Millions of men all over the world suffer silently from impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED). Those over the age of fifty years are especially susceptible to the condition. It is characterized by a man’s inability to attain and retain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. This consequently has an effect on relationships as some female partners often walk away due to sexual dissatisfaction. If you are suffering from this embarrassing problem, here are some treatment options that you should consider.
USE OF ORAL DRUGS
Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are some of the oral drugs recommended by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction. They work by increasing the flow of blood to the penis. However, there are variations in the duration they take to be effective. Viagra and Levitra, for instance, begin working after thirty minutes and last for four and five hours respectively. On the other hand, Cialis takes approximately twenty minutes to kick in and lasts up to thirty-six hours.
It is very important that you follow the doctor’s prescription when taking these drugs to avoid serious side effects. Also, note that these drugs may not be safe for use in certain groups of patients, so consult your doctor first. The contra indications include:
– Allergy to the components of ED drugs.
– If you have a scheduled appointment for surgery.
– If you are taking nitroglycerin medicine to cure chest pain or alpha-blockers for blood pressure problems. A combination of nitroglycerin with any of the above drugs will dangerously lower your blood pressure.
– If in the last six months, you have suffered from any of the following conditions: heart attack, irregular heart rate, blood pressure problems, and stroke.
So if you have had any of the conditions above, you should consult with your doctor and discuss other treatment options that are more suitable for you.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Simple lifestyle changes such as regular exercises and minimizing stress can go a long way in improving sexual performance. Exercising regularly also has other health benefits like improving sleep and mood, helping one stay younger and fit, lowering blood pressure, and boosting self-esteem. It is important that you engage in a physical activity that you can enjoy doing regularly be it biking, dancing, jogging or playing sports. This prevents boredom, which is the key reason why most people quit their exercises after some time. Exercising for at least half an hour every day is sufficient to help you with your problem.
HERBAL TREATMENT
It is believed that certain herbal medicines like Ginkgo biloba and Asian ginseng have the ability to treat impotence in men. The problem with those remedies is that none of them has been approved by the FDA. So if you are considering going the herbal way, remember that no one can guarantee that a herbal remedy will work or even is safe for you.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Taking certain nutritional supplements such as arginine (amino acid), Vitamin C and E, flaxseed meal, and zinc may also help improve your erectile function. These supplements don’t require prescriptions; however, to be sure that a supplement is safe and beneficial in your particular case, you’re highly recommended to consult with your doctor before taking it.
