Despite the fact erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a common problem, it is very often ignored because men are too embarrassed to visit a medical professional to get help. But an estimated 6 million men in the UK suffer from erectile dysfunction. That’s a lot of men. If you are an ED sufferer, you’re not the only one.
The condition often affects men between the ages of 40 and 70. It is associated with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
The most common treatment is to use tablets. You can buy tablets for erectile dysfunction over the counter.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is either the inability to get an erection or not being able to maintain an erection long enough to have sex.
What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can be a cause. But stress and anxiety are also factors that may stop someone from getting or keeping an erection. Other causes include drinking too much alcohol, being tired or the side-effects of certain medications.
If it rarely happens then it’s nothing to worry about, but if it is a regular occurrence you may want to try medication and make some lifestyle changes.
Why you should find out the cause even if you’re embarrassed
One reason is that the condition may be caused by a health condition you haven’t noticed, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. It’s important to treat these health problems because they can cause heart disease.
Another reason is the inability to have or hold an erection may also have a detrimental effect on your self-esteem, confidence and your sexual relationships. Treating the problem may help to improve your mental health.
What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?
The most common treatment is to take tablets. Tablets increase the blood flow to your penis which then helps it to become hard and erect. Another treatment is the use of a vacuum pump.
Pumps aren’t always available on the NHS, but you can buy them online or from your local pharmacy. The pump comes with a plastic tube, a pump and a constriction ring. You place your penis inside the plastic tube and use the pump to remove the air in the tube. This action will increase the blood flow to the penis so that you get an erection.
When your erection is complete, remove the tube and place the constriction ring along the penis to the base. The ring helps you to maintain your erection.
Can I buy tablets over the counter?
Yes. Here at VSM Pharmacy, we have various brands such as Viagra Connect and Avarante, both types of tablets can be bought without a prescription.
What is Viagra Connect?
Viagra Connect is a tablet that helps with erectile dysfunction. It contains sildenafil which you can take up to 4 hours before you want to have sex. Once you take the tablet it will take around 25 minutes to work.
The tablet alone will not give you an erection. It will only function if you are sexually aroused. Use the tablets when you know you’ll be having sex. Viagra Connect is available in packs of 2,4 and 8 tablets.
What is Avarante?
Avarante contains Tadalafil. It works in around 30 minutes and the effects last up to 36 hours. Like Viagra Connect it will only work when you are sexually stimulated but it means that you can have spontaneous sex within the tablet’s timeframe. It’s a great solution for a weekend break. Avarante is sold in packs of 2,4 or 8 tablets.
Are there any side effects?
Not all men get side effects. If you do the most common side effects are a headache, a flushed complexion and indigestion. To read more about Avarante and Viagra Connect you can read the information in the Electronic Medicines Compendium
What’s the difference between the two?
Because it contains sildenafil you can safely take a Viagra Connect tablet up to once a day. Effects last up to 4 hours.
Avarante contains Tadalafil. This means that Avarante isn’t suitable for everyday use. The maximum usage is up to twice a week. Effects last up to 36 hours.
How can I buy Avarante?
Pop into the chemist and a member of staff will help you. We ask you some questions about your general health to make sure you don’t have a health condition that could make Avarante unsuitable. We’ll do this discreetly so as not to cause you embarrassment.
If you want to check your blood pressure and cholesterol reading you can make an appointment with the pharmacy by popping in or giving us a call on 01276 21002.