Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a taboo subject, but men who suffer from this condition should know that they do not suffer alone. In fact, a huge number of men have to deal with impotence at some point into their lives – yet for many, the condition remains a mystery.

1. Which common drink could help?

Surprisingly, research has shown that coffee can help overcome symptoms of erectile dysfunction. In a study carried out by the University of Texas, drinking two cups of coffee a day was found to help stimulate a man’s performance in the bedroom.

2. Which country suffers the most?

Japan has the highest number of self-reported incidents of erectile dysfunction in the world. China has the second highest, with the United States coming in third.

3. Are the old wives’ tales true?

It’s a common belief that excessive masturbation can lead to erectile dysfunction, but there has been no scientific link found between the two factors. However, watching a high frequency of porn has been found to affect a man’s sexual performance. Watching a lot of pornographic material can potentially decrease chances of achieving erection with a real-life partner, according to psychologist Catherine Steiner-Adair.

4. Who is more at risk?

Research suggests that men with diabetes are particularly susceptible to erectile dysfunction. They tend to suffer symptoms 10-15 years earlier than other sufferers, and are more likely to develop the condition in later life than those without diabetes.

5. Which medications can lead to erectile dysfunction?

Certain medications have been found to potentially cause erectile dysfunction, some of which are very commonly prescribed by General Practitioners. These include anti-depressants, anti-histamines used for allergies like hay fever, corticosteroids used as an anti-inflammatory and diuretics used to treat high blood pressure. Of course, there are also impotence medications available that can counteract some of these when used carefully with the advice and guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

6. Can erectile dysfunction be a warning?

Yes. Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. These conditions include high blood pressure or even heart disease.

7. What causes erectile dysfunction?

There is no one cause of erectile dysfunction. The condition can be caused by several different issues, including both physical and psychological aspects. More common examples of causes would be the restriction of blood flow to the penis or psychological disorders like depression and anxiety.

One classic at-home test to narrow down the cause of erectile dysfunction is to wrap a line of stamps around the base of the flaccid penis before going to bed. If the line of stamps is broken in the morning, this suggests that the issue is probably psychological as men get a number of erections whilst asleep.

8. How many failed erections constitutes erectile dysfunction?

There is no exact definition for how often a man must experience a failed erection before it becomes clear he has erectile dysfunction. However, the failure to achieve an erection more than 50% of the time is generally considered to constitute erectile dysfunction by medical professionals.

9. How are teeth a factor?

Men with teeth-related issues are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Several studies have linked periodontal disease or chronic gum disease with erectile dysfunction. This is potentially due to bacteria from poor dental hygiene entering the blood flow and damaging blood vessels, which can affect blood flow to the penis.

10. Who can help you overcome erectile dysfunction?

For a lot of men, erectile dysfunction is embarrassing, and not necessarily something they feel confident enough to share with their GP. You should never feel ashamed to seek professional care, but with Express Pharmacy you can get safe and reliable prescription impotence medication in the most discreet way possible.

For those in relationships and those who are single, February can be a dreaded month. Not only can the prospect of Valentine’s Day result in a lot of stress, the pressure to have a perfect evening may also be upsetting for men and women.

Couples often find the pressure of making the day extra special particularly daunting. Whether you’ve been married for a number of years, have just entered a new relationship or have scheduled a date with someone new, this issue never seems to go away.

Here we highlight how couples can avoid some of the worries of Valentine’s Day and enjoy Cupid’s presence for all the right reasons.

For him

For men, in particular, Valentine’s Day that brings with it the stress and strain of needing to impress. The anticipation of spending an evening with a partner can bring its own worries. Pressure to perform in the bedroom is a common problem amongst men of all ages, and according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the NHS, 1 in 10 men experience some form of sexual dysfunction on a regular basis.

Male sexual problems are a common occurrence among men of all ages and sexualities. But with the right advice you can overcome or manage the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence), premature ejaculation and loss of libido so your Valentine’s night can go ahead as planned. Impotence can be a particularly embarrassing problem especially when entering into a new relationship, whilst premature ejaculation can be equally disconcerting. However, it’s important to recognise that ignoring issues like impotence, premature ejaculation and libido loss won’t make them go away, in fact the added anxiety can exacerbate these issues even further.

