… Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection or keep it firm enough to have sexual intercourse in the period of a sexual act. It is often referred to as impotence. Having an erection problem isn’t uncommon in men who can experience it at times of stress and emotional duress. But having frequent occurrences of erectile dysfunction might require medical attention and treatment. It can often indicate emotional and relationship difficulties and would need counseling to get over it. Having erectile dysfunction can lead to stress in married life and contribute to problems in relationships.  

Pointedly, apart from erectile dysfunction, there are many other sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation, delayed or no ejaculation, or anorgasmia, which is the inability to achieve orgasm after multiple stimulations.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
Below are the symptoms, having which regularly can indicate the presence of this dysfunction:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble keeping the erection
• Reduced or no interest in sex

Even though it may be embarrassing, if the erectile dysfunction problem persists more than 2 months, it’s good to start with consulting the family doctor. See the doctor if:

• There are concerns about erections or other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation
• Concerned about other underlying diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction
• Along with erectile dysfunction, there are other health issues.

Causes of erectile dysfunction
The process of erection in men is a complex one and it involves brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. But it is not just the physical issues that cause this disorder. Psychological problems, such as stress and mental health concerns can also cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

At times a combination of physical and psychological problems can cause erectile dysfunction. For example, a minor physical condition can slow down your sexual response, which in turn can cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The anxiety can worsen erectile dysfunction.

What are the most common causes of this dysfunction?
The most common physical causes of erectile dysfunction are:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Clogged blood vessels
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Damage from prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain prescription drugs
• Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
• Surgeries or injuries that have affected the pelvic or spinal cord
• Old age
• Drug use
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Obesity

The psychological causes also play a key role in triggering sexual feelings or cause arousal. Many things can interfere and worsen erectile dysfunction. These are:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Low self-esteem
• Inability to impregnate wife/partner
• Marital stress
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

Erectile dysfunction also arises with age. It affects 12% men younger than 60 years, 22% men in their 60s, and 30% men in their 70s and older. Not being able to get an erection with age and having erectile dysfunction are two different things. With a healthy lifestyle, one can get a better erection.

Medications for erectile dysfunction
Oral medications are the first line of treatment for this dysfunction. For a majority of the population suffering from this disorder, these medications work quite well with minimalistic side effects.

Sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil are oral medications that reverse erectile dysfunction by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical that body produces to relax the muscles in the penis. This, in turn, increases blood flow and allows getting an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Viagra is the brand name given to the drug sildenafil and has been hugely successful in treating erectile dysfunction. It was one of the first treatments that were approved for erectile dysfunction and has been used by men across the world for over a decade with excellent results. 

Pfizer was the original manufacturer for Viagra and developed a patent on the product in 1996. During clinical trials, it was noticed that Viagra helped treat erectile dysfunction. In 1998, Pfizer received FDA approval to license the product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and released Viagra in the market making it a successful breakthrough product for this disorder.

In 2013, the Pfizer lost its patent on Viagra in the EU. This allowed generic manufacturers to start producing their own version. A generic drug contains the same active ingredient as a branded drug and is medically equivalent but can be produced by any generic manufacturer. The Generic Viagra is known as Sildenafil which is the active ingredient in Viagra. But the name Viagra is still a brand name that only Pfizer can use. In the market, the drug can be bought as either the branded Pfizer product Viagra or the Generic Viagra also known as Sildenafil.

Generic Viagra is effective when taken in empty stomach, an hour before any sexual activity. Its effect lasts up to 6 hours.