Medications for Erectile Dysfunction in Los Angeles & San Francisco, CA

Many men experience relief of symptoms after using medication. Our doctors use the results of diagnostic tests to determine which medication is best suited for you. The first treatment usually offered to men with erectile dysfunction is a prescription medication, such as sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®).

Erectile Dysfunction Medications

He was not having any symptoms at the time, and no adverse effects ever occurred. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man consistently and repeatedly is unable to get or keep an erection. The causes of ED generally can be divided into two categories, medical problems and emotional/sexual desire issues. In addition to having sexual desire, an erection requires good blood flow into the penis. Chronic medical conditions that decrease blood flow into the penis like diabetes and high blood pressure can cause ED.

What medications are available for erectile dysfunction?

So can long-term cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol use, drug abuse, as well as inactivity and obesity. ED can occur from the normal aging process, certain surgeries (such as prostate surgery), and some medications. Oral ED medications are prescribed to help treat medical causes of ED. Examples of these ED medications include sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®), and avanafil (Stendra®). These drugs do not increase sexual desire or cause sexual excitement; they work by increasing blood flow into the penis during sexual arousal.

Avoid drugs and limit alcohol

Some of the side effects of ED drugs are minor and include headache, facial flushing, stuffy nose, dizziness, and heartburn. However, other side effects can be more serious such as loss of vision or hearing, erection lasting longer than 4 hours, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Low blood pressure is especially a concern when these drugs are used by a man who is also taking medication to manage high blood pressure or nitroglycerin to treat chest pain. Unintentional ingestions of these medications by adults and children have happened. There are reports of toddlers getting into Viagra® and swallowing from 1½ to 6 tablets. Generally taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity, these medications work by improving blood flow to the penis during arousal.

Erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra® should not be used by men who take nitrate medications to treat the symptoms of heart disease. Erectile dysfunction medications can cause a drop in blood pressure. When combined with nitrates, which dilate or open up the arteries to the heart to increase blood flow, there is the potential for a severe drop in blood pressure. Some 35 percent of men do not respond to oral medications for erectile dysfunction. A smaller percentage of men may experience uncomfortable side effects, such as flushing or feeling suddenly warm, changes in vision, upset stomach, or heartburn.

• PDE5 inhibitors have different durations and onset times.
• Combining ED meds with other vasodilators may cause hypotension.
• ED drugs may improve self-esteem and relationships.
• Use caution with recreational drugs when on ED medications.
• Proper storage is necessary to maintain medication potency.
• Men with kidney impairment may need dose adjustments.
• ED medications are sometimes used off-label for pulmonary hypertension.
• Some drugs may cause temporary vision disturbances.
• Open communication with healthcare providers ensures safe use.
• Lifestyle modifications can sometimes eliminate the need for medication.

If, after several months, you have not seen an improvement in these side effects, your doctor may offer other medical treatment options.

Intraurethral medication is often used as an alternative in men who don’t respond well to oral medications for erectile dysfunction.

• Cultural Attitudes: Vary significantly across different societies and age groups.
• Media Influence: Direct-to-consumer advertising has increased awareness.
• Open Discussion: Becoming less taboo, encouraging men to seek help.
• Aging Population: Increasing prevalence as the global population ages.
• Economic Impact: A multi-billion dollar global market for medications.
• Accessibility: Still a major issue in many developing countries.
• Educational Efforts: Campaigns by healthcare providers to reduce stigma.

This is a suppository inserted through the opening in the penis. Using a narrow, prefilled plastic applicator, the man inserts the medicine directly into the urethra 5 to 10 minutes prior to sexual intercourse.

Safety and Handling Considerations

Many of these products have been found to contain contaminants (unintended impurities) or adulterants (deliberately added substances) that can be dangerous. Some of these ED supplements have been found to contain prescription medications that do not treat ED. For example, one of the most concerning adulterants found in a "natural" sex supplement was glyburide, which is a medication used to treat diabetes. Even very small amounts of glyburide can cause dangerously low blood sugar. Using "natural sex supplements" can be dangerous and does not enhance the sexual experience.

Watch out for side effects

If you think someone might have swallowed an ED drug, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. Campbell N, Clark JP, Stecher VJ, Goldstein I. Internet-ordered Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is rarely genuine. Sildenafil citrate ingestion in a pediatric patient.