Make the most of Valentine’s Day — and every day for that matter — by tackling the problem head on. Your GP and pharmacist is there to assist you by providing advice, reassurance and, in some cases, prescription medication to handle your issue. This may include treatments such as Generic Sildenafil or its branded counterpart, Viagra.

Most importantly of all, men should be aware of how widespread and normal these issues are – and how a more relaxed approach can actually benefit an experience in the bedroom.

For her

Women may also feel the pressure to impress when spending some one-on-one time with their partner on Valentine’s Day. Among the most frequent concerns is the possibility of mother nature calling with a period during the most romantic day of the year. While a period itself is completely natural and should be understood by a caring partner, there are times when you may wish to delay the inevitable. If you suffer from particularly heavy periods that result in cramps and severe mood swings, it is possible to take control of your menstrual cycle by using Norethisterone – a prescription medication that contains a hormone similar to the body’s own progestogen.

It should be noted, however, that if you regularly experience heavy, painful periods you should contact your GP or a trained pharmacist. There are several conditions that can contribute to chronic period pains and increased bleeding, including polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, endometriosis, hypothyroidism, endometrial or cervical polyps.

The use of the coil, anticoagulants and chemotherapy medication can also cause heavy, painful periods. If you suffer from extreme period pain, you may want alleviate painful cramps with medication like Mefenamic Acid, as well as working with your GP to establish the cause and manage the problem.

For all

Valentine’s Day and other relationship milestones can be filled with expectation. However, it is always crucial to remember that hiding a problem or allowing oneself to become anxious is not a solution. It is always far better to be open and seek a solution to a problem rather than letting it cause further issues. Communication between partners is vital and by making sure you are both on the same page before the big day you can avoid disappointment and ease worries in the process. Remember, no matter how much you want to impress on Valentine’s Day, it is just a normal day, which you can make special without the pressure.

If you believe that you may require medical assistance to help you with an issue ahead of this Valentine’s Day, why not try our Live Chat feature to get fast, confidential advice from our pharmacy team?

It’s a commonly held belief that erectile dysfunction is a problem exclusive to older men. However, this is actually not the case. Young men are also affected by erectile dysfunction, but fortunately Express Pharmacy can help. Read on to find out why young men are experiencing erectile dysfunction, what lifestyle changes you can make, and what medical options are available.

Studies have shown that erectile dysfunction is, for many men, part of getting older. In the United States, 4% of men experience erectile dysfunction whilst in their 50s. This figure rises to 17% when in their 60s before reaching 47% for men older than 75. Whilst it is clear that the rate of erectile dysfunction increases with age, new studies have shown that 5% of men in the USA who are affected by erectile dysfunction are aged between 20 and 39 – and the picture is thought to be the same here in the UK. So why has this condition been affecting more and more young men?

One of the biggest reasons why young men can be unable to keep an erection is simply nerves. Performance anxiety is common in men who lack sexual experience and are somewhat overwhelmed by a desire to please. The more men focus on their performance, the more likely it becomes that they will lose their erection. Fortunately, this is not a permanent affliction. These nerves can dissipate naturally as you become more comfortable with your partner or gain more experience. Sexual therapy is also an option, where a trained specialist can use a range of methods to help you become more relaxed and reduce your sex-related anxiety.

Related to anxiety is depression, which is also a reason why some young men are experiencing erectile dysfunction. Depression is on the rise in young men, and it can have a significant effect on the libido. Some anti-depressants also make it more difficult to maintain an erection or reduce your sex drive, so it’s worth talking to your GP if you’re finding that your medication is having undesirable side-effects.

Alcohol and drugs can also have an effect on men’s erectile function. Alcohol is a depressant, and studies have shown that regular drinking can have long-term effects on your ability to maintain an erection. Even in the short term, many men find it difficult to become erect whilst under the influence of alcohol. Recreational drugs can also have a negative effect – cocaine has been linked to a painful condition where an erection lasts for more than four hours. This is called priapism and can permanently affect your erectile function, so it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

It’s also possible that these lifestyle factors may not have any effect for you. Like most health problems, sometimes there is no underlying cause and erectile dysfunction can randomly affect men of any age. This can be frustrating and upsetting, but in circumstances where this issue becomes a recurring theme, seeking medication is one solution. We strongly advise that you visit your doctor or purchase your medication from a reputable source such as us.

