Men's Sexual Health 

• Erectile Dysfunction: Often referred to as ED, erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It can occur due to a variety of factors, including physical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease), psychological issues (e.g., stress, anxiety), or a combination of both. Medications are commonly prescribed to help improve erectile function by increasing blood flow.

• Premature or Delayed Ejaculation: Premature ejaculation (PE) refers to the inability to control or delay ejaculation, leading to early climaxing during sexual activity. Delayed ejaculation is characterized by significant delays or difficulty in reaching orgasm, despite adequate sexual stimulation. These conditions can have psychological or physiological causes. Depending on the underlying factors, medications may be prescribed to address premature ejaculation.

• Performance Anxiety: Performance anxiety is a psychological condition where fear, stress, or worry about sexual performance interferes with sexual satisfaction. It can affect men of any age and may lead to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. Treatment options for performance anxiety may include therapy, counseling, and stress reduction techniques. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate associated physical symptoms.

• Changes in Sex Drive: Changes in sex drive, also known as low libido or reduced sexual desire, can occur due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances, relationship issues, stress, or underlying health conditions. Treatment options for low libido depend on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes, therapy, hormonal therapy (e.g., testosterone replacement), or addressing any contributing factors like stress or relationship difficulties.

There are several classes of medications that may be prescribed to manage sexual dysfunction conditions. These include:

1. • Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction (e.g., Viagra)

   • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or topical anesthetics for premature ejaculation.

   • Testosterone replacement therapy for low testosterone levels affecting sexual function

   • Antidepressants for certain sexual dysfunction conditions.

   • Other medications or therapies may be considered depending on the specific condition and its underlying causes.

Patients commonly experience the below side effects. Contact your physician if the side effects are severe or don't go away:

• Headache

• Flushing or redness of the face

• Nasal congestion

• Upset stomach or indigestion

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Back pain or muscle aches

• Visual disturbances (rare)

• Priapism (a prolonged and painful erection) - rare but serious side effect with PDE5 inhibitors

If you have any of the serious side effects or symptoms listed below, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• Priapism- a prolonged and painful erection that lasts for more than four hours and is unrelated to sexual stimulation. It is considered a medical emergency, and if you experience priapism after taking medication for erectile dysfunction, you should seek immediate medical help.

• Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and hives or rash

• Sudden vision or hearing changes

People with certain health conditions should not use or use caution when taking medications for sexual dysfunction. It is import to discuss all health conditions with your provider.

• Severe cardiovascular disease or recent heart attack/stroke

• Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure

• Severe liver or kidney disease 

• Active peptic ulcers or bleeding disorders

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to specific medications