Erectile Dysfunction: Your Essential Guide to the Right Medication

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition; for men over the age of 40, the prevalence rate is as high as 50%[1]. There are many ED treatments available that are clinically proven to effectively treat ED. Therefore, knowing which erectile dysfunction treatment works for you is essential.

Which form of ED treatment is most effective?

Oral prescription medication is regarded as the ‘first-line therapy’ when it comes to efficiently treating erectile dysfunction[2]. The efficacy of oral prescription medication has been extensively tested, with recent research concluding that oral prescription ED medication offers a high level efficacy, tolerability and safety[3]. 

How do oral ED medications work?

Following an erection, in order for the erection to subside, an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle to constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and causing the penis to return to its pre-arousal size[4]. For men with ED, this activation of PDE-5 occurs too quickly, not allowing an erection to last long enough for the duration of sexual activity. ED medications are referred to as PDE-5 inhibitors, they work by preventing the constriction of blood flow to the penis in order for an erection to be sustained for longer. 

Recommended: Erectile Dysfunction Test at Home

Active ingredients and brands

Well known PDE-5 inhibitors consist of:

Sildenafil (branded version Viagra; Viagra Connect)

Tadalafil (branded version Cialis)

Avanafil (branded version Spedra)

Vardenafil (branded version Levitra)

A range of effective ED medications are available from Pharmica Online Pharmacy; sourcing medication from a safe, trusted and reliable source is crucial. On https://rezeptfreie-potenzmittel.eu you can find prescription free potency products and to find the most important information on the topic of potency to be informed before to order.

Branded or non-branded?

Oral ED Medications are sold as either a generic version or as a branded version. An example of this is the well-known ED medication brand Viagra, which contains the active ingredient Sildenafil. Sildenafil is also sold as a generic version, which is medically equivalent to Viagra and just as effective; it is also significantly cheaper[5]. Although the name, packaging and tablets may be different for branded versions of ED medications, both branded and generic versions are safe to use, medically equivalent and regulated in exactly the same way by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Factors to consider when selecting an ED medication

1. Frequency of use (on-demand or daily)

It’s important to decide whether you want to take ED medication on-demand (for planned sexual intercourse) or daily, where intercourse may be unplanned. If intercourse is unplanned, Generic Tadalafil and the Branded version, Cialis can be taken daily at a smaller dose to have lasting effects throughout the day. This may offer improved practicality. If you anticipate a frequent use of Tadalafil (e.g. at least twice weekly), a once daily dose of either 2.5mg or 5mg of Tadalafil might be suitable for you.

2. Strength

Across brands, different strengths are available, typically consisting of: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg and 200mg. Daily doses are lower (2.5mg or 5mg are typical daily doses) and can initially take a matter of days to build up in the body. To begin with, selecting a moderate strength on-demand dose may be worthwhile to see if you require a stronger dose.

3. Duration for medication to become active

The action time for most on-demand ED medications to take effect is 15-60 minutes. For daily dose medications, once taken for a few days, you do not have an action time as they are active all the time following continued use.

4. Duration the medication is active in the body for

On-demand oral ED medications remain active in the body for approximately 4-36 hours. The duration the medication is active in the body for is subject to brand and dosage.

5. Brand or non-branded

Whilst branded ED medications are more expensive, they are medically equivalent to generic versions. Therefore, contemplating the financial considerations of purchasing ED medication is important and especially essential if the use of ED treatment is in line with long term use. 

6. Other factors to consider

If you have ED, it’s important to consider other ways to have a positive impact on the condition. Regular exercise, reducing BMI, reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking are all effective ways to enhance the positive effects of medication on the treatment of ED[6]. Whilst oral ED medications are strictly regulated and safe to use, just like any form of medication, be sure to consider possible side effects and refer to the product information leaflet before use.

References

• 1. Feldman, et al. 1994. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. The Journal of urology, 151(1), pp.54-61.
• 2. Hatzimouratidis et al. 2010. Guidelines on male sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. European urology, 57(5), pp.804-814.
• 3. Yafi, F.A., Sharlip, I.D. and Becher, E.F., 2018. Update on the safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sexual medicine reviews, 6(2), pp.242-252.
• 4. Shamloul, R. and Ghanem, H., 2013. Erectile dysfunction. The Lancet, 381(9861), pp.153-165.
• 5. Sarpatwari, A. and Kesselheim, A.S., 2016. The case for reforming drug naming: should brand name trademark protections expire upon generic entry?. PLoS medicine, 13(2).
• 6. DeLay, K.J., Haney, N. and Hellstrom, W.J., 2016. Modifying risk factors in the management of erectile dysfunction: a review. The world journal of men’s health, 34(2), pp.89-100.