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Erectile Dysfunction

What Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is when a person is consistently incapable of getting and maintaining an erection that is firm enough for sex.

It can also be characterized by the inability to maintain an erection long enough for sex. 

About 20-30 million men in the United States have erectile dysfunction. The inability to produce an erection may happen occasionally. However, there can be an underlying health issue when it is a continuous occurrence.

Erectile dysfunction can lead to reduced self-confidence and even relationship problems.

It may be difficult to talk about, but if you are experiencing ED, contacting your doctor can get you back on track to a better sexual experience. Checking for the causes of ED may also unveil other underlying conditions.

Erectile Dysfunction Causes

There are many causes of erectile dysfunction. Although ED is more common in older men, it is not a direct symptom of simply becoming older. Everything from psychological states to heart conditions can affect the ability to maintain an erection.

These are a few conditions that may cause ED:
  • Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
  • High blood pressures
  • Kidney disease
  • Issues with heart or blood vessels
  • Obesity
  • Alcoholism
  • Depression or stress
  • Traumatic injury
  • Cancer-related treatments

Conditions that negatively affect health can potentially reduce the ability to develop and maintain erections. Certain medications can also cause impotence.

Medications that Cause Erectile Dysfunction

There are a few commonly used medications that can be the culprit behind erectile dysfunction:

  1. Diuretics: These pills help increase urine flow. They also remove water from your bloodstream, reducing blood pressure by removing the liquid in your veins. The reduction in blood pressure can make it difficult to get an erection.
  2. Antihypertensives: these drugs treat hypertension (high blood pressure). They reduce blood pressure, which may cause impotence.
  3. Antihistamines: these drugs reduce symptoms from allergies. When we breathe in pollen (or other allergy-inducing substances), our body creates histamines. Antihistamines block histamines and the symptoms they produce.
  4. Antidepressants: antidepressants have various sexual side effects such as decreased libido, inability to orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

As mentioned, ED may be a symptom of a different underlying issue. It is essential first to figure out if a heart condition or something more serious may be causing impotence.

A treatment will be prescribed once a doctor has determined the cause of ED.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

The two most commonly used drugs for treating ED are tadalafil and sildenafilTadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis, while sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra.

The patents for both drugs expired in 2017 and 2013, respectively, making way for generic options at a more affordable price. Generic products are just as effective because they use the same active ingredients as the branded products.

These drugs are very similar. Both relax the muscles in the penis to increase blood flow allowing the user to develop an erection that is firm enough for sex.

Tadalafil and sildenafil do have a few differences:
  1. Tadalafil takes 20-30 minutes to begin working, while sildenafil takes 30-60 minutes.
  2. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, while sildenafil lasts 4-6 hours. This is not the length of time an erection is present but rather the length of time an erection can occur following sexual stimulation.
  3. Tadalafil requires a prescription, while sildenafil is available over the counter at 50 mg.

Both drugs have similar side effects and similar success rates. Though tadalafil may look to be a better drug, preference is up to the individual and their personal experiences with each product.

ED Dosage Forms

Capsules

Tadalafil or sildenafil can be compounded into a capsule containing the exact dosage needed.

These capsules are swallowed orally and are usually available on demand from our pharmacy.

Troches

These are small tablets compounded to contain the exact dosage of the active ingredient needed. Their size and consistency are comparable to cough drops.

Troches can also be made in smaller sizes. They are designed to dissolve in the mouth.

Injections

Penile injections are also a method of treating erectile dysfunction. Drugs such as Bimix, Trimix, and Quadmix are compounded into an injection that goes directly into the penis.

This produces an erection within 5-10 minutes of the injection. No sexual stimulation is necessary for the erection to occur.

Pharmacies Role in Treating Erectile Dysfunction

The first step in seeking treatment for ED is always to see a doctor. Doctors will ensure that something more serious isn’t affecting the ability to produce an erection.

From there, the doctor will hand a prescription to our pharmacy. Our role is to work with the doctor to provide a more affordable and appropriate dose.

Our pharmacists consult with clients and providers to create the best path to treating ED.

Reach Out to ClearSpring Pharmacy for ED Treatment

We’re here to help! We offer ED medications at an affordable price. We carry the generic forms of Viagra and Cialis, which include the active ingredients tadalafil and sildenafil.

We are able to compound the medication into preferred forms and dosage sizes.

We have strong relationships with prescribers in the area and are able to recommend doctors to our clients.

Please call our Littleton or Denver location for any questions! You can also fill out our form, and we will respond soon.

You can also text our lines directly:
Littleton: 303-707-1500
Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010

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