Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical term that describes the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection. This condition is one of the most common sexual problems for men and the chances of developing ED increase with age. It is estimated that between 15 to 30 million American men suffer from ED. According to a study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine, one out of every four erectile dysfunction patients is under 40 years old. ED rates have increased during the last twenty to thirty years, especially among younger men.
Achieving an erection is a complex process involving psychological impulses from the brain, adequate levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, a functioning nervous system, and adequate and healthy vascular tissue in the penis.
The diagnosis of ED for most patients requires a simple medical history, physical examination and routine blood tests. Most patients do not require extensive testing before beginning treatment.
Why Does A Man Lose His Erection During Intercourse?
ED can have a litany of different causes, but typically they fall into two broad categories: physiological ED, caused by some issue with the body like blood flow, diet etc. The other is psychological ED, or erectile dysfunction caused by stress, mental health problems, and other issues associated with mood, performance anxiety, and in some instances, substance abuse.
Most men are treated with medications called “PDE-5 Inhibitors,” which is just a fancy name for the class of drugs most commonly used: Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Staxyn. Cialis and Viagra now come in generic forms and called Tadalafil (Cialis) Sildenafil (Viagra). All of these medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis and maintaining that blood flow long enough for intercourse. These medications are typically taken 30 minutes before intercourse. Common side effects include headache, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. The drugs boost the natural signals that are generated during sex, thereby improving and prolonging the erection itself. They are safe and most men are able to use them. They typically improve erections in about 80% of patients.
There is also a low-dose Cialis – 5mg or the generic version, Tadalafil, which is taken daily or every other day. We often refer to this as the baby aspirin of oral ED medications since blood flow to the penis increases little-by-little every day. This allows you to achieve an erection when you want to, instead of taking a pill 30 minutes before intercourse. Since the half-life of Cialis – 5mg is 36 hours, it is still effective if you take it every other day.
As a patient of Austin Urology Institute, the ability to have these medications prescribed discreetly, easily and affordably just became easier. The most well-studied and effective PDE-5 drugs, Viagra and Cialis, are now available in generic form. Tadalafil (Cialis) is currently offered through Austin Urology Institute, as well as at your local pharmacy.
Tadalafil is an effective generic alternative to Cialis and comes in a rapid dissolve formulation, making it even more effective because it bypasses the GI tract and gets into the system faster. No more ordering from sketchy websites, overseas or taking trips to the pharmacy. As a patient, you can order directly through our office and have the medication delivered to your door – sometimes at a lower cost than the pharmacy! The generic alternative to Viagra, Sildenafil is also offered directly through our office and delivered to your door.
You might with something over the counter, in that case check out supplements to increase blood flow to penis naturally.
If interested in learning more about ED treatment options, contact Austin Urology Institute at 512-694-8888 and schedule an appointment with one of our providers.
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