Erection problems: Should I take medicine?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Erection problems: Should I take medicine?
Get the facts
Your options
- Take
medicine for erection problems.
- Don't take medicine. Try home treatment instead.
Key points to remember
- There are a number of treatments for
erection problems. But
medicines such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are
usually tried first because they work well and are easy to use. About 80 out of
100 men who use these medicines are able to have an erection and successfully
have intercourse, while 20 out of 100 are not.1
- These medicines may not be an option if you have
heart disease and need to take nitroglycerin or other medicines that contain
nitrates.
- If you and your partner feel
that sexual intercourse is an important part of your relationship, you may want
to try medicine. It's important to talk about your and your partner's sexual
preferences. Couples often assume that each of them knows what the other person
likes when it comes to sex. But sometimes they are wrong.
- You may be able to treat some erection problems on your own.
You can make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or drinking less
alcohol. Doing sensual exercises with your partner may also help.
FAQs
A man has
erection problems if he repeatedly can't get or keep
an erection that is firm enough for him to have sex. Erection problems are also
called erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Having an erection
problem doesn't mean a lack of interest in sex. And it's not the same as the
occasional problem of getting or keeping an erection that affects all men at
some time in their lives.
Erection problems can occur at any age.
But they are more common in older men, who often have other health problems.
Medicine can help both older and younger men.
Erection problems
may be caused by physical problems, such as injury to nerves or loss of
blood supply to the penis.
They can also be linked to other
health problems. These include
diabetes,
high blood pressure,
high cholesterol,
atherosclerosis,
multiple sclerosis, and
Parkinson's disease.
Anxiety,
stress, and
depression can also cause erection problems. So can
medicines you take for other health problems. Men who drink
too much alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs also are
at risk for erection problems.
The decision about
whether to treat an erection problem is often based on personal preference. It
may not be as easy as the decision about whether to treat other medical
problems. Erection problems aren't life-threatening. But they can affect how
you feel about yourself. They can make it hard to father a child, if that is
your wish. If you are trying to have a child, you should talk with your doctor
about how taking one of these medicines will affect your chances of conceiving.
Medicines can make treating an erection problem simple and easy.
But you should think carefully about whether you want to treat your erection
problem before you commit to trying one of these medicines.
Being
able to have an erection may not be as important to your relationship as you
think. Some men find that after they are able to have erections again, the
hassle of treatment isn't worth the effort. Other men find that being able to
have erections doesn't change their relationship as much as they thought it
would.
Pills called
phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, and
Levitra) are most commonly used for erection problems. These medicines work
well no matter what is causing the erection problem. About 80 out of 100 men
who use these medicines are able to have an erection and successfully have
intercourse, while 20 out of 100 are not.1
You shouldn't use these medicines if you are taking other medicines that
contain
nitrates. Talk with your doctor about whether
medicines for erection problems are safe if you:
You may be able to treat some erection problems on your
own. Try these tips:
If these things don't work for you, don't be embarrassed
to talk with your doctor about other things you might try.
Compare your options
| | | |
|---|
What is usually involved? |
| |
What are the benefits? |
| |
What are the risks and side effects? |
| |
Take medicine for
erection problems Take medicine for
erection problems - You take a pill at least an hour before you plan to have
sex.
- The pills are simple and easy to use.
- The pills work
well for about 80 out of 100 men who use them.1
- These medicines don't work well for about 20 out of 100 men who
use them.1
- Side effects aren't common but
can include headaches, flushed skin, an upset stomach, and a stuffy
nose.
- You shouldn't use these medicines if you are taking other
medicines that contain
nitrates.
- Talk with your doctor about whether these medicines are safe if
you:
- You may have to pay for these medicines yourself
if your health plan doesn't cover them.
Don't take medicine
Don't take medicine
- You avoid the cost and risks of medicines.
- If you are trying to have a baby, these methods may not help you.
- If your erection problem is caused by other medicines you're
taking, you may not be able to solve it with these methods.
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
A while back
it began getting more difficult for me to have erections. For my partner and
me, sex is a very important part of our relationship. We are not yet ready to
give this up. So we talked with our doctor. I tried one of these new
medications. I know it's a little expensive, but we are willing to spend the
money to be able to continue having sex.
