Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)
Is considered the most significant prescription treatment of erectile dysfunction today. Of course,
it is not the treatment for all the diseases, and it is not good for everybody, but it is a big step forward.
How it works: The main principle of Viagra is improving the blood flow into the penis. It starts working less than in an hour, but
reaches maximum effects in 60 min. It helps in 705 of cases, and men are able to improve the erection, and three out of ten men are
able to sustain erection through the completion of intercourse.
Side effects: The most important side effect is life-threatening, low blood pressure when men take nitrate medicines alongside.
These medicines include nitroglycerin, isosorbide. Men having high blood pressure or heart diseases should first consult the doctor
and then Viagra drug can be taken. Among some other side effects we observe headaches, upset stomach and vision problems. Besides,
though in a few cases, we see the problem of prolonged erection, or priapism.
Yohimbine.
But Viagra was not the first drug prescribed for impotence. It is known, that Yohimbine was prior to it. Doctors say
that this drug is rather effective in treating erectile dysfunction. There are some other names for this medication, like Yocon,
Yohimex, Yohimbine Hydrochloride or Aphrodyne. This drug is made of the extract of the bark of a West African tree. It also should
be mentioned, that yohimbine is among a class of pre-1938 remedies that are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
for use in humans.
How it works: It is noticeable that even in low doses Yohimbine increases both heart rate and blood pressure. It fills the vessels
in the genitals and raises levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which stimulates areas controlling sexual response in the
brain.
Side Effects: Among side effects we observe dizziness, headache, insomnia and nervousness. Men should also remember that large
doses can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
According to the words of those who have tried different medications, some other drugs for impotence are also rather effective.
Such as: dopamine and serotonin agonists, and trazodone. But we should say that there were no scientific researches held to prove
their effectiveness There are other promising pill forms of treatment scheduled for review by the FDA, including:
Uprima
These tablets of apomorphine HCI are designed to work in about half the time of Viagra®. As pill, this tablet is placed under the
tongue and absorbed through the lining of the mouth, thus stimulating the release of the brain-chemical dopamine. In its turn, it
gives the signal and floods penis with blood less than in 15min. Among side effects, there can be nausea, unexpected drop in blood
pressure which leads to loss of consciousness
Vardenafil
this kind of drugs for impotence is related to Viagra in chemical way. Scientists say that it improves the erection in about 80% of
cases and, what is more, it helps the men to finish sexual intercourse with ejaculation.
Yohimbe. This kind of medication contains yohimbine, a very active ingredient. But doctors say that in some cases it is potentially
dangerous because of side effects, like paralysis, fatigue, stomach disorders, even death.
What is more, scientists say that no serious tests and studies were made to define if these treatments are really helpful and
pretty safe. But despite this fact, they are coming into the markets and people do not know everything about them, which leads to
unexpected consequences. Also, doctors say that it is not true when in the instructions you read that this or that drug is ‘all
natural’ or ‘herbal’, because there are no such drugs yet which can be completely natural or herbal.
Injection.
Prior to introducing Viagra into the market, people used the injection of medicines as the main form of treating the impotence. It
was rather effective and helped in about 90% of cases of impotence. Thus, it is used nowadays too by those men who do not respond to Viagra.
How it works: Usually, it is used by injecting the side or base of penis with the help of fine needle. In this way these drugs
signal the blood flow into the penis. At first, doctors help the men to do it and then they try to make injections themselves and do
not need to go anywhere to take the medication.
Doctors say that if men have troubles with taking medication orally, they find injection treatment rather bearable.
Alprostadil is a synthetic version of the hormone prostaglandin E used in most injection treatment. The medication relaxes smooth
muscle tissue in the penis to improve blood flow. Erection takes place within five to 20 minutes and can last up to an hour.
Among Side Effects we observe minimal pain, some bleeding, scarring and the risk of prolonged erection (priapism).
Suppositories.
These suppositories have the drug alprostadil as an ingredient and they are called MUSE 9the medicated urethral system for
erection). They are usually inserted about two inches into the urethra, the opening of the penis. Sometimes to sustain erection men
need a rubber band placed around the base of the penis. This kind of treatment is effective in about two thirds of cases of
impotence.
Side effects: Minor bleeding, dizziness and formation of fibrous tissue. For some, the insertion can be uncomfortable or painful.
Vacuum Devices
How It Works: A plastic tube is placed over the penis and the vacuum in it created by a hand pump.
Once blood has entered the penis, a tension band is slipped around the base of the penis to trap the blood. When sexual
intercourse is about to take place, this apparatus is removed. When it is over, the effect is also over.
Downside: Time-consuming and might interfere with the mood.
Surgery
Usually, this kind of treatment for impotence is suggested when other medications did not help. This treatment is rather expensive
and is the main one among surgical options.
How It Works: Inflatable devices or semi-rigid rods made of silicone or polyurethane are surgically inserted into the penis. If an
inflatable device is used, a pump is placed in the scrotum to inflate the splints long enough for intercourse to take place.
Erections can occur as often and for as long as desired.
Side Effects: Pain from the rods rubbing inside penis. Also, there is a small risk of infection, but not more as in any other
surgery.
Besides this one, there are also some other kinds of surgical treatments. But they are rather rarely used. They are venous outflow
surgery and bypass surgery. The first one is used to repair leaky veins in the penis that prevent sustaining the erection. The next
one is claimed to clear blocked penile arteries.
The second procedure is also called revascularization and it is usually used in young men with blocked arteries as a result of
traumatic injuries to the crotch area or a fractured pelvis. An artery is taken from a leg and then surgically connected to the
arteries at the back of the penis, circumventing the blockages and restoring blood flow.
Side effects: Sometimes the procedure may have to be repeated.
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Sexual Disfunction
