While it’s most common in older men, men of all ages can struggle with getting an erection or keeping one long enough for sexual activity.Occasional problems are perfectly normal since several different factors can impact sexual function. This includes drinking alcohol, taking illicit substances, or being under a lot of stress. However, if it’s happening on a more regular basis, you might be suffering from erectile dysfunction.   

Erectile Dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where a man or person with a penis struggles to get and keep an erection that allows for sexual activity. Someone who only occasionally struggles with erections is unlikely to be suffering from ED. Instead, it’s more likely to be ED if it’s occurring on a regular basis or seems to be progressively getting worse.

While periodic erection problems are a nuisance, ED can cause a lot of stress, emotional distress, and lead to relationship and self-esteem issues. It can also make it difficult to conceive if you and your partner are trying for children. 

If you are routinely unable to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sex, you should speak to your GP to rule out any underlying conditions. Don’t put off seeking medical help because of embarrassment or nervousness. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual problems among men and depending on its cause, it can be easily treated. 

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction is usually caued by a combination of physical and psychological factors because your entire body plays a part in your sexual function. When you become aroused, your brain, nervous system, blood vessels, hormones, emotions, and muscles all play a part. If even one of these systems aren’t working properly, you might find it difficult to get an erection.

Physical factors can include:

•  High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Cardiac disease
• Obesity
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Low testosterone
• Peyronie’s disease
• Sleeping disorders
• Injuries to the pelvic region, spinal cord, or nervous system
• Age

Because your brain is involved with sexual function, mental health disorers or other problems with your mood can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Common psychological causes of ED are:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Problems in your relationship
• Performance anxiety
• Stress
• Low-self confidence or self-esteem

Certain lifestyle factors can also lead to erectile dysfunction. In many cases, adopting healthier habits or changing your lifestyle can greatly improve your performance in the bedroom. Lifestyle factors linked to ED include:

• Drug use
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol, especially to excess
• A poor diet
• Lack of exercise
  
  Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of some medications and treatments, especially those used for cancer. If you are worried your medications or medical treatments are causing erectile dysfunction, speak to your doctor about any potential adjustments they may be able to make. You should never make any changes to your treatment or medications yourself without getting medical advice. 

Preventing ED

Even if you have an underlying condition that’s causing ED, making positive changes to your lifestyle can help make a big difference in sexual function. In addition to effectively managing any health conditions, you should:

• Cut back on alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Avoid drugs
• Eat a balanced diet with fatty meals only eaten in moderation
• Exercise as much as you are able
• Get medical screenings from your pharmacist or GP surgery
• Find ways to reduce stress
• Seek out help for any relationship or mental health concerns
  
  Sometimes improving your lifestyle and correctly managing conditions like diabetes isn’t enough to prevent ED. If you are doing everything right but still struggle with erections, there are proven erectile dysfunction medications that can help.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment 

Whatever the cause of ED, the physiology of the condition is often the same. When you aren’t able to get an erection, you aren’t getting enough blood flow to the penis. If you can get an erection but can’t keep it, your penis isn’t able to trap the blood that flows to it. 

Erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra and Sildenafil are called PDE5 inhibitors and work by improving blood flow to the penis. They also help with keeping an erection long enough for sexual activity. Studies have shown that men taking ED medications have improved erections that are firmer and longer lasting. 

For them to be effective, you will need to be sexually stimulated or aroused. You should take your dose around an hour before you anticipate having sex. Once it starts to work, the medication should last for a few hours, meaning you could potentially have multiple erections from just one dose.

Potential Side Effects 

Some men may experience mild side effects when taking ED medication, however they should be short-term and eventually go away. Serious side effects are very rare. 

Common side effects can include: 

• Skin and facial flushing
• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Dizziness
• Stuffy nose
• Back pain
  
  If you start having serious side effects like vision loss, chest pain, or a rapid loss in blood pressure, stop any sexyal activity and seek medical help as soon as possible.

Viagra for Men

Viagra is the most well-established and recogniseable ED medication on the market. It’s the brand name for the generic ED treatment called sildenafil and is only available on prescriptions from a doctor or pharmacist.

Viagra and Sildenafil are available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths. Many men are started off with a 50mg dose before increasing their dosage as needed. 

Viagra Connect 

Viagra Connect is a new option for men who would rather get their ED medication over the counter. It has the same active ingredient as Viagra, sildenafil, but Viagra Connect doesn’t need a prescription. 

Viagra Connect is only available in 50mg doses, but for many men this is a high enough dose to successfully treat erectile dysfunction.

Buying Viagra Online with Delivery 

You can buy Viagra Connect and Viagra online cheap in the UK from Pharmacy Planet. Simply complete a short assessment and our pharmacists will post your ED medications swiftly and discreetly to your doorstep.