord
- Medication
- High alcohol use
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Fatigue
- Smoking or drug use
- Lack of communication with partner
No matter what causes ED, the effects can negatively hinder relationships, sexual fulfillment, and intimacy with a partner. Most men want to treat ED not only for their own self-esteem, but to help maintain healthy relationships with their partners as well.
What cures are available today?
Since ED can stem from a number of issues, a cure may be different for each sufferer. Depending on the origin of the ED, this disorder can be cured with:
- Regular exercise
- Diet changes
- Treatment of anxiety, stress, or depression
- Limiting or ceasing use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
- Changing current medications
- Treating a medical condition with the right medications
- Surgery
In young men, ED can be a signal that something else in wrong in the body. If ED is a persistent issue, or you think you may have mild to moderate ED, it’s important not to brush it off as a minor issue to overcome. Speak to your doctor about potential causes. They may screen you for cardiovascular disease or other blood flow or neurological related diseases. Or, your doctor may ask about your lifestyle to determine an obvious cause. There’s no need to suffer in silence, especially if your ED may be an indicator for something more serious.
When various avenues have been explored, or nothing stands out as an obvious culprit, ED medications such as Viagra may be prescribed. Users can often find Viagra online for a cost-effective alternative to typical pharmacies. It’s important to speak with your doctor before using Viagra, especially if you are currently treating a health condition or are on one or more medications. Viagra can negatively interact with certain medications and cause harm or even death if combined.
What should men know about Viagra?
Although medications like Viagra can be a godsend of pure bliss to some users, like all medications, it needs to be used carefully and with a physician’s prescription to avoid accidental negative consequences. Viagra should never be combined with medications containing nitrates, as the combination can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. Interestingly, Viagra can be prescribed for treatment of pulmonary hypertension as it causes the same reaction as other medications specifically designed to treat this condition.
For men using Viagra for sexual reasons, they should limit use to once per day and take their prescribed dose 1-4 hours before predicted sexual activity. Kidney and liver impairments, as well as the presence of HIV, can limit Viagra use in patients. Grapefruit juice should be avoided while using Viagra, and high-fat meals can slow the effects of the medication. Viagra will not “do its job” unless the user is sexually stimulated. Viagra also does not protect against sexually transmitted disease, so other precautions should be taken if necessary. Lastly, users experiencing negative side effects such as dizziness, rashes, painful urination, heart irritations, or loss of vision should immediately cease usage and contact their doctor.