What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is when a man has difficulty getting an erection or keeping it long enough for sex. It is also known as ED or impotence. It happens when not enough blood flows to the penis, preventing an erection.
Currently, ED effects about 30 million men in the United States. Some guys with ED find it difficult to either get or keep an erection every time they try to have sex. For other guys, ED symptoms can happen just occasionally. Either way, you should know that you are not alone, ED is not all in your head, it’s a real medical condition. About 50% of men over the age of 40 have some degree of ED and it is not just a part of aging that you must accept. As a real medical condition, it should be addressed like one.
When talking to your healthcare provider, inform them of all medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Viagra® may affect the way other medicines work and in the same way other medicines may affect the way Viagra® works, causing side effects. Have the discussion with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough for sex. If you are experiencing chest pain, nausea, or dizziness during sex, seek medical attention immediately.
What can cause erectile dysfunction?
ED is often caused by something physical, such as an injury, disease, or side effects from other drugs. Some medical conditions that can cause ED include:
- Depression
- Prostate cancer treatment
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Spinal cord injury
For other men, ED is a side effect of some medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and/or depression.
Some psychological and lifestyle factors can play a role in causing ED. Stress, smoking, and drinking may lead to conditions that affect blood circulation and in turn may cause ED. There are things you can do each day to improve your circulation and avoid come conditions that can lead to ED:
- Find ways to stay more active
- Help manage your weight by eating healthy and watching portion sizes
- Quit smoking
- Drink less alcohol
- Look for ways to reduce stress in your daily life
How does Viagra® work?
Viagra works for men with erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis so you can get and keep an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse. Viagra® has been proven to help guys with all degrees of ED. Viagra® usually begins working within 30-60 minutes and you take it when you need it.
Viagra® works only when you are sexually stimulated and can be taken up to 4 hours before sexual activity. After sex, your erection should go away.
