James L. Gross, D.O.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED, is the medical term for impotence. It is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.

At what age does Erectile Dysfunction (ED) start affecting men?

Erectile Dysfunction can occur and affect men of any age. One study has shown a prevalence of ED of approximately 40 percent in 40-year-old men and approximately 70 percent of 70-year-old men.

How many men have Erectile Dysfunction?

About 30 million men in the United States suffer from some degree of Erectile Dysfunction (that’s one in 10 men worldwide), including about half of all men aged 40 to 65 years. After 65, the rate of ED jumps to 65%. Regardless of age, half of all men with diabetes have Erectile Dysfunction. Smokers have a higher likelihood than non smokers of experiencing ED.

What factors are likely to cause erectile Erectile Dysfunction?

Disease conditions that are associated with ED are diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and neurological diseases. A variety of operations may be associated with ED and and a variety of operations. Operations that are associated include prostate cancer surgery, some rectal surgery, and some neurosurgery or lower spine operations. Radiation treatment for prostate cancer is also a factor.

Medications may cause erectile dysfunction. Trauma may also cause erectile dysfunction. Fractured pelvis or other injuries in the vicinity of the genitalia may be associated. Smoking is a major associated cause of erectile dysfunction, and smoking also may. It certainly can make worsen the vascular disease caused by diabetes, atherosclerosis or high blood pressure. Often times, however, ED occurs for no apparent reason.

Is Erectile Dysfunction a normal part of aging?

No. ED doesn’t have to be a part of getting older. Although approximately 70 percent of 70-year-old men have ED, they should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.

Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Prevented?

For people who are at risk of developing ED due to personal behavior, such as drinking too much alcohol and smoking, steps may be taken to prevent its occurrence. However, other causes of ED may not be preventable.

What is sildenafil, exactly?

Sildenafil (sildenafil citrate) was the first treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in tablet form to enter the market. It is a medication you take only when you want to have sex. Sildenafil can help many men who have erectile dysfunction get and keep an erection when they become sexually stimulated.

How does sildenafil work?

Sildenafil enables many men with erectile dysfunction to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man without ED is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis.

With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection. However, if the nerves or blood vessels associated with this process aren’t working properly, a man may not be able to get and keep an erection. Sildenafil increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually aroused, his penis can become erect. When the sexual encounter is over, the erection goes away.

Does the sildenafil from www.sildenafil.com work the same way that Viagra® does?

The sildenafil that you obtain from genericsildenafil.com is the generic equivalent to Viagra® and therefore it is will work identically to brand name Viagra®.

How well does sildenafil work?

Sildenafil improves erections in up to 4 of 5 men compared with 1 out of 4 who took placebos (sugar pills). It has been proven effective in many clinical trials and over years of use.

Will sildenafil work as soon as I take it?

Sildenafil is ready to work in your body in as little as 30 minutes and stays ready to work for up to 4 hours.

Does Sildenafil automatically cause an erection?

No. With sildenafil, you must be sexually aroused to get an erection. If you take sildenafil and are not sexually stimulated, nothing will happen – you won’t get an erection just by taking the pill. Sildenafil is not a hormone. It is not an aphrodisiac. It’s a prescription medication that can improve the erectile function of most men with Erectile Dysfunction, whether mild, moderate or severe.

How often can I take sildenafil?

For most patients, sildenafil can be taken once a day as needed.

Can I cut my pills in half?

Certainly, although a pill cutter obtained from your pharmacy is recommended for this use.

Who should not take Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is only for patients with erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is not for newborns, children, or women. Do not let anyone else take your sildenafil. If you’re a man who uses nitrate drugs, like nitroglycerin, never take sildenafil. The combination of sildenafil and nitrates can make your blood pressure suddenly drop to unsafe levels. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke. Nitrates are found in many prescription medications that are used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as:

• Nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved in the mouth)
• Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (tablets that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved in the mouth)

Can I take sildenafil after eating?

Yes, but taking sildenafil after a high-fat meal (such as a cheeseburger and French fries) may cause the medication to take a little longer to start working.

What are the side effects of sildenafil?

Like all medications, sildenafil can cause some side effects. These are usually mild and don’t last longer than a few hours. The most common side effects are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Sildenafil may also briefly cause bluish or blurred vision or sensitivity to light. In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help.

Will sildenafil give me an erection for hours?

Sildenafil works by helping you get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Once a man takes sildenafil and has sex, his erection will go away after intercourse, just like it would normally. Sildenafil takes about 30 minutes before it’s ready to work, and remains ready to work for about 4 hours after that. Take your time and go at your own pace. In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, see your doctor.

What if I haven’t had sex in a while?

Patients who are in poor cardiovascular health should talk to their doctor before engaging in any strenuous activity. If you are not sure of your cardiovascular health, talk to your doctor.

Are there any contraindications?

Yes. The only contraindication is the use of nitrates (sublingual nitroglycerine, long-acting nitrates, nitrate pastes). Several patients have fainted while using nitrates and sildenafil because of the drop in blood pressure. What about any interactions with other medications?

There have been no interactions with other medications including diabetic medications, blood thinners, antacids, aspirin or alcohol. What happens if I don’t use it in an hour?

The beneficial effect can be seen as late as 8 hours. Most of the effectiveness is within the first 4 hours, however.

In what percentage of men is sildenafil effective?

Overall the pill was successful in 70% of patients. Diabetic men and men who have had radical prostate or bladder surgery have a lower success rate.