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Emergency Contraception
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a very common condition where a man finds it difficult to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity.
Achieving an erection requires a coordinated process involving the brain, nerves, hormones, and blood vessels:
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During sexual stimulation, chemical signals cause the muscles inside the penis to relax.
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This relaxation allows blood vessels to dilate (widen), letting an increased volume of blood flow into the erectile tissues.
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The blood is temporarily trapped inside the penis, creating a firm erection.
ED occurs when blood flow to the penis is restricted or when nerve signals are interrupted. It can be caused by physical factors (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or circulation changes), lifestyle factors (stress, alcohol, smoking), or psychological factors (performance anxiety).
1. Lifestyle & Physical Health Adjustments
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Improve Cardiovascular Health: Regular aerobic exercise boosts general circulation and arterial health.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight & Diet: Reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels protects blood vessel linings.
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Reduce Alcohol & Stop Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, while excess alcohol depresses nerve responses.
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Manage Stress & Anxiety: Psychological pressure can trigger adrenaline, which tightens blood vessels and prevents erections.
2. Prescriptions
Oral tablets are the primary, most convenient medical treatment for ED. They belong to a class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which temporarily relax blood vessels supplying the penis to improve blood flow during sexual arousal.
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Sexual Stimulation Required: Neither Sildenafil nor Tadalafil acts as an aphrodisiac; sexual arousal is necessary to initiate an erection.
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Nitrate Interaction Warning: Never take ED medications if you take nitrate medicines for heart conditions or chest pain (e.g., isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin spray) or recreational "poppers" (alkyl nitrates), as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
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Medical Assessment: During your online consultation, disclose any history of heart conditions, recent strokes, low or high blood pressure, or eye conditions.
2.1. Sildenafil 50mg Tablets
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Role: First-Line On-Demand Treatment
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How It Works: Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) increases blood flow to the penis when you are sexually aroused.
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How to Take: Taken 30 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity. Works best on an empty stomach (heavy or fatty meals can delay its effect).
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Duration: Provides a window of action lasting 4 to 6 hours.
2.2. Tadalafil 10mg Tablets
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Role: Standard On-Demand Use
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How It Works: Tadalafil (often known as Cialis) provides a much longer window of responsiveness compared to Sildenafil.
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How to Take: Taken at least 30 minutes before planned sexual activity. Its effectiveness is not significantly affected by food.
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Duration: Known as "The Weekend Pill," it remains effective in your system for up to 36 hours, allowing for more spontaneous sexual activity.
3. Tadalafil 20mg Tablets
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Role: Higher-Strength On-Demand Use
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How It Works: The maximum strength for on-demand use, suitable for patients who did not achieve a sufficient response with the standard 10mg dose.
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Clinical Criteria: Prescribed where clinically appropriate following a thorough assessment of your response and tolerability to the 10mg dose.
4. Tadalafil 5mg Tablets
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Role: Standard Once-Daily Continuous Treatment
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How It Works: A low-dose tablet taken every day at roughly the same time, maintaining a continuous level of medication in your system.
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Key Advantage: Removes the need to plan around taking a pill before sex, allowing for complete sexual spontaneity at any time.
5. Tadalafil 2.5mg Tablets
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Role: Lower-Dose Once-Daily Treatment
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How It Works: A lower daily dose designed for continuous daily protection with a reduced risk of side effects.
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Clinical Criteria: Recommended when the 5mg daily dose is effective but causes mild side effects (such as headaches or flushing), or where a lower daily dose is clinically appropriate for your health profile.
