Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction)

Medicines that can help produce an erection may be used to treat erection problems that are caused by blood vessel (vascular), hormonal, nervous system, or psychological problems. They also may be used along with counseling to treat erection problems that have psychological causes.

Medicine choices

Commonly used oral medicines include:

• Reference PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (for example, Viagra), tadalafil (for example, Cialis), and vardenafil (for example, Levitra).

Other medicines that may be used include:

• Reference Injected medicines.
• Reference Intraurethral alprostadil (MUSE).

Reference Hormones and other medicines may be prescribed for men who have low Reference testosterone Opens New Window or high Reference prolactin Opens New Window levels.

Opens New Window Erection Problems: Should I Take Medicine? Opens New Window

Opens New Window Erection Problems: Should I Try Injection Treatments? Opens New Window

What to think about

Although oral medicines for erection problems can be purchased over the Internet, you need to talk with your doctor before using this medicine. This is especially important if you have a heart problem.

PDE-5 inhibitors and heart problems

PDE-5 inhibitors should never be used if you may need to take a Reference nitrate-containing medicine, such as nitroglycerin. Taking nitroglycerin and a PDE-5 inhibitor within 24 hours of each other may greatly lower your blood pressure. This could lead to a heart attack, Reference stroke Opens New Window, or death.

Talk with your doctor about whether medicines for erection problems are safe for you if you:

• Have heart disease.
• Have heart failure or low blood pressure.
• Are taking drugs for high blood pressure.

If you are taking a PDE-5 inhibitor and are going to have a test for heart disease, make sure that your doctor knows you are taking it. You should not take sildenafil (for example, Viagra) or vardenafil (for example, Levitra) for 24 hours before the test. Do not take tadalafil (for example, Cialis) for at least 48 hours before the test. Then if you have a problem during the test, it will be safe to use nitrate-containing medicines such as nitroglycerin.

If you are using a combination of drugs for high blood pressure, PDE-5 inhibitors could cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Also for this reason, you should not take alpha blockers—used to lower blood pressure and to treat an enlarged prostate—with these medicines without talking to your doctor. The combination could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Sex when you have heart problems

Sexual activity is exercise. If you have a heart condition and have not been sexually active for a while, talk with your doctor to make sure you can Reference engage in sexual activity safely.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.