Struggling with erectile dysfunction can have a significant impact on someone’s life in a variety of ways. It can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem, which can affect personal relationships and intimacy with partners. It can also cause feelings of inadequacy and frustration, impacting mental health and overall well-being. These negative side effects can spill over into other areas of their life too, like work or social interactions, causing further distress and isolation.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to address the issue and seek help.
There Are Several Steps You Can Take
First and foremost, you should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss any underlying health issues (such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure) and determine the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, therapy or counselling can help address mental underlying issues. Another important step to take is to talk to your partner – communicate openly to discuss your experiences. This can reduce stress and anxiety and also help strengthen your relationship.
Lastly, you can also explore treatment options, including medications. Viagra and Cialis are two of the most popular options which we’ll get into more detail below.
Popular Erectile Dysfunction Medications to Consider
There are many reasons to consider taking erectile dysfunction medication. These medications have proven to help men achieve and maintain an erection, making it easier to engage in sexual activity. This can lead to improved intimacy and satisfaction in relationships.
Additionally, these medications have been FDA-approved and extensively tested in clinical trials. They are also generally well-tolerated and have few side effects, making them a reliable and convenient option. Here are some of the most popular options for men in Canada:
Viagra
Viagra works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection. It’s taken orally, typically 30 minutes to an hour before engaging in sexual activity. It should not be taken in combination with other medications, therefore, it’s important to consult with your doctor to ensure it is safe.
Cialis
Cialis is the brand name for a medication called tadalafil and it is also used to help men achieve and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow into the erectile tissue. It is available in different doses and taken orally, typically 30 minutes before sexual activity, however, you should consult with your doctor prior to using it to determine the best dosage for you.
Stendra
The active ingredient in Stendra is avanafil, which helps relax the muscles in the blood vessels of the penis, allowing for increased blood flow resulting in an erection. It typically starts working 15-30 minutes before sexual activity and can remain effective for up to 6 hours.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil works by blocking the action of PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing blood to flow in and produce an erection. Vardenafil works in response to sexual stimulation and can work 30-60 minutes after being taken orally with effects lasting up to 4 hours.
ED Medications Have Minor Side Effects
Some minor and common side effects associated with the above medications include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nasal congestion
- Body aches
- Upset stomach
- Blurry vision
- Flushing/redness of skin
Again, these symptoms should be very mild if they are experienced. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away, you should seek help right away. Or, if you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, you should go to a hospital right away to prevent the risk of permanent damage.
Looking for a Different Option?
At Guelph Vitality Clinic, we offer an innovative therapy option for ED and Peyronie’s Disease: low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT). This procedure is painless and minimally invasive, with virtually no risks or side effects. It involves applying low-intensity shock waves to different parts of the penis to stimulate the creation of new blood vessels through micro-trauma, leading to improved blood flow. Many patients report a noticeable difference in being able to achieve and maintain an erection in just a few weeks. If you want to learn more about this therapy method, contact our clinic today. We’ll happily answer any of your questions regarding our equipment, how often appointments are needed, and more.
A Doctor Can Help Determine the Best ED Medication For You
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to seek advice and help from a doctor before taking any ED medications. At Guelph Vitality Clinic, we will assess your specific medical history and condition to determine the best medication for you and discuss the benefits of low-intensity shockwave therapy. We will also provide information about potential side effects and interactions with other medications you may be taking. Always follow recommendations and directions to ensure the medication’s effectiveness and safety. If medications aren’t working for you, low-intensity shockwave therapy has made noticeable differences for many of our patients within a few weeks, therefore, let’s discuss the possibility of this treatment for you, too!
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