When does erectile dysfunction occur?

Erectile Dysfunction is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. People of all ages experience erectile dysfunction and it is certainly not something that you need to learn to live with. There are plenty of options out there to help make ED a thing of the past. The quicker you get it sorted, the quicker you can get back to feeling like you.

We can save you a trip to the GP, you can book a private consultation for erectile dysfunction support at our pharmacy. Many mediations and non-medical solutions to ED can be prescribed by one of our accredited pharmacists. You can have a private consultation at our pharmacy at a time that suits you, and you can walk away with the treatment you need there and then.

This condition is often hard to measure as men are less likely than women to talk about physical conditions as they find it uncomfortable. Erectile dysfunction may be as a result of psychological or physical reasons but either way this condition is distressing. It could lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem or depression, as well as relationship problems.

Physical reasons for erectile dysfunction could include the following:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Nerve damage (which is common in men with diabetes)
• Brain and spinal injuries
• Smoking
• Fatigue
• Excessive intake of alcohol
• High cholesterol which narrows the blood vessels

Psychological reasons for erectile dysfunction could include:

• Stress
• Relationship problems
• Depression
• Existing values and attitudes to sex
• Anxiety
• Intimacy problems
• Guilt

Treating erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is treatable at any age and awareness of this fact has been growing. More men have been seeking help and returning to normal sexual activity because of improved, successful treatments.

But first off you have to recognise there is a problem and then talk to your health care professional about treatment solutions. Treatments, especially oral medication, can help relax the blood vessels which then allow the penis to become filled with blood resulting in an erection.

Treatments can include:

• Vacuum treatment (a physical device to be used prior to sexual intercourse)
• Counselling to help identify psychological reasons – it is also a good idea to involve your partner
• Hormone treatment
• Oral treatments like Sildenafil (Viagra),Tadalafil (Cialis) or Vardenafil (Levitra).

Although there are treatments for erectile dysfunction, it is also a good idea to look at making changes to your lifestyle. Ask your community pharmacist about ways to cut down on alcohol, to stop smoking and to reduce stress.