Men Who Shouldn’t Take ED Medications
August 29, 2024
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common men’s sexual health issue. It is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can be a short-term issue but can also manifest as a recurring problem. Some men can get an erection sometimes but not every time. Others can get an erection that doesn’t last long enough or they may be unable to get one at all.
For couples dealing with ED by avoiding sex, the emotional pain associated with interrupted sexual intimacy can be significant and should be addressed. By maintaining open and honest communication, a man can seek treatment options to restore his sexual performance. Since ED could be a warning sign of a more serious disorder, it should be seen by men’s sexual health doctor.
The good news is that ED is highly treatable, so erectile dysfunction isn’t something you just have to live with. In almost all cases, treatments can lead to better overall physical and emotional health, as well as naturally restore intimacy for couples. Many men experience ED at some point. In most cases, it's temporary and can be resolved by improving overall health.
ED is common in men at midlife, but embarrassment about sexual health problems often prevents many from seeking medical attention, which delays diagnosis and treatment. If there’s a medical cause like nerve damage or decreased blood flow to the penis, medication or other effective therapies may be needed. If you’re experiencing ED, don’t hesitate to seek help. By addressing the issue early, you can enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Timely reversing erectile dysfunction...
Unfortunately, ED can negatively impact a man’s quality of life, self-esteem, and relationships. So, reversing the problem in a timely manner can help to prevent the unnecessary psychological issues that can occur. It's important to note that a man's partner might think it’s a loss of sexual interest, but that is seldom the case. Since an erection depends on ample blood flow to the penis, the most common physical cause is plaque buildup in the penile arteries. Shockwave therapy is a minimally-invasive treatment option that can help to improve blood flow without the need for medications.
Oral Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
Medications taken by mouth are often the first line of defense for health issues and erectile dysfunction is a common condition that can affect males of any age. Oddly the oral medications used today for treating ED were originally developed to treat cardiovascular problems. In a clinical study of heart patients taking PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors to observe blood flow, a dozen men who also suffered from ED reported healthy erections as a positive side effect.
PDE5 inhibitors enhance a chemical (nitric oxide) in the body that relaxes muscles in the penis to boost blood flow and help men get an erection for sexual activity. Today, there are four oral drugs commonly used to treat ED that work similarly but have some differences. Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed choice when considering oral ED medications, such as:
- Sildenafil (Viagra). For the best results, take this medicine on an empty stomach about an hour before you plan to have sex. It usually starts working in about 30 minutes and its effects can last for around four hours. If you've had a high-fat meal or consumed alcohol, your body might take longer to absorb the medicine. Typically, the effects last for 4 to 5 hours, but it might work longer if you have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Both Sildenafil and Viagra work the same way and come in the same dosages, if price is a concern, the sildenafil is the better choice.
- Vardenafil (Levitra). Structurally similar to sildenafil, vardenafil is nearly 10 times more potent biochemically. This means you can achieve the same results with a lower dose, potentially experiencing fewer side effects. Just like sildenafil, consuming a high-fat meal or alcohol can slow down the absorption of vardenafil in your body. Typically, vardenafil's effects last for about 4 to 5 hours. However, if you have mild to moderate ED, you might find that its effects last even longer. There's a newer form that dissolves on your tongue that also might work faster.
- Tadalafil (Cialis). Tadalafil is quite different from sildenafil in structure and how it works. You can take tadalafil with or without food about an hour before sex. One of its standout features is its long half-life of 17.5 hours, compared to Viagra's 4 hours. This means tadalafil can be effective for up to 36 hours. You have the flexibility to take a small daily dose or a larger dose as needed. One of the big advantages of tadalafil is that it doesn't require you to time sexual activity when you take the medication.
- Avanafil (Stendra). One of avanafil’s key advantages over other ED medications like sildenafil is its faster onset of action. You can take it with or without food and the timing of when you take it depends on your dosage. avanafil can start working in as little as 15 minutes and lasts longer with effectiveness up to 6 hours, especially if you have mild to moderate ED. For avanafil to work, physical stimulation of the penis is necessary. Without it, it will not cause an erection on its own. A rare side effect that does need medical attention is priapism if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours
Oral medicines for ED usually work well and cause few side effects. Nonetheless, the spectrum of possibilities makes it crucial to schedule an exam to check for systemic problems related to the endocrine or circulatory systems, as well as psychosocial factors affecting sexual performance. Experts recommend that men have a complete medical history and sexual health examination annually to address any sexual health concerns.
When ED Meds May Be Unsafe
Unfortunately, ED medications aren’t for everyone. In fact, PDE5 inhibitors may not be safe for you based on pre-existing health conditions. Common side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, runny nose, color misperception, stuffy nose, cold-like symptoms, nasal congestion, back pain, nausea, rash, and heartburn. More-serious but rare side effects can happen, such as hearing loss, changes in vision, or penile priapism.
Erectile dysfunction medications aren’t right for everyone, the following groups of people should not take ED medications:
Blood pressure – People with very low blood pressure (hypotension) or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) may face challenges when taking ED medications. If you're taking alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate issues, combining them with ED pills can further lower your blood pressure. However, ED medications are generally safe for people with hypertension when used correctly.
Heart conditions – For those with a history of cardiovascular issues but whose current status is unknown, it's crucial to get evaluated. If you've recently had a heart attack, stroke, or other heart problem, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine if your heart can handle the extra strain of sexual activity. Checkups are also needed for individuals with angina and those who have coronary artery disease or arrhythmias.
Other conditions – If you have certain health conditions or allergies, you might need to steer clear of PDE5 medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. Those requiring dialysis for kidney disease should avoid ED meds and severe liver disease can impact how your body processes the medication. If shortness of breath prevents you from doing activities like walking up two flights of stairs, ED meds might not be safe for you.
Medications – When considering ED meds, it's important to know that they can interact with other medications, making them unsafe to take together. For example, people who take nitrates for chest pain (like nitroglycerin), or alpha-blockers for high blood pressure or prostate issues, should avoid ED meds. Other drugs that can cause problems include those that block the enzyme CYP3A4, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, and ritonavir.
If you’re not sure whether or not you should be taking erectile dysfunction drugs, it’s always best to stay on the safe side. Plus, you should always prioritize your heart health and consult with a men’s sexual health professional before starting any ED treatment plan. There are a few side effects that aren't as common, and some can even be dangerous. A physician can help determine the best treatment options with or without medications and tailored to your body’s specific needs.
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Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about. If erectile dysfunction happens often, it may be a side effect of another medication you’re already taking or caused by an undiagnosed health condition. For personalized advice, schedule a consultation with Dr. Earl Eye and his team at GAINSWave Jacksonville.
