It’s important to tell your doctor about all the drugs you take, including nonprescription ones, so they can determine if any of your meds could be responsible for your symptoms.
Today, there is a range of different male libido treatments and low testosterone treatments available on the market. Most require a prescription, though some don’t. Some are intended sp...
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Erectile dysfunction (male impotence) is a man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection with enough firmness to have satisfying sex. Occasional erectile dysfunction (ED) is common and many men experience it when undergoing some form of stress. But frequent ED can be a sign of serious health, emotional or relationship problems that require the attention of a professional.
You’ve probably heard of sildenafil (Viagra), but it isn’t the only pill for ED. This class of drugs also includes avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). All work by improving blood flow to the penis during arousal. They're generally taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity and should not be used more than once a day. You can take tadalafil up to 36 hours before sexual activity. It also comes in a lower, daily dose. All require an OK from your doctor first for safety.
An erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at all. Or, you may lose the erection during intercourse before you are ready. Erection problems do not usually affect your sex drive.
A German study found that 69% of men involved in a sleep apnea study also suffered from ED. Disruptions to breathing during sleep affect oxygen levels in the blood, which can cause problems generating an erection. Lack of sleep also disrupts hormone production.
It's natural to feel angry or embarrassed when confronted with erectile dysfunction. Remember too that your partner is also affected. Talking openly about erectile dysfunction with your partner will help them understand the diagnosis and treatment options (and will reassure your partner that you haven't lost interest). Zoran Milich/Allsport Concepts Fancy Plush Studios/Digital Vision Thomas Hoeffgen/Stone Brian Evans/Photo Researchers Inc Cristina Prdrazzini/Photo Researchers Inc Altrendo Images Robert Llewllyn/Workbook Stock Jeffrey Hamilton/Photodisc Dream Pictures/The Image Bank Glow Images Jose Luis Pelaez/Blend Images Lew Robertson/Brand X Thierry Dosogne/The Image Bank Corbis Photo Inc/ Age Fotostock Neville Sukhia Photography/Flickr Superstock Inc BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. David Bluffington/Age Fotostock Smneedham/FoodPix DiMaggio, Kalish/Flirt Moodboard Marcus Lund/Cultura Reviews in Urology Journal: "Relationship Between Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction" American Journal of Urology: "Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline." Sept. 2018. NIH: "Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction." July 2017. Maturitas: "Testosterone and sexual function in men." Jun 2018. Sooriyamoorthy, Thushanth and Stephen W. Leslie. StatPearls: "Erectile Dysfunction." Feb. 22, 2021. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information Diseases & Conditions Procedures & Tests RX Drugs & Medications Vitamins & Supplements Diet & Weight Management Exercise & Fitness Nutrition, Food & Recipes Prevention & Wellness Slideshows Quizzes Images MedTerms Medical Dictionary MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. What are yourSYMPTOMS? Privacy Policy About Us Contact Us Terms of Use Advertising Policy
Urethral suppositories, also called intraurethral pellet therapy or medicated urethral system for erections (MUSE®), are a self-administered treatment for erectile dysfunction that may be effective for men who dislike penile injections or for whom oral medications are not effective. Alprostadil, a drug used for penile injection therapy, is also available as a small suppository that is placed directly into the urethra to achieve an erection, usually within five to 10 minutes.
When other treatment options are not successful, penile implant surgery can provide excellent patient and partner satisfaction. Both malleable (bendable) and inflatable devices can be implanted to allow penile rigidity and satisfactory sexual intercourse.
The doctor will perform a complete physical examination, to check for abnormalities in the penis, scrotum, and testicles. To check for heart disease the doctor will take your blood pressure, measure your heart rate, and order a blood test to check your level of cholesterol. Your doctor will do a digital rectal examination to feel the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate, and if necessary check the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. To check for diabetes the doctor may order a test to measure the level of glucose in your blood. It could also be necessary to assess your testosterone levels in the morning. This is also done with a blood test.
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is defined as an inability to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for penetration and for the satisfaction of both sexual partners.
Some men experience symptoms of sexual disorders that are related to erectile dysfunction, including: Ejaculation happens too fast — this is called premature ejaculationEjaculation happens too slowly (a man needs stimulation for more than 30 minutes) — this is called delayed ejaculationEjaculation doesn’t happen, or a man doesn’t orgasm — this is called anorgasmia What Causes ED?
An inflatable penile implant can be implemented in the case of erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, or other medical conditions in which a man can no longer maintain an erection or sexual function.
A man suffering from erectile Dysfunction will experience one or many of these significant symptoms:
You can buy sildenafil (Viagra) over the internet. Be very careful if you do this as many websites sell fake medicines.
Experts often treat psychologically based impotence using techniques that decrease anxiety associated with intercourse. The patient's partner can help apply the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety during treatment of physical impotence. If these simple behavioral methods at home are ineffective, a doctor may refer an individual to a sex counselor. Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story
Katz A. Breaking the Silence on Cancer and Sexuality: A Handbook for Healthcare Providers. 2nd ed. Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society.; 2018.