9 things I learned from having erectile dysfunction

rupert webster and wifeRupert Webster has been kind enough to share these true-life realisations with us, in the hope of helping men in similar situations. ED can wreak emotional havoc on individuals and couples, but knowing that others have been through the same kind of experience can be comforting and informative.

When you have ED, you grieve your sex life
Not being able to get an erection makes you feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. My mind was flooded with memories of my first time, of the wonderful sex my wife and I had on our honeymoon, of the time we … well, you get the picture. It’s tough to think that it may never be that easy to have sex at the drop of a hat, and you may not ever be able to have sex at all.

My communication was terrible
I was so closed up. I really was. The first time I couldn’t perform I just pretended it had never happened. The next day it was business as usual. We started our day with a cup of tea and breakfast, a quick kiss goodbye. After several weeks it became apparent that I still couldn’t get an erection – yet I still couldn’t bring myself to speak about it. I didn’t even try to get treatment. My wife was no doubt going through her own range of emotions, but she, like me, was withdrawn. Even after 17 years of marriage neither of us felt comfortable enough to talk about it. Read in full

Sildenafil 100mg or 50mg?

sildenafil 100mg
Sildenafil 100mg, 50mg, and 25mg available from Dr Fox online doctor and pharmacy from 50p each.

Generic sildenafil citrate comes in preparations of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Your first prescription will usually be for 50mg, which is the recommended starting dose. At this dose you and your doctor can monitor your physical reaction to the medicine and address any possible side effects early on. If 50mg is very effective the dose can be reduced to 25mg. But, if it is well-tolerated and only mediocre results are reported, men are then often upgraded to sildenafil 100mg.

It is recommended that several attempts are made using the recommended starting dose before adjusting. Several factors can affect the efficacy of sildenafil citrate, including sexual stimulation, and what you eat and drink at the time.

There are several documented reasons why a 100mg dose may be better for the patient: Read in full

What is causing your erectile dysfunction?

man with erectile dysfunctionAny man who finds himself unable to achieve or maintain an erection for more than a few weeks should visit his doctor to determine the cause. But, in today’s day and age many patients turn to Google before scheduling a visit with their GP, especially when it comes to embarrassing health conditions.

Erectile dysfunction is very common and can have a range of different causes. This list can help you evaluate the possible reasons behind it before you visit your GP. Keep in mind that a professional diagnosis must be made before you buy Viagra or any other medicines; treatment for ED can only be supplied following a health consultation. Read in full

Surviving the sexless marriage – life after ED

helping partner with edJoanie’s sexual relationship with her husband was healthy – even after 36 years of marriage they still made love at least twice a week. When they were told he had to have prostate surgery, they were made aware of the likely side effects, including erectile dysfunction. However there was no way to fully prepare for the stress of not being able to have sex, and the emotions that came along with it.

Anya’s husband Tim’s erection problems came on slowly. By the time they were able to speak openly about it, he had been unable to maintain an erection for long enough to have sex for nearly a year. The couple had grown apart, trying to cope with the feelings of inadequacy, frustration and rejection on their own.

Erectile dysfunction can cause the sexual aspect of a relationship to dwindle and finally disappear. Even in loving, committed relationships, couples may become distanced, each embroiled in their own battle to cope with the frustrating emotions of losing their physical connection. Read in full

Is erectile dysfunction a natural part of ageing?

erectile dysfunction ageingAlthough erectile dysfunction is common in younger men, when it comes to the thought of buying Viagra, we often picture a man in the later stages of life. But is erectile dysfunction really an inevitable part of ageing?

We know that the number of men with ED does increase with age – about 50% of men aged 40-70 suffer from ED; and this percentage rises to 70% of the over-70 male population. It is not, however, something that all men should expect to happen as they get older. And if it does occur it can be treated.

How to avoid erectile dysfunction?

ED’s risk factors, in patients that do not have neurogenic, hormonal, or anatomical conditions that could cause it, are similar to the factors that can lead to heart disease. Read in full

What not to do if you have ED

erectile-dysfunctionIt’s a well-known fact by now that there is treatment for ED. Depending on the cause it can be addressed through medicine, lifestyle changes and psychological counselling. We know that it is important to visit your GP if you experience ANY changes in your ability to achieve an erection, but what shouldn’t you do?

DON’T: Stop talking to your partner

Being unable to achieve or maintain an erection naturally causes feelings of frustration, anxiety, embarrassment or anger. But don’t forget that your partner is also experiencing a range of emotions, and in order to address the condition you have to communicate and work through it together. Read in full

Viagra alternatives

Viagra pack photos

There are many erectile dysfunction treatment options available as alternatives to Viagra, or to enhance sexual performance:

Cheaper alternatives to Viagra

Viagra is a brand name medicine and costs around £5 per tablet. Generic versions of Viagra, called Sildenafil, are significantly cheaper alternatives at around 50p per tablet – and work in exactly the same way as Viagra.

Read in full

Viagra and sildenafil: frequently asked questions

what is viagraIts benefits are widely known, but when it comes to actually taking Viagra, there are a lot of unanswered questions. Men thinking about taking any PDE5 inhibitor should review the following FAQs and discuss the medication with their GPs.

What drug is Viagra?

Viagra’s active ingredient is sildenafil citrate, which belongs to the group of PDE5 (Phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that regulates blood flow to the penis, which then increases blood flow into the penis and sustaining an erection for longer when sexual stimulation occurs. Read in full