When I began
to have a problem getting an erection, I was pretty upset. I went right to my
doctor, and he gave me a medication to try. It worked all right for me, but he
also suggested I talk about this with my wife. When we talked, I discovered she
was not all that concerned about having sex as long as I gave her lots of
loving attention. Finding other ways to say “I love you” has been important for
both of us.
My partner was having trouble getting an
erection. The doctor could find nothing physically wrong with him. The doctor
suggested we try counseling and that my partner take a medication that will
help him get an erection. Although we weren't sure we liked the idea of
counseling, my partner and I talked it over, and we went ahead and did both.
My partner and I discussed my problem of
getting an erection. We decided we just like being together. We discovered that
having sex is not as important to us as it once was.
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take medicine for erection problems
Reasons not to take medicine for erection problems
Being able to have intercourse is an important part of sex for me and my partner.
Intercourse is not an important part of sex for me and my partner.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm not worried about the side effects of medicines.
The side effects of medicines worry me.
More important
Equally important
More important
I've made lifestyle changes, and they haven't helped me with my erection problems.
I think making some lifestyle changes might help me with my erection problems.
More important
Equally important
More important
I don't mind taking pills.
I want to avoid taking pills if I can.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking medicine
NOT taking medicine
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
What else do you need to make your decision?
1.
Do medicines work well to treat erection problems?
2.
Can any man who is having an erection problem take these medicines?
3.
Can you treat some erection problems on your own?
1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Your summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology |
References
Citations
- Lue TF, Broderick GA (2007). Evaluation and
nonsurgical management of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. In AJ
Wein, ed., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 1, pp.
750–787. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Erection problems: Should I take medicine?
You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
- Take
medicine for erection problems.
- Don't take medicine. Try home treatment instead.
Key points to remember
- There are a number of treatments for
erection problems. But
medicines such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are
usually tried first because they work well and are easy to use. About 80 out of
100 men who use these medicines are able to have an erection and successfully
have intercourse, while 20 out of 100 are not.1
- These medicines may not be an option if you have
heart disease and need to take nitroglycerin or other medicines that contain
nitrates.
- If you and your partner feel
that sexual intercourse is an important part of your relationship, you may want
to try medicine. It's important to talk about your and your partner's sexual
preferences. Couples often assume that each of them knows what the other person
likes when it comes to sex. But sometimes they are wrong.
- You may be able to treat some erection problems on your own.
You can make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or drinking less
alcohol. Doing sensual exercises with your partner may also help.
FAQs
What is an erection problem?
A man has
erection problems if he repeatedly can't get or keep
an erection that is firm enough for him to have sex. Erection problems are also
called erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Having an erection
problem doesn't mean a lack of interest in sex. And it's not the same as the
occasional problem of getting or keeping an erection that affects all men at
some time in their lives.
Erection problems can occur at any age.
But they are more common in older men, who often have other health problems.
Medicine can help both older and younger men.
What causes an erection problem?
Erection problems
may be caused by physical problems, such as injury to nerves or loss of
blood supply to the penis.
They can also be linked to other
health problems. These include
diabetes,
high blood pressure,
high cholesterol,
atherosclerosis,
multiple sclerosis, and
Parkinson's disease.
Anxiety,
stress, and
depression can also cause erection problems. So can
medicines you take for other health problems. Men who drink
too much alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs also are
at risk for erection problems.
Why treat an erection problem?
The decision about
whether to treat an erection problem is often based on personal preference. It
may not be as easy as the decision about whether to treat other medical
problems. Erection problems aren't life-threatening. But they can affect how
you feel about yourself. They can make it hard to father a child, if that is
your wish. If you are trying to have a child, you should talk with your doctor
about how taking one of these medicines will affect your chances of conceiving.
Medicines can make treating an erection problem simple and easy.
But you should think carefully about whether you want to treat your erection
problem before you commit to trying one of these medicines.
