I am looking at various treatment options for male impotence and erectile dysfunction. I came across the name Viagra and wanted some more specific information about it. Could you help me with that?

Viagra is the brand name for the generic prescription drug sildenafil citrate or sildenafil. Viagra sildenafil is also sold under the name Revatio and other brand names. Viagra sildenafil is used in the treatment of male impotence, erectile dysfunction, and PAH pulmonary arterial hypertension. Viagra sildenafil is in the same class of prescription drugs (PDE5 inhibitor) as Cialis and Levitra. Viagra sildenafil, being a small blue bill, has the nickname “the Blue Pill.” Viagra sildenafil is developed and marketed by Pfizer.

Viagra sildenafil works through the mechanism of inhibiting PDE5 (cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5). By this mechanism, Viagra sildenafil increases the mode of action of locally released nitric oxide NO to increase bloodflow in the penis upon stimulation. After taking Viagra sildenafil, a person will still requires physical sexual stimulation. Viagra sildenafil is metabolized by enzymes in the liver and excreted by both the kidney and liver. Viagra sildenafil is often prescribed for both men and women on antidepressants that can cause some degree of sexual dysfunction.

The most commonly reported side effects of Viagra sildenafil include nasal congestion, blurred vision, photosensitivity, headaches, and flushing. Some rare and serious side effects of Viagra sildenafil include heart attacks, stroke, and sudden deafness or hearing loss. The FDA put out a warning about Viagra sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors because of inadequate warnings about the potential sudden hearing loss. Viagra sildenafil should not be taken with nitrates for the risk of potentially fatal low blood pressure or by those who are not healthy enough for sexual activity.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is also known by its other names of ED and male impotence. Erectile dysfunction is described and includes conditions in which a person is unable to get or maintain an erection with the purpose of achieving sexual performance to a satisfactory level. Treatments and items for the purpose of male enhancement is in many ways for addressing issues of erectile dysfunction, ED, and male impotence.

The most specific causes of erectile dysfunction and male impotence are discussed later below. In general, there are different categories of causes for erectile dysfunction. One category is damage to the physical nervous and cardiovascular apparatus of the nerves and blood vessels needed for developing and maintaining an erection. Another category includes hormone problems. Another category of ED causes involve psychological and mind issues which can be demonstrated if erections are obtained in less conscious states such as sleep.

ED and erectile dysfunction are probably more common that is admitted to. It has been estimated by studies that about 10% of all men will experience some for of recurring problems with erections (as associated with erectile dysfunction, ED, and male impotence) during some time in their lifetime.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

These are some of the more common causes of erectile dysfunction or male impotence:

• drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs, nicotine in cigarettes, alcohol, heroin, and cocaine all can have negative and adverse effects on the male libido resulting in erectile dysfunction disorders of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or nerves as seen in diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis MS, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease resulting in erectile dysfunction
• disorders of hormone levels as seen in very low or very high levels of testosterone such as in pituitary gland tumors which can result in male impotence
• arterial or venous problems resulting in reduced blood flow to the penis which is essential for getting and maintaining an erection and thus resulting in erectile dysfunction
• psychological problems such as stress, depression, mental disorders, negative feelings, and performance anxiety which can be differentiated from physical erectile dysfunction problems if erections can be seen in states of reduced mental capacity such as while asleep
  damage of the nerves and blood vessels by surgery or radiation

Erectile dysfunction is also associated with higher age (with ED more common with men in their 60’s than those in the 40’s) and lifestyles that include alcohol use, drug use, cigarette smoking, and obesity. A thing is note is that a 2002 study found an association with frequent bicycling with ED erectile dysfunction attributed to continuous press applied on the penis by the bicycle seat.

What are some treatments for erectile dysfunction?

The appropriate treatment for erectile dysfunction depends entirely on the cause of the male impotence problem.

The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is some disturbance or problem with the blood flow into the penis. In these cases, the most common and effective treatment would be prescription medications. The most commonly used and prescribed drugs for erectile dysfunction are in the class of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases. These work by increasing the effects of nitrous oxide on the penile tissue to allow the penis to fill with blood and develop and maintain an erection. The most commonly prescribed brands of this type of prescription medication for treating erectile dysfunction and male impotence are Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Cialis (tadalafil).

In cases of erectile dysfunction where prescription drugs have failed to achieve the desired level of results, a specially designed external pump fitted to the penis may be used as a temporary treatment for male impotence. Along the same lines, one may undergo surgery to have an implant that is either rigid or inflatable for treating ED. Such surgeries for erectile dysfunction are very expensive and often irreversible.

Another cause for erectile dysfunction is hormonal levels such as low level of testosterone as seen in some medical conditions. In these cases, testosterone supplementation would be helpful. This is the one case of erectile dysfunction where the treatment works more than just on a temporary basis for enabling an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. With cases of testosterone supplementation, the changes may effect improvement in the underlying condition of male impotence and erectile dysfunction.

There are also some alternative medicine and therapies for erectile dysfunction including ginkgo, zinc, niacin, and ginseng root. These may help, but none of them have been officially recognized as a treatment for male impotence, ED, and erectile dysfunction by the FDA. Anecdotally, zinc will help with lower testosterone levels of those with a zinc deficiency such as those in hemodialysis patients.

In cases of erectile dysfunction where the suspected underlying condition is mental or psychological in nature, the proper course of treatment is counseling to help with any anxiety, stress, distress, or worries.

How do I get help for erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a deeply personal and potentially embarrassing problem, making it tough to discuss with friends and family. If you do feel comfortable and feel the person you would broach the subject with would be okay with it as well, you can ask some of your friends and family about their experiences and whether they have any recommendations. Another great source of information is the internet, where you can visit various information sites as well as sites for erectile dysfunction and male impotence treatments so you can make a better informed decision. You can check out our erectile dysfunction directory listings and check out your options.

Perhaps the best place to start to get information is with a medical doctor. Medical doctors will be most informed and best equipped to educate you about basic information and treatment options. During treatment phases of ED and male impotence, you will also want the doctor to monitor your progress. Once you have all the information about erectile dysfunction you can get and a medical doctor you feel comfortable partnering with, you can make the best informed decision for yourself regarding a treatment for ED.