online pharmacy
How To Treat Erectile Dysfunction
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), often referred to as impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection for sexual intercourse. It is believed that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 are affected to some degree, though younger men can also experience the symptoms from time to time.
ED is highly treatable and the first step is to speak to a medical professional who can advise you on potential solutions, of which medication is the one for you.
What Causes ED?
When a man is aroused, the brain sends signals to the blood vessels in the penis, relaxing the arteries and allowing blood to flow in. The veins then close to trap the blood, causing the penis to expand and harden. If this process is interrupted, either physically or psychologically, ED can occur.
Physical factors which cause ED can include: weight problems, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. In turn, psychological causes may include: relationship problems, stress or depression.
Often men suffering with Erectile Dysfunction get stuck in a spiral of fear of failure. If symptoms are driven by psychological issues, knowing they are physically able to respond to their partner can greatly improve any negative feelings they may have towards sex. ED treatments can provide the necessary kick-start to get everything going again and as such can be transformative.
So How Does The Service Work?
For men who are reluctant to visit their GP to discuss intimate issues, the emergence of legitimate online doctor and pharmacy services have provided a quick, easy and discreet way of managing embarrassing conditions. But how, exactly does it work?
We’ve kept things as simple as possible.
1. Select your Treatment - Complete the online questionnaire, or provide your own doctor's prescription
and go straight to
step 3.
2. Doctors' Review - Our GMC registered doctors assess your responses and issue a private
prescription,
as appropriate
3. Express Delivery - Your medication is sent discreetly from our Oxfordshire Pharmacy to your
chosen address
What You Will Be Asked?
In order to prescribe the right medication we need to collect certain information. As such we have made the medical questionnaire as comprehensive as possible. Questions asked will relate to your age, weight and height and details about the nature of your condition and relevant medical history. Our doctors will usually require a recent (last 12 months) Blood Pressure reading. This can be done at most community pharmacies or GP surgery reception areas. You can also get your blood pressure tested at many gyms.
If you are unsure about any of the questions, please feel free to get in touch with us on 01295 262 925 and one of our colleagues will be more than happy to assist.
What Treatments Are Available?
There are a number of medications you can take to treat ED: Viagra (also sold in its generic, much cheaper form Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil) and Spedra (Avanafil). These are all prescription only medicines. Viagra and Levitra typically take 60 minutes before they work, and the effects may last up to eight hours. Cialis usually takes 30 minutes to work and can last up to 36 hours. Spedra is fast acting and takes 15 minutes to work. The effects last up to 5 hours. You should only take one pill in any 24-hour period.
Many men know about the pills they can take, but there are also other options including a cream (Vitaros), which can be applied directly to the hole (known medically as the urinary meatus), little pellets also inserted into the urethra (Muse) and injections (Caverject or Viridal) which are administered directly to the penis by way of injection into the muscle. These options may sound less appealing but they can often be extremely effective.
How Do I Know If Your Site Is Legitimate?
As a genuine online pharmacy we carry the logos of the official regulatory bodies governing the industry.
These are:
• The GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council)
• The MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
• The CQC (Care Quality Commission)
Prescription only medicine
By its very definition, prescription only medicine must be prescribed by an appropriate medical practitioner. In prescribing such medication, the practitioner carries out an assessment to ensure it is clinically suitable, safe and effective, with as little risk to the patient’s health as possible. Attempting to circumvent the protection in place for such medication is not only illegal, it can put a patient’s health at risk.
Addressing Underlying Health Problems
Medication can prove very effective in treating the symptoms of ED, however, if you are concerned that the condition may be the result of an underlying health problem, we can help you to identify the root cause.
Identifying and correcting low testosterone levels for example can help to resolve the issue, as can treatment for depression.
Addressing some of the lifestyle factors which might be causing your erectile dysfunction, can be an excellent place to start. Smoking and poor diet can increase circulation problems, a key physical factor in ED. Regular exercise will help, as will a balanced diet. Try to reduce the amount of red meat you eat and increase your intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish.
Tests you might want to consider
Oxford Online Pharmacy provides access to various tests which can help you to get a better understanding
of your
overall health. This could help with identifying the underlying causes of your ED. Examples
include:
• Blood and urine tests to check for signs of diabetes or other health conditions
• Blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone
For more information click on the link: https://www.oxfordonlinepharmacy.co.uk/self-testing-kits
FAQ
Sildenafil (Viagra) was originally designed as an anti-angina medication, due to the fact that it opens up the arteries and increases blood flow to the heart. During tests, researchers noticed that the medication also increased blood flow to other parts of the body, including the penis.
No, there are a number of medications you can take: Viagra (also sold in its generic, much cheaper form Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil) and Spedra (Avanafil). These are all prescription only medicines.
The primary difference between the medications is the onset and duration of the effects. Although they all belong to the same family of drugs, there may be subtle differences in their individual composition and in the patient’s reaction. Typically Sildenafil suits most people, however, it is useful to be aware of the other options should the user find that it does not suit them. Viagra and Levitra typically take 60 minutes before they work, and the effects may last up to eight hours. Cialis usually takes 30 minutes to work and can last up to 36 hours. Spedra is fast acting and takes 15 minutes to work. The effects last up to 5 hours. You should only take one pill in any 24-hour period.
To maximise efficacy it is important to ensure adequate arousal. It is highly unlikely that any of the medications listed will cause an erection satisfactory for penetration and intercourse without arousal. Also, prior to taking the medication, it is a good idea to avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Liaising with our pharmacist and ensuring all your medications are accurately listed can also help to ensure none of your pre-existing medications will cause an interaction with any ED medication you may be taking.
The pills require sexual stimulation in order for them to work properly. Without arousal it is unlikely an erection will occur.
Yes. ED medication can still be used in cases of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. However, certain heart conditions may preclude sexual intercourse. It is important that all conditions are disclosed during the consultation process.
There is research currently underway to better understand the effects of the drug on women but, at present, it is only licensed for use in men. Practically speaking, the medication also works to increase the blood flow to the clitoris in women, but it doesn't help to create desire or boost sexual arousal, which is often the key barrier with female sexual dysfunction.
The main side effects are a stuffy nose, hot flushes and headaches. Some men report a blue visual disturbance on taking the medication, specifically Sildenafil, but this often settles down relatively quickly. It is important to liaise with a healthcare professional should any symptoms be debilitating or prolonged. You can contact our pharmacist on 01295 262 925 during opening hours.
Many men know about the pills they can take, but there are also other options including a cream (Vitaros), which can be applied directly to the urinary meatus (hole), little pellets also inserted into the urethra (Muse) and injections (Caverject or Viridal) which can be administered directly to the penis.
ED medication does not boost your sex drive. However, if your symptoms are driven by stress or other psychological issues, knowing that you are physically able to respond to your partner can greatly improve any negative feelings you may have towards sex.
People who do not suffer from ED but who choose to routinely take ED medication for recreational purposes, can find themselves in a situation where they become dependent on the medication to get an erection, causing ED.
All patients are required to read the patient safety leaflet included with their medication. If you are experiencing side effects, stop taking the treatment and follow the instructions on the leaflet. You can also contact our Pharmacy Team on 01295 262925. As a matter of course, 14 days after receiving your new medication you will be contacted via email, by a member of our Pharmacy Team to check everything is in order.
There may be other treatment options available. Talk to your GP or pharmacist for more information.
Authored by Stuart Gale, on 13 September 2018. Reviewed by Robert Bradshaw, on 14 December 2018.
