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Erectile dysfunction' (ED) or impotence is a sexual
dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of
the penis. There are various underlying causes, many of which are medically
reversible. The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or
psychological. Psychological impotence can often be helped by almost anything
that the patient believes in; there is a very strong placebo effect. Folk
remedies have long been advocated, with some being advertised widely since the
1930s. The introduction of perhaps the first pharmacologically effective remedy
for impotence, sildenafil (trade name Viagra), in the 1990s caused a wave of
public attention, propelled in part by the newsworthiness of stories about it
and heavy advertising. The Latin term impotentia coeundi describes simple
inability to insert the penis into the vagina. It is now mostly replaced by more
precise terms. Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to
maintain an erection. Normal erections during sleep and in the early morning
suggest a psychogenic cause, while loss of these erections may signify
underlying disease, often cardiovascular in origin. Other factors leading to
erectile dysfunction are diabetes mellitus (causing neuropathy) or hypogonadism
(decreased testosterone levels due to disease affecting the testicles or the
pituitary gland).
from:
www.cartoonstock.com
The oral drugs currently available
are:
Viagra (sildenafil)
Widens the bloods vessels, so giving an
erection - provided the penis is rubbed. In most men, works within an hour.
Effect lasts for about four hours. Easily blocked by food in the stomach.
Viagra still remains the world’s most popular ED drug. At the Vienna
International Sexology conference of December 2006 which we attended, it was
claimed that its continuing popularity is due to the ‘hardness ‘ of the
erections it produces.
The most common side-effects are headache, visual disturbances, blocked
nose, flushed face, indigestion, palpitations - and dizziness after getting
out of bed too quickly! Blue vision occurs at higher doses. Viagra is very
dangerous with certain heart drugs. Interacts with many medications. Do not
drink grapefruit juice on day of use.
At the beginning of April 2005, a report from the University of Minnesota
suggested that a small group of men have suffered blindness as a result of
Viagra use. It was claimed that the drug may rarely cause a serious eye
condition called ‘non-arteritic ischaemic optic atrophy.’ In 2007, it became
apparent that about half a dozen British men have suffered similar eye
problems. If you are taking Viagra, you should ask your doctor to keep you
informed of any further research on this development.
Cialis (tadalafil)
Works in the same way as Viagra. Now
popular with a lot of men, because its effects last so long – at least 12
hours in most cases. Manufacturers claim it is not blocked by food.
Side-effects similar to those of Viagra, but also causes back pain and
muscle pain. Interactions with other drugs and with grapefruit juice are
similar to those of Viagra, but also clashes with the antibiotic
clarithromycin and the sedative phenobarbitone. Cialis is very similar in
structure to Viagra, but so far (2007) there have been no reports of
blindness on Cialis.
Levitra (vardenafil)
Works in same way. Side-effects and
interactions are similar to those of Viagra. Not as long-lasting as Cialis.
So far, there have been no reports of blindness.
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