Erectile dysfunction, commonly known as impotence, is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of men during their lifetime. Studies reveal that up to 50% of men aged 40 to 70 and up to 70% of men over the age of 70 experience erectile dysfunction.
At Gilbride Pharmacy, we offer licensed treatments for erectile dysfunction in the UK. Our modern solutions are safe, affordable and highly effective, with the potential to help up to 80% of men address this issue.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterised by the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual performance. It is particularly common in men over the age of 40 but can be effectively treated with medications like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil).
Causes
Erectile dysfunction can stem from various factors, and it's crucial to identify the underlying cause. Potential causes include physical injuries, psychological issues and unhealthy lifestyle choices that narrow the arteries.
When you become aroused, your brain sends signals to your nerves, causing the muscles in the penis to relax and blood vessels to dilate. This enables blood to flow into the penis, leading to an erection. Any disruption in this process can result in erectile dysfunction.
Conditions that affect blood circulation and flow to the penis include:
- Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes
- Nervous system disorders (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis)
- Tissue damage or injury to the penis
- Depression and stress
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices, including smoking, excessive drinking and obesity
- Decreased libido
- Rare hormonal imbalances affecting testosterone levels
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Sildenafil is used to assist men who struggle to achieve or maintain an erection. It belongs to a group of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5).
How It Works Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into it when sexual stimulation is present.
How to Take It
- Recommended starting dose: 50mg once a day (maximum)
- Take with water on an empty stomach, one hour before sexual activity
- Avoid consuming food immediately after taking the pill to optimise absorption
- Sildenafil takes approximately one hour to work and requires sexual stimulation
- Effects may last up to four hours
Viagra vs. Sildenafil Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate. Generic sildenafil is medically equivalent in efficacy, quality and strength, offered at a more affordable price.
Side Effects
- Back, muscle, or headache
- Migraines
- Facial flushing
- Indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Runny or blocked nose
- Vision disturbances
Cialis (Tadalafil)
Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis, both used to treat ED in adult men. Both contain the active ingredient tadalafil and are medically equivalent. Tadalafil offers a longer-lasting effect compared to other ED treatments.
How It Works Tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5), relaxes blood vessels in the penis, facilitating blood flow and enhancing erectile function.
How to Take It
- Tadalafil 36-hour (10mg, 20mg): Take one pill with water at least half an hour before sexual activity. Start with the lower 10mg dose.
- Tadalafil daily (2.5mg, 5mg): Take one tablet with water every day at the same time. Do not exceed one tablet per day.
- Avoid simultaneous use of other ED medications.
Cialis vs. Tadalafil Generic medications like tadalafil have the same active ingredient as branded versions but are available at a lower price. They are equally effective in terms of strength, quality, stability and efficacy.
Types
Tadalafil comes in two forms:
- Tadalafil 36-hour
- Tadalafil daily, taken daily to maintain readiness for sexual intercourse
The daily option comes in lower strengths of 2.5mg and 5mg.
Dosage The choice between tadalafil 36-hour and tadalafil daily depends on your lifestyle and preference. It's recommended to start with the lower dose if you haven't used the treatment before. If needed, consult your GP or local pharmacist for adjustments.
How Long It Takes to Work
- Tadalafil acts quickly, within 20 minutes to one hour, with sexual stimulation.
- Tadalafil Daily may take up to 5 days to reach its full potential but offers continuous effects afterward.
Duration of Effect
- Tadalafil stays in your body for 36 hours, ensuring readiness for sexual activity.
- Tadalafil Daily maintains its effect in the body for ongoing readiness.
Side Effects
- Headaches
- Facial flushing
- Indigestion
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Levitra is prescribed for treating erectile dysfunction in adult men, containing the active ingredient vardenafil.
How It Works Vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDT5), relaxes penis muscles, allowing increased blood flow and facilitating firm erections for sexual intercourse.
How to Take It
- Swallow a tablet whole with water 25-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Sexual stimulation is essential for Levitra to work.
- Recommended initial dose: 10mg once a day (maximum)
How Long It Takes to Work Levitra starts working 25-60 minutes after taking the dose with sexual stimulation.
Duration of Effect Levitra remains active in the body for approximately 4-5 hours.
Food You can take Levitra with or without food, but high-fat meals may delay its action.
Risks and Interactions Be cautious when using alpha-blockers, nitrates or other ED medications (e.g. Viagra or Cialis) concurrently with Levitra.
Side Effects
- Headache
- Back, muscle or facial pain
- Migraines
- Facial flushing
- Indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Runny or blocked nose
- Vision disturbances
Visit Us
At Gilbride Pharmacy, we are committed to providing you with safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. Contact us via your local branch's page or simply pop in at your convenience to find the right solution for your needs.