Rediscover Confidence and Intimacy
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect men of all ages, although it becomes more prevalent with age. While it’s more commonly associated with older adults, particularly those over the age of 40, younger men can also experience ED, often due to psychological factors or lifestyle choices.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
To explain it in its simplest terms, Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. It affects more than 18 million men in the U.S. It’s important to note that it’s not uncommon for men to experience this from time to time. However, if you are regularly unable to achieve and maintain the erection you desire, Erectile Dysfunction could be to blame.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
The sexual arousal process in men is diverse and complex. Both physical and mental health can affect your sexual performance. Conditions that can lead to ED include:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Low testosterone level
- Alcohol
- Cigarette smoking
- Pelvic radiation
- Prostate surgery
When to See a Doctor
If you are chronically experiencing symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction including loss of sexual desire or the inability to achieve and maintain an erection, it may be time to see your doctor.
Upon completing a comprehensive examination which may include blood tests, urinalysis and ultrasound, your doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Treatments for ED are varied depending on your underlying condition. They may include lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, weight loss, stress management, smoking cessation. Medical treatments for ED include oral medications, injections, penile suppositories, pumps, implants and surgery.
Commonly prescribed medications:
Testosterone injections can be given as a single therapy or in combination with other therapies.
Viagra is the brand name for the medication sildenafil citrate. It is a pill that can be taken only when needed and begins to work within 15-30 minutes by increasing blood flow to the penis. Its effects generally last approximately four hours.
Cialis is the brand name for the medication tadalafil. It is prescribed for ED as well as enlarged prostates. Cialis also increases blood flow to the penis. It is very similar to Viagra but there are some key differences. Cialis takes up to two hours to work and stays longer in your body. Its effects can last up to 36 hours, while Viagra has to be taken each time before planned sexual activity.
Side effects include
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Flushing
- Blurry vision
- Upset stomach
- Back and muscle pain
Injectable Medications include the three most common, Alprostadil, Bimix and Trimix. Bimix is a mixture of two medications, papaverine, and phentolamine, and Trimix includes three medications, alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine. These medications come in liquid form that you inject into your penis. The results are very fast, working within 5 to 10 minutes, and highly effective.
Side effects of injections include
- Pain at the injection site (usually mild)
- Bruising or bleeding
- Risk of prolonged erection
- Risk of scarring
Pills vs. Injections
While pills can be effective, for some patients they just don’t work. Additionally, interactions with other medications, particularly nitrates, can pose serious health risks.
If you have already tried Viagra or Cialis and were dissatisfied with the results, then erectile dysfunction injectable medications may be right for you. According to recent studies, ED injections are effective 80% of the time where other methods have failed.
Sterile Compounding Pharmacy
Once you have the prescription you need from your doctor, where do you go?
Since these ED medications are given by injection, it requires a pharmacy specially equipped to compound sterile preparations. A sterile compounding pharmacy is perfect when the “one-size fits all” commercial medication doesn’t fit your exact needs.
Comfort IV Therapy for ED Injections
We are the only sterile compounding pharmacy in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice region of Florida. Our pharmacists will work closely with your doctor to customize your unique ED injection treatment and help educate you on its usage.