Sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for men, yet it often remains a topic shrouded in silence and embarrassment.
This article aims to shed light on common sexual health conditions affecting men, with a particular focus on erectile dysfunction (ED) and its treatments from online pharmacies like e-Surgery.
As a result of fostering open discussions about these issues, we can help men seek the care they need and improve their quality of life inside and outside the bedroom.
How Ageing Affects Men’s Sexual Health
As men age, they often experience changes in their sexual function and health. While these changes are a normal part of ageing, they can significantly impact a man’s quality of life and relationships.
Some common age-related changes include decreased testosterone levels, which can lead to reduced libido and erectile function. Older men may also experience a slower arousal response, requiring more direct stimulation to achieve an erection and taking longer to become aroused.
Changes in ejaculation are also common, with the volume and force of ejaculation potentially decreasing and the refractory period (time between erections) increasing. The risk of erectile dysfunction impotence also increases with age, affecting about 40% of men at age 40 and rising to nearly 70% of men at age 70.
Additionally, prostate issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) become more familiar with age, which can affect urinary and sexual function.
While these changes are regular, they don’t have to impair sexual satisfaction significantly. Many men maintain active and fulfilling sex lives well into their later years with proper care and, when necessary, medical intervention.
Different Types of Sexual Health Conditions
Men can experience a variety of sexual health conditions throughout their lives. Some of the most common include erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Premature ejaculation (PE) is another prevalent issue characterised by ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, either before or shortly after penetration.
Low libido, or a decrease in sexual desire, can be caused by physical or psychological factors. Peyronie’s Disease is a condition characterised by the development of fibrous scar tissue in the penis, leading to curved and painful erections.
Furthermore, testicular disorders, including testicular cancer, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), and hypogonadism (low testosterone production), can also affect men’s sexual health.
Prostate issues, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), are common as men age. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV, remain a significant concern for sexually active men.
Each of these conditions requires specific diagnostic approaches and treatments. Men must seek medical advice if they experience persistent symptoms or changes in their sexual health.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction and How to Treat It
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual health issues affecting men. Various factors, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, and psychological issues can cause it.
Treatment options for ED have expanded significantly in recent years, offering hope to millions of men worldwide.
Tadalafil for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Tadalafil, sold under the brand name Cialis, has become one of the most popular and effective treatments for impotence and erectile dysfunction. As a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, these erectile dysfunction pills work by increasing blood flow to the penis, facilitating and maintaining erections when sexual stimulation occurs.
Key features of tadalafil include its long duration of action, remaining effective for up to 36 hours, which has earned it the nickname “the weekend pill.” It offers flexible dosing options, as it can be taken as needed before sexual activity or as a lower daily dose for continuous effect.
In addition, studies show that tadalafil improves erectile function in about 80% of men with ED. Unlike some other ED medications, tadalafil’s absorption is not significantly affected by food intake. It’s generally well-tolerated, with common tadalafil side effects usually mild, including headache, back pain, muscle aches, and flushing.
While tadalafil is highly effective, it’s important to note that it requires a prescription and should only be taken under medical supervision. However, a 10mg dose is available over the counter, with higher doses requiring a prescription.
Other Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Several other treatment options are available for ED in addition to tadalafil. Other PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra), work similarly to tadalafil but with different durations of action.
Moreover, intracavernosal injections, where medications like alprostadil are injected directly into the penis to induce an erection, are another option. Urethral suppositories, using a pellet form of alprostadil inserted into the urethra, can also achieve an erection. These treatments are used if oral ED medication mentioned previously are not effective or not suitable for the patient.
Vacuum erection devices are mechanical pumps that create a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into it to create an erection. For men who don’t respond to other treatments, penile implants offer a surgical option involving the implantation of inflatable or malleable rods in the penis.
Lifestyle modifications such as improving diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption can all help improve erectile function. For ED caused by psychological factors, therapy can be a practical treatment approach.
Treatment choice depends on the underlying cause of ED, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Find out More at e-Surgery
At e-Surgery, they understand the importance of accessible, confidential healthcare for sensitive issues like erectile dysfunction. Their online platform offers a discreet way to consult with healthcare professionals and access treatments for ED, including tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors.
Patients seeking help can also use the Ask-a-Pharmacist service through the e-Surgery website. If appropriate, you can receive ED medication prescriptions without needing face-to-face appointments. They offer discreet delivery, with your medications delivered directly to your door in unmarked packaging.
Remember, erectile dysfunction is a common and treatable condition. By seeking help and exploring the various treatment options available, you can take control of your sexual health and improve your overall quality of life.
Visit e-Surgery today to learn more about how we can support you in managing erectile dysfunction and other sexual health concerns today.