ED:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to keep an erection firm enough for fulfilling sexual engagement. Although occasionally having trouble sustaining an erection is normal, if it frequently interrupts your sex life it can be distressing and may require treatment It is more common than most people think, with ED affecting approximately half of all men between 40 and 70. ED is also prevalent in males as young as 18. With that in mind, we want to talk Erectile Dysfunction; Solutions and Cures.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Most men will experience failure to obtain or maintain an erection at some point. This could be down to a number of common causes.

The main factors are:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Excess alcohol consumption

It is important to note that the above factors are not cause for concern.

Some medications can also cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.

If erectile dysfunction occurs frequently, it may be caused by a condition such as:

• High blood pressure
• Depression or anxiety
• High cholesterol
• Hormone abnormalities

Often, ED can be the first symptom (or warning sign) of these conditions.

ED can be an early warning sign of these conditions, and others such as heart disease, which is why men are advised to have a physical check-up with some routine blood tests.

Learn more about the causes of erectile dysfunction.

What Medications Are Available to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

If your ED is caused by environmental factors such as stress, it is recommended that you try to address this before seeking medication. If the issue persists despite this, there are a number of medications available to treat ED. These medications work by dilating the blood vessels in the penis, therefore, increasing the blood flow, allowing an erection to be sustained. 

There are a number of medications available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. They belong to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

You can order your erectile dysfunction treatment via our online prescription service. Here, you don’t need a GP appointment.

If you feel more comfortable speaking to your GP about erectile dysfunction symptoms or causes, you can speak to one of our Irish-registered GPs online.

What You Can Do To Help Cure Erectile Dysfunction?

Making some healthy lifestyle changes are a good place to start when it comes to a solution for erectile dysfunction. While these changes may not cure ED, they can sometimes help.

You can start by:

• Losing weight (if you are overweight or obese. If you are struggling with this please seek help from our Weight Management Service)
• Quitting smoking
• Making healthier food choices
• Increasing daily exercise
• Try to reduce stress and anxiety
• Reduce Alcohol consumption
• Stop using recreational drugs

It is also important to note that activities such as cycling can damage nerves and compress arteries in the penis if you cycle for more than 3 hours a week

Are There Any Non-Medication Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes, as mentioned previously, making healthier lifestyle choices is a good place to start when looking for a cure for ED.

If medication is not suitable for you, or you wish to try an alternative, non-medicated method of treatment for ED, you could try a vacuum pump.

Vacuum pumps work by encouraging blood flow to the penis, therefore causing an erection. They can be quite effective. You should speak to your GP or book an online consultation to discuss your options.

Coping With Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be a source of mental and emotional stress for you and your partner, regardless of the cause. Here are some things that you can do:

• Take the first step – be that healthier lifestyle choices, speaking with a GP etc. This is not a permanent or long-term issue, it is important to remember this.
• Speak to your partner – be open and honest. Communication is key here as oftentimes, ED can be mistaken for diminished sexual interest. It is important to remind your partner that this is not the case. Your partner can provide support through what a lot of men find to be a challenging time.
• Do not ignore stress or anxiety – speak to a GP or a mental health professional if these feelings persist.

How To Request A Prescription For Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Request your prescription for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment via our online prescription service. Here you will be able to request a prescription without needing to see a GP.

To request your prescription, simply fill in a short questionnaire. It is important to be open and honest with the information included. One of our Irish-registered doctors will review your request, and if medically suitable, will send the prescription to an Irish pharmacy of your choosing via secure Healthmail.

If you would prefer to speak to one of our 40+ experienced GPs about your options, concerns, or if you have any questions about this service, you can book an online GP consultation. This service is available 7 days a week, including weekends.