Problems with the Little Blue Pill

Q: I am 37 years old and have been experiencing erectile function disorder. How young is too young for a man to consider Viagra? And what side effects should I be warned about? Are there any other alternate treatments?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.  While the incidence increases with age, men can experience it at any time.  There are a variety of causes from physical ones such as disease (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure), injury or side effect from a drug, to psychological ones.  Alcohol use can also cause temporary erectile dysfunction.

There are a variety of treatments for ED.  Depending on the cause, some doctors recommend beginning with lifestyle changes which include: stopping smoking, losing weight and daily exercise.  It's also important to look at the drugs you are taking.  For example, certain medications can cause problems with erection, including common high blood pressure meds.  Psychotherapy and behavioral modifications can help in some cases as well.

Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis all belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and have been approved by the FDA for erectile dysfunction.  Like all other medications, these drugs have side effects, which can vary from person to person.  It's best to check with your own doctor to see which treatment or combination of treatments may be right for you!