Erection Disorders: Causes, Treatment & Online Recipe

Erectile dysfunction, medically referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED), are among the most common sexual dysfunction in men. According to estimates, between 3 and 5 million men are affected in Germany. The frequency increases with age: While about 10 percent of men are affected between 40 and 49 years, the proportion of men over 70 years is around 50 percent.

Despite these high figures, the subject is still shameful. Many affected people wait years before they seek professional help. In most cases, erection disorder is easily treatable. Modern medicines achieve good results at 70 to 90 percent of the affected.

An erectile dysfunction in need of treatment is not mentioned until it is regularly unable to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse for at least six months. Occasionary erection problems are completely normal and no reason for concern.

The causes for erectile dysfunction are diverse. In principle, a distinction is made between physical and psychological factors, with a combination of both.

Physical causes (about 70% of cases):

• vascular diseases: Arteriosclerosis is the most common cause. Lowered blood vessels prevent sufficient blood flow into the swelling bodies. Risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, increased blood fats and smoking.
• Hormonal disorders: A testosterone deficiency can affect libido and erection capability. From the age of 40, the testosterone level in men naturally decreases slowly.
• Neurological diseases: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson or disc incidents can interfere with the nerve signals necessary for erection.
• Drug interactions: Certain blood pressure sinks, antidepressants, beta blockers and dewatering agents can impair the erection capability.

Psychic causes (especially in younger men):

• Power pressure and failure
• Stress and overload in the profession or private life
• Relationship conflicts and communication problems
• Depression and anxiety disorders

Important: erection disorder can also be an early warning sign for cardiovascular diseases. The fine vessels in the penis are often affected before the larger heart vessels. A medical examination is therefore also useful from a cardiovascular view.

The standard therapy of the erectile dysfunction are so-called PDE-5-inhibitors (phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors). This drug group improves blood circulation of the swelling bodies and thus facilitates the reaching and maintaining an erection during sexual stimulation.

Sildenafil (known as Viagra): The most well-known PDE-5 inhibitor acts about 30 to 60 minutes after taking and lasts 4 to 6 hours. Available in dosages of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Since 2013, Sildenafil has been available as a generic product.

Tadalafil (known as Cialis): The advantage of Tadalafil is its long working time of up to 36 hours, which is why it is referred to as a weekend pill by hand. In addition, there is the option of daily intake in low dosage (5 mg) for a lasting readiness to work.

Vardenafil and Avanafil: Other PDE-5 inhibitors with a similar effect, but slightly different profiles with regard to impact and side effects.

All PDE-5-Hemmers are subject to prescription in Germany. The choice of the appropriate drug depends on individual factors, including the entry of action, desired duration of action, intake frequency and compatibility. A doctor can give the best recommendation here.

PDE-5 inhibitors are generally well tolerated. Common side effects include headaches, facial redness (Flush), clogged nose and digestive discomfort. These are usually mild and sound after a short time.

Important contraindications: PDE-5 inhibitors must not be taken together with nitrates or nitrogen monoxide donors, since this can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Even with severe cardiovascular diseases, recent stroke or heart attack, special care is required.

Further interactions exist with certain blood pressure cores (alpha blockers), HIV protease inhibitors and some antibiotics. A complete medical anamnese including drug query is therefore indispensable before the prescription.

Especially in a sensitive topic such as erectile disorders, telemedicine offers low-swelling access to treatment. Many men feel more comfortable reporting about their complaints in a digital questionnaire than talking personally about them.

The course of an online consultation for erection disorders includes a structured medical questionnaire that records health status, pre-disorders, current medication and severity of the complaints. A doctor will check the information and provide a prescription for medical fitness.

Important is the honesty of the information: Only in this way can the doctor ensure that the treatment is suitable and safe for you. Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to incorrect treatment and health risks.

The costs for PDE-5-Hemmers are generally not covered by statutory health insurance, as they are considered to be so-called lifestyle drugs. Private health insurance reimburses the costs partially or completely depending on the rate.