What medication should be taken to achieve an erection?

Why should you consult a doctor before taking an erectile dysfunction medication?

Erectile dysfunction can have various causes:

• Physical causes: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, hormonal disorders, side effects of certain medications.
• Psychological causes: stress, anxiety, depression, fear of failure.
• Lifestyle-related factors: tobacco, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet.

A doctor is the only professional qualified to assess the origin of the problem and to propose an appropriate treatment. Insufficient erection can be a symptom of an underlying disease that requires specific treatment. Taking medication without medical supervision can conceal a more serious problem and delay proper management.

What are the available medications to improve erection?

Erectile dysfunction medications are subject to medical prescription. They mainly belong to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Their role is to promote blood flow to the penis by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for detumescence (loss of erection).

1. Sildenafil (Viagra®)

• First drug of its kind to have been released on the market.
• Begins to work about 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and its effect lasts between 4 and 6 hours.
• Only works if there is sexual stimulation.
• Contraindicated in case of taking nitrate derivatives (medications for angina pectoris) as it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

2. Tadalafil (Cialis®)

• Its main advantage is its prolonged duration of action, which can last up to 36 hours.
• Allows for more spontaneity, as it is not necessary to take it just before sexual intercourse.
• Like sildenafil, it requires sexual stimulation to be effective.

3. Vardenafil (Levitra®)

• Similar effects to sildenafil, but may be better tolerated by some patients.
• Available in the form of a standard tablet or an orodispersible tablet (which dissolves under the tongue), which can make it easier to take.

4. Avanafil (Spedra®)

• Latest generation medication with a faster onset of action (15 to 30 minutes after ingestion).
• Approximately 6 hours duration of action.
• Effective only when sexual stimulation is present.

What are the risks and precautions to be taken?

These medications are generally well tolerated, but they are not suitable for everyone and can cause side effects:

• Headaches
• Hot flashes
• Digestive troubles
• Nasal congestion
• Visual disturbances (increased sensitivity to light, blue-tinted vision)

In some rare cases, more serious complications can occur, including significant drops in blood pressure, chest pain, or priapism (prolonged and painful erection requiring urgent medical attention).

That's why it is imperative to never take these medications without medical advice. An assessment of your health condition will help to avoid dangerous interactions with other treatments and to identify any potential contraindications.

Are natural alternatives effective?

Faced with the dangers of self-medication, some men turn to natural solutions to improve their erection. Although certain plants and dietary supplements may have a beneficial effect on blood circulation and libido, they do not replace a validated medical treatment.

Here are some examples:

• Ginseng: renowned for its tonifying and stimulating effects on the libido.
• Maca : an Andean plant known for its aphrodisiac properties.
• L-arginine: an amino acid that promotes the production of nitric oxide, a compound involved in the dilation of blood vessels.
• Yohimbe: an extract from the bark of an African tree, it is sometimes used to improve erection, but its side effects (high blood pressure, palpitations) make it risky.

Even though these products are available without a prescription, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them, especially if you have underlying health issues.

Why avoid buying medication online without a prescription?

One of the major dangers of erectile dysfunction drugs is their illegal sale on the Internet. Many counterfeits are in circulation and often contain active substances in random quantities, or even toxic components.

According to health authorities, over 50% of the drugs sold online are counterfeit. Not only are they ineffective, but they can also lead to serious side effects. It is therefore crucial to never purchase these treatments without a prescription and to always go through an official channel (physical pharmacies or accredited online platforms).

A supervised medical treatment for a secure care management

If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, it is crucial to consult a doctor to identify the cause of the problem and receive appropriate treatment. Medications like Viagra®, Cialis®, or Levitra® are effective, but must be taken under medical supervision to avoid any health risks.

In parallel, a healthy lifestyle (physical activity, balanced diet, stress reduction) can play a key role in improving sexual performance.

In summary:

• Never take erection medications without a medical prescription.
• Consult a doctor to determine the cause of your problem and receive appropriate treatment.
• Avoid buying medication online without regulation, as it can be dangerous.
• In addition to medical treatment, adopt a healthy lifestyle to promote better erections.

Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being, and serious and structured care can lead to a lasting improvement in quality of life.