Maintain a healthy weight

Adulterated sexual enhancement supplements: more than mojo. Wills BK, Albinson C, Wahl M, Clifton J. Sildenafil citrate ingestion and prolonged priapism and tachycardia in a pediatric patient. Please wait while loading the accessibility menu. Care & ServicesWe offer the highest quality of care and expertise in all specialty care areas.Explore Our ServicesSpecialty CareImaging ServicesOur radiology experts offer imaging services from CT and MRI scans to ultrasound and X-ray throughout the New York City area. The medication causes the muscles of the penis to relax and the arteries to widen, enabling adequate blood flow for an erection. Some men experience side effects from intraurethral medications, such as dizziness, a burning sensation in the urethra, or an aching feeling in the penis, legs, and pelvis. These generally go away when the medication leaves the body.

• Oral ED medications increase blood flow to the penis.
• Viagra was the first FDA-approved ED drug in 1998.
• Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, longer than other ED meds.
• Vardenafil is effective for up to 4-5 hours.
• Avanafil has rapid onset, within 15 minutes.
• PDE5 inhibitors are the most common ED treatments.
• These medications require sexual stimulation to work.
• Some ED drugs have contraindications with nitrates.
• Side effects may include headaches, flushing, or nasal congestion.
• Age and health condition affect medication choice.

Because some men experience dizziness and, rarely, fainting, within an hour of using these medications, your doctor may recommend that you refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery.

About the Author

These children were taken to emergency rooms as a precaution. The effects reported were generally mild and included facial flushing, mild increase in heart rate, mild decrease in blood pressure, an erect penis, and pain in the penile area. Misuse of ED medications includes taking the medication without a prescription, taking amounts in excess of the prescribed dose, and taking the ED medication along with street drugs or "party drugs" such as methamphetamine or Ecstasy. This kind of inappropriate use can cause serious effects including dangerously low blood pressure, muscle breakdown, a decrease in vision, seizures, damage to major blood vessels, and in one case a painful erection lasting 5 days. There are reports of heart attacks and strokes that have been related, in part, to misuse of ED medications.

ED medications

A deliberate overdose of 20 tablets of an ED medication in an adult woman caused a fast heart rate, dizziness, general weakness, abdominal fullness, headache, and tremor requiring treatment in a hospital. There are some internet sites that claim to sell Viagra® online. Because Viagra® is a brand name prescription medication, it is only manufactured by one drug company, requires a valid prescription, and can only be obtained from a legitimate pharmacy. Researchers in one study purchased products claimed to be Viagra® from 22 internet sites and discovered that 77% of the products were counterfeit. Many of the counterfeit medications were shipped from outside the United States, but even some of the products shipped from within the United States were counterfeit.

1. VED (Vacuum Erection Device)

The amount of medication was only 30-50% of what was stated. Also concerning was the fact that the internet sites did not require a prescription. The process of getting a prescription flibanserin from your healthcare provider and purchasing the medication from your usual pharmacy has built-in safety mechanisms. Also available from internet sites and on some store shelves are herbal or "natural" ED remedies. These products are often sold as dietary supplements and have not been tested for safety or effectiveness. Penile self-injections were the first medication approved by the U.S.

Don’t Eat a Fatty Meal

Patient & Visitor SupportLearn about our support services and find information to help you before, during, and after your visit.View All SupportVisitor InformationLearn more about our visiting hours and policies and how we maintain a safe environment for all. Learn about our support services and find information to help you before, during, and after your visit. Learn more about our 10mg vardenafil online visiting hours and policies and how we maintain a safe environment for all. NYU Langone was one of the original investigative sites for the development and testing of Viagra®, which is perhaps the best-known medication among several that have revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Typically, medication is the first treatment recommended to those with erectile dysfunction. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These are prescribed for men who don’t respond well to oral medications. An NYU Langone urologist performs the first injection in the doctor’s office, in order to determine the dose of medication needed. Your doctor then instructs you on how to safely inject the medication, which is supplied in vials with syringes, for use at home. Typically, a man injects the medication into the shaft of the penis 10 to 20 minutes before sexual activity to achieve an erection. Side effects can include an aching sensation in the penis, which generally goes away in a few hours.

Erectile Dysfunction Medication and Treatment

Learn about our imaging services and how to schedule an appointment. We offer the highest quality of care and expertise in all specialty care areas. Our radiology experts offer imaging services from CT and MRI scans to ultrasound and X-ray throughout the New York City area. LocationsFind care close to you at our locations throughout the New York City area and in Florida.Find a LocationHospitals Find care close to you at our locations throughout the New York City area and in Florida. Conditions We TreatExplore our approach to diagnosing and treating adults and children.View All ConditionsCommon Categories Explore our approach to diagnosing and treating adults and children. In some men, medical treatments for erectile dysfunction may occasionally cause a prolonged erection. If an erection lasts for more than four hours, you should seek care at an emergency room, where doctors can administer a medication to reverse this effect. Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities. We can help you find a doctor. Call 646-929-7800 or browse our specialists.