Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), sometimes known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Most men experience occasional difficulty with erections, but erectile dysfunction is defined as a persistent issue. Erectile Dysfunction is very common and can affect men of all ages but is more common as men get older.

Erectile Dysfunction can be a sign of underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances, and it may also be influenced by psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or depression. Understanding the root cause is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment.

• Difficulty achieving an erection
• Trouble maintaining an erection during sexual activity
• Reduced sexual desire or libido
• Feelings of embarrassment or frustration related to sexual performance

Erectile dysfunction can have a significant impact on self-esteem and relationships. While it is not unusual to experience erection problems occasionally, if it becomes a frequent issue, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

Because of the wide variety of factors that cause and influence Erectile Dysfunction, it is important to identify the underlying causes and factors in order to determine the most suitable treatment. Addressing any underlying physiological factors contributing to Erectile Dysfunction is a good place to start:   

• Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and increases blood flow to the penis
• A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can benefit overall health which will improve ED. 
• Reducing alcohol consumption will also improve overall health and help to address underlying physiological causes of Erectile Dysfunction
• Quitting smoking, as smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis

Your pharmacist or healthcare provider may also recommend treating your Erectile Dysfunction medically, there are a number of options for this: 

• Oral medication like phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil) are commonly prescribed to enhance blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection
• Penile injections or suppositories that can be injected directly into the penis or inserted as a pellet into the urethra to stimulate an erection
• Hormonal therapy to correct hormonal causes such as low testosterone

Other treatments include:

• Vacuum pump devices that use vacuum pressure to increase blood flow to the penis and cause an erection. These are particularly useful in cases where medication is not-suitable or has been found effective
• Counselling or therapy to address psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or depression that are known contributors to Erectile Dysfunction

We recommend starting with a fast, discrete consultation with one of our partner private healthcare specialists, who are experienced in diagnosing underlying causes of Erectile Dysfunction, giving advice on treatment options that will be most effective for you, and who are able to prescribe medication if required.