Men
Erectile Dysfunction
Many prescription drugs are known to cause erectile dysfunction. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the reasons why more men above the age of 50 tend to have erectile disorders – they take more medicine. Approximately 25% of erectile dysfunction cases are estimated to occur as side effects of medications such as allergy pills, antihypertensives (blood pressure medications) or antidepressants. The good news is that these effects are reversible once patients stop taking these prescription drugs. The bad news is that, that may not always be possible. Luckily, there are a few other options.
Medications known to cause erectile dysfunction include:
These drugs have different mechanisms by which they may cause erectile dysfunction. Hypertension drugs such as atenolol, for example, have been shown to reduce sexual activity because they lower testosterone levels. Testosterone is a critical hormone for a healthy sex drive. Blood pressure drugs may also inhibit the sympathetic nervous system which affects ejaculation. Meanwhile, antidepressants seem to affect erections by increasing serotonin levels at th expense of other hormones and neurotransmitters. In some cases, the exact molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Interestingly, it has been shown that believing a drug to cause erectile dysfunction actually increased the number of patients reporting they had problems with their erections.
If you’re taking prescription drugs and are suffering from erectile dysfunction, do not stop taking your medication without your doctor’s supervision.
Consult your healthcare provider if you believe your medication could be causing your erectile dysfunction.
Switching to another medication may solve the issue. But in some cases, your medical condition may be to blame for your erectile dysfunction. For example, hypertension and depression have both been linked to erectile disorders. In such cases, switching medication may not have the desired effect.
Often times, you may be able to take a PDE-5 inhibitor such as Viagra, Levitra or Cialis to help produce and maintain an erection. Read the label carefully, because these drugs can interact with your prescription medication.
Alternative treatment strategies, such as lifestayle modifications, can help with underlying medical conditions and also with erectile dysfunction. Helpful interventions include; smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake, eating a mediterranean diet and exercising regularly.
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can have an adverse effect on sexual function. In this case, therapy can sometimes lead to improvement.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you consult your doctor about before making any changes, including stopping or switching your prescription drugs.
Message Sent We will get back to you as soon as possible
To get fast delivery and the best prices,
choose your location below:
Delivery to Germany only
Delivery to the US only
Delivery to UK only
You’ve successfully logged in.
