Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence or ED) is a very common condition, which affects the majority of men at some point in their lives. Up to 50% of men aged 40 - 70 and up to 70% of men over the age of 70 suffer from erectile dysfunction to some extent. There are several treatment options, which are currently licensed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the Ireland. Modern treatments are safe, affordable and effective and can help up to 80% of men with erectile dysfunction.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

There are many causes of erectile dysfunction and the process of achieving an erection is complicated. These causes can be either physical or mental.

Physical factors may include:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Alcohol
Cycling for long periods
Kidney, liver or thyroid disease
Some medications
Low testosterone (male sex hormone)
High prolactin
 

Mental factors may include:
depression
anxiety
stress
 

Although one or two small drinks can relax a man before sex, too much alcohol over a long period of time can damage the nerves leading in the penis which can cause ED; getting drunk can cause “Brewer’s droop”.

Although there are many causes for erectile dysfunction the primary cause for over 70% of men is usually a narrowing of the arteries in the penis (which may be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking as well as other risk factors). Once a man has had a problem with trying to get or maintain an erection during sex he will be very nervous the next time he tries to have sex. This can lead to anxiety and a “fear of failure”. Drugs for ED, as discussed below, can help a man regain his confidence and after a few successful sexual encounters some men may be able to manage to have sex without these ED drugs.

What are the available treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction?
There are many effective treatments for erectile dysfunction including Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadafil), Levitra (Vardenafil) and Spedra (avanafil).

Spedra for ED

What is Spedra (Avanafil)?
Spedra is the latest mediciation approved for the tratment of erectile dysfunction. Spedra contains the active ingredient avanafil. Spedra is a treatment for adult men suffering from erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence). This is when you cannot get, or keep a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity. For Spedra to be effective, sexual stimulation is required.

How does Spedra work?
Spedra works by helping the blood vessels in your penis to relax. This increases the blood flow into your penis, helping it stay hard and erect when you get sexually excited. Spedra does not cure your condition.

It is important to note that Spedra only works if you are sexually stimulated. You and your partner will still need to use foreplay to get ready for sex – just as you would if you were not taking a medicine to help you. It is best to discuss taking these tablets with your partner. Be open and honest. Otherwise your partner may worry you do not find her attractive any more or, worse still, might wonder if you are having an affair. Spedra will not help you if you do not have erectile dysfunction. Spedra is not for women. Spedra will not directly help with loss of libido (sex drive) but it may restore a man’s confidence and his enjoyment and desire to have sex.

Spedra starts to work in around 30 minutes and in some men it may work as quickly as 15 minutes. It is best taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before you plan to have sex. Mens natural testosterone (male sex hormone) is usually highest in the mornings and this is why men sometimes wake up in the morning with an erection. Therefore the morning, after good nights sleep, is probably the best time to have sex. Spedra will stay active in the system for up to six hours after taking one tablet. The normal starting dose is 100mg but the effective dose can vary from 50mg to 200mg per dose. Only one dose should be taken per day.

Are they any possible side effects?
Side effects are rare but can include nausea, dizziness, headache, stuffed nose, flushing, visual and hearing abnormalities. Priapism is a very rare side effect that causes an erection that will not go away after sex. If you have any suspected side effects, please discuss it with one of the doctors or nurses in The Ashe Street Clinic.

Spedra should not be taken if you have severe kidney or liver disease, unstable angina or very high or low blood pressure. It should not be taken if you are taking nitrates which can be found in some angina and heart tablets, sprays or patches. Spedra should not be taken if you are on potent CYP3A4 inhibitors; e.g. tablets containing ketocanazole (e.g. Nizoral), clarithromycin (e.g. Klacid), or itraconazole (e.g. Sporanox ).

How do I get more information?

Please make an appointment to talk to one of the doctors in The Ashe Street Clinic. Please try to overcome any embarrassments and talk to one of our doctors. We discuss this and other sexual problems with patients on a daily basis. There is nothing we have not heard before. Phone 066 7125611 for an appointment.

Confidentiality is assured at all times.