Questions About Impotence

How should I know if I have erectile dysfunction (impotence)? When should I go to the doctor?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the lack of arousal or having erection insufficient for finishing sex. It is usually caused by different diseases (hypertonia, diabetes), or as a result of taking some medications (antidepressants, hypotensive drugs, antihistaminic medications, tranquilizing drugs, drugs that suppress appetite). At he beginning of the treatment antidepressants may increase the risk of suicide and even deepen the depression. At the same time depression, stress and anxiety also lead to sexual dysfunctions.

However, there is no need to despair, because you are not alone. With the great amount of information available today, more men with erectile dysfunction began to see a doctor. First of all they are interested in three drugs: Viagra (Sildenafil), Levitra (Vardenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil). Therefore, if you have problems with erection, you should go to the doctor. In most cases erectile dysfunction can be cured.

How much effective are those medications?
They are very effective. They do increase erection making it sufficient for a normal intercourse. After intercourse erection disappears. However, remember that the effectiveness of those drugs depends on  your major cause of erectile dysfunction. Chronic disease such as diabetes has a great influence on the results of the treatment.

What is the difference between those medications?
There are not great differences between them. Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are the class of PDE5 inhibitor receptor drugs. All medications of this class do act practically the same – erection appears only in case of sexual stimulation. Arousal makes brain send signals about the necessity of nitrogen oxide production to the body. This substance relaxes the unstriated muscles and improves blood circulation to the penis and makes erection. All medications mentioned above help in  nitrogen oxide production.

They do differ just in time of acting. Doctors do recommend to take Viagra and Levitra
30-60 minutes before intercourse and Cialis 30 minutes before intercource. The duration of effect of Vigra and Levitra lasts approximately 4 hours, and Cialis from 24 to 36 hours.

Whom are these medications contraindicated?
Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are contraindicated for men who are taking medications containing nitrate (for example, nitroglycerin that is taken when heart pains). Taking those medications simultaneously may lead to the harsh lowering of blood pressure. For the same reason it is contraindicated taking the combination of medications with alpha-blockers used for the treatment of hypertonia and Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Incorrect combination of medications may cause giddiness, fantness, and even heart attack or stroke. Remember that taking following medications may cause erection problems: antidepressants, hypotensive, antihistaminic medications, tranquilizing drugs, drugs that suppress appetite.

Do not take erectile dysfunction medications if sexual activity is contradicted to you. The effectiveness of those medications in treating of sexual dysfunction in women was not proven yet (although there was made Viagra researches in this field).