Many men, too embarrassed to visit their GP, resort to illegally obtaining Viagra without a prescription online. As well as being a criminal act, this can also have disastrous effects on your health as there is no way of knowing what exactly you are being sold.

Here at Express Pharmacy, we offer an online consultation and provide safe, legitimate options to treat erectile dysfunction. We offer Viagra in both its branded and generic form, Sildenafil, as well as other options such as Spedra, Cialis and Levitra – all of which can be effective, depending on your individual requirements. If you are concerned about erectile dysfunction, take a look at our range of erectile dysfunction treatments today. And don’t forget to use our handy Live Chat tool if you have any questions.

When you think of a condition that affects 1 in 5 men but is rarely talked about in public, what would you say?

Low sex drive is a stressful and embarrassing condition for men across the UK. In many cases its affects extend far beyond the bedroom to impact on a man’s everyday life by lowering self-esteem and increasing anxiety.

Perhaps the reason that so many men suffer from lowered sex drive is that there are simply a whole range of factors that can contribute to a man’s libido. Here are the most common factors that can affect mans sex drive, from the psychological issues of stress and depression to the physical issues that particular medications cause, obesity and even restless leg syndrome.

1. Stress

Stress is a factor that has many medical implications, one of which is sex drive. Sometimes pressure is motivating, however it can quickly turn to stress if it becomes excessive. If you feel overly stressed and feel like it is having a major impact on your happiness and even your sex drive then it may be time for some lifestyle changes.

Stress can impact on energy levels and blood pressure, which may in turn account for a lowered sex drive. Under these circumstances it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist to diagnose the problem and identify solutions. Simply suffering in silence will only make the problem worse, whereas treating the condition can see significant improvements.

1. Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that causes extreme unhappiness for prolonged periods of time. When such feelings are severe enough they can have detrimental impact on daily life, this includes losing the pleasure one normally takes in things. It also has an impact on your sex life.

Depression may be controlled with antidepressant medication, however, it is not uncommon for these drugs to have side effects, including lowered sex drives. If this is the case there is often flexibility in the prescription of antidepressants, and you may be able to switch around medications.

1. Medication

On a more general level there are a number of medications that can lower a man’s sex drive. While these may often be minor, there are some prescription medications that can have a more dramatic impact on libido. These side affects do not happen to everyone and sometimes they are minor and sometimes one might feel they are major. That being said there are some side affects more common than others and that is the reduce libido. Medication that has a reduced libido side affects range from medication for high blood pressure, antidepressants and even medication to control seizures.

1. Obesity

Obesity is a growing problem in the UK and one that is estimated to affect 1 in every 4 adults. Being overweight and having excessive body fat will have a number of huge implications on your health. Obesity can affect the quality of your life that can lead to psychological issues, depress and low self-esteem. These issues and obesity alone can impact ones sex drive. One way to fight obesity is to eat healthily and exercise regularly.

1. Restless Leg Syndrome

The final common factor is sometimes not so well understood. It affects nearly 15% of the general population both adults and children. There are a number of effective treatments available but can often remain undiagnosed. Additionally while it is not clear of the relationship many of those suffering with RLS complain of reduced libido.

If you find that you might suffer from any one of these factors, and you are finding that your sex drive is reduced, then it is important to consult a trained medical professional who can offer advice and support to help treat the problem. Simply bearing the burden of an issue such as reduced sex drive is never the answer.

Viagra is, of course, the best known erectile dysfunction treatment on the market. The revolutionary drug, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil, was first released nearly 20 years ago. Now no longer patented, Viagra has been joined on the market by other impotence medications, enabling users to gain and maintain a firm erection during intercourse.

Long established as a remedy for those people wishing to remain sexually active through middle age and into more senior years, Viagra and its fellow erectile dysfunction treatments have nevertheless become popular with younger individuals seeking added reassurance and confidence in the bedroom.

But as the number of people taking impotence drugs increases, so does the trade in illegal and counterfeit medications. Indeed, it has been estimated that between 2015 and 2016 as much as £11 million of fake erectile dysfunction drugs were seized in the UK. This represents the largest haul ever seen.

This is even more concerning when we consider the side effects that have been associated with these unregulated, unreliable and dangerous drugs. