Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (also known as ED) is defined as the inability to gain and maintain an erection hard enough for sex. It is a common condition and most men experience symptoms of ED at some point in their lives. If you experience difficulties with your erections more than once in every five attempts, you may be suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Although men of all ages can experience these symptoms, your risk of ED increases with age. This condition is believed to affect 30% – 50% of men between 40 and 70 and almost 70% of all men over the age of 70.

In a recent study, 49.6% of Irish men who were asked whether they had ever experienced a form of sexual dysfunction which lasted for more than one month responded with “yes”. The survey took all forms of male sexual dysfunction into account, including premature ejaculation and low libido.

The most common medication for treating erectile dysfunction is a type of pill called ‘PDE-5 inhibitors’, the most well-known of these is Viagra. 

These medications don’t work for everyone but they are easy to use and work for around 60% of the people that try them. They do this by increasing the amount of blood in the penis. 

The PDE5-inhibitors available in Ireland are:

• Viagra (active ingredient – sildenafil) – The oldest and best known PDE-5 inhibitor. You can also buy Sildenafil as a generic.
• Cialis (active ingredient – tadalafil) – Another well-known pill, this is the longest lasting PDE-5 inhibitor. Its effects last up to 36h.
• Levitra (active ingredient – vardenafil) – Works in a similar way as Viagra. It has shown good results with men with diabetes.
• Spedra (active ingredient – avanafil) – The newest medication on the market. It’s the fastest acting medication on this list, acting in as fast as 15 minutes for some cases.

If you have regular trouble getting or maintaining an erection then you might have Erectile Dysfunction.

If you visit a doctor, they’ll start by asking you for your medical and sexual history. This will help your doctor to better understand your situation, and also see if there’s another condition you have, or medication you’re taking, that could be causing erectile dysfunction.

The doctor may check your penis and testicles to make sure they look as they should and their nerves are working as expected. They may also check for signs of hormonal imbalances.

Based on your physical exam, they may also order some tests to check for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or low levels of testosterone.

Your doctor may then prescribe a treatment depending on the findings. From medication to lifestyle changes, there are many treatment options available that can be right for you.

As we mentioned before, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by a number of different factors. Physical causes, such as diabetes and heart disease, can cause ED which is more common for older men. However, psychological causes are the most common culprit behind this condition in men under 50.

Other causes of erectile dysfunction include excessive drinking, cycling too much, and smoking.

"Does erectile dysfunction only affect older people?"

The probability of having erectile dysfunction increases with age, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of young men with the condition as well.

"Does failing to get an erection once mean you have ED?"

Lots of times these issues can be temporary and caused by tiredness or excessive alcohol. But if you notice this issue persists for over a few months you should definitely visit a doctor.

"Are all erectile dysfunction drugs the same?"

Although all the ones we mentioned are PDE5-inhibitors and work in a similar way, the way your body reacts to them is different. Each drug can help you achieve an erection in a different amount of time. Some take longer to act but also have longer lasting effects. The one that is right for you will depend on your needs.

"Can increasing my testosterone levels cure my erectile dysfunction?"

If you’re being tested for ED, it’s normal to check your testosterone levels. If these are low they might be one of the factors causing your erectile dysfunction. But even if your testosterone levels show some sort of deficit, treating them might not be enough to resolve the issue.

You can order a prescription for any of the 4 PDE-5 inhibitors available in Ireland through Superdrug Online Doctor.

What you need to do is fill out a short questionnaire about your health and lifestyle. If you’re not sure of which medication to order you can also choose the ‘Ask a Doctor to Recommend a Medicine’ option at the top of this page.

After you’ve ordered and paid for your prescription, one of our doctors will review your order and approve it if it's right for you. If our doctors do not think it would be safe or appropriate to prescribe medication to you, you will be issued with a full refund straight away.

After a prescription has been filled, it will be sent digitally to your local pharmacy of choice.

Taking erectile dysfunction can help you enjoy sex and combat symptoms of ED, but it won’t take care of the underlying causes.

Some changes might not apply to you, but here are a few lifestyle changes that you may be able to benefit from:

• Losing weight – if you are overweight then losing weight may improve your general health and sexual function.
• Cutting alcohol – alcohol consumption is known to cause erectile dysfunction, especially if you drink on a regular basis, or in excess.
• Quitting smoking – smoking increases the risk of ED and is a common cause of cardiovascular issues and ED.
• Reducing Stress – in otherwise healthy men, stress is a very common cause of erectile dysfunction. Reducing stress and getting enough sleep makes a big impact on your sex life.
• Exercising – regular exercise reduces stress and helps maintain weight and cardiovascular health, helping to prevent erectile dysfunction.
• Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol –  if you think that your ED could be caused by an underlying condition such as high cholesterol levels, you should see a doctor for further tests. You should also attend any regular health check-ups you are offered