Being
able to have an erection may not be as important to your relationship as you
think. Some men find that after they are able to have erections again, the
hassle of treatment isn't worth the effort. Other men find that being able to
have erections doesn't change their relationship as much as they thought it
would.
What do you need to know about these medicines?
Pills called
phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, and
Levitra) are most commonly used for erection problems. These medicines work
well no matter what is causing the erection problem. About 80 out of 100 men
who use these medicines are able to have an erection and successfully have
intercourse, while 20 out of 100 are not.1
You shouldn't use these medicines if you are taking other medicines that
contain
nitrates. Talk with your doctor about whether
medicines for erection problems are safe if you:
What if you don't use these medicines to treat an erection problem?
You may be able to treat some erection problems on your
own. Try these tips:
If these things don't work for you, don't be embarrassed
to talk with your doctor about other things you might try.
2. Compare your options
| | Take medicine for
erection problems | Don't take medicine
|
|---|
| What is usually involved? | - You take a pill at least an hour before you plan to have
sex.
| |
| What are the benefits? | - The pills are simple and easy to use.
- The pills work
well for about 80 out of 100 men who use them.1
| - You avoid the cost and risks of medicines.
|
| What are the risks and side effects? | - These medicines don't work well for about 20 out of 100 men who
use them.1
- Side effects aren't common but
can include headaches, flushed skin, an upset stomach, and a stuffy
nose.
- You shouldn't use these medicines if you are taking other
medicines that contain
nitrates.
- Talk with your doctor about whether these medicines are safe if
you:
- You may have to pay for these medicines yourself
if your health plan doesn't cover them.
| - If you are trying to have a baby, these methods may not help you.
- If your erection problem is caused by other medicines you're
taking, you may not be able to solve it with these methods.
|
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
Personal stories about taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"A while back it began getting more difficult for me to have erections. For my partner and me, sex is a very important part of our relationship. We are not yet ready to give this up. So we talked with our doctor. I tried one of these new medications. I know it's a little expensive, but we are willing to spend the money to be able to continue having sex."
"When I began to have a problem getting an erection, I was pretty upset. I went right to my doctor, and he gave me a medication to try. It worked all right for me, but he also suggested I talk about this with my wife. When we talked, I discovered she was not all that concerned about having sex as long as I gave her lots of loving attention. Finding other ways to say “I love you” has been important for both of us."
"My partner was having trouble getting an erection. The doctor could find nothing physically wrong with him. The doctor suggested we try counseling and that my partner take a medication that will help him get an erection. Although we weren't sure we liked the idea of counseling, my partner and I talked it over, and we went ahead and did both."
"My partner and I discussed my problem of getting an erection. We decided we just like being together. We discovered that having sex is not as important to us as it once was."
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take medicine for erection problems
Reasons not to take medicine for erection problems
Being able to have intercourse is an important part of sex for me and my partner.
Intercourse is not an important part of sex for me and my partner.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm not worried about the side effects of medicines.
The side effects of medicines worry me.
More important
Equally important
More important
I've made lifestyle changes, and they haven't helped me with my erection problems.
I think making some lifestyle changes might help me with my erection problems.
More important
Equally important
More important
I don't mind taking pills.
I want to avoid taking pills if I can.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking medicine
NOT taking medicine
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
Do medicines work well to treat erection problems?
You're right. Medicines work well and are easy to use. About 80 out of 100 men who use them are able to have an erection and successfully have intercourse, while 20 out of 100 are not.
2.
Can any man who is having an erection problem take these medicines?
You're right. These medicines may not be an option if you have heart disease and need to take nitroglycerin or other medicines that contain nitrates.
3.
Can you treat some erection problems on your own?
You're right. To treat erection problems, you can make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or reducing alcohol. Doing sensual exercises with your partner may also help.
Decide what's next
1.
Do you understand the options available to you?
2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology |
References
Citations
- Lue TF, Broderick GA (2007). Evaluation and
nonsurgical management of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. In AJ
Wein, ed., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 1, pp.
750–787. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.Last Updated:March 27, 2009
Lue TF, Broderick GA (2007). Evaluation and
nonsurgical management of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. In AJ
Wein, ed., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 1, pp.
750–787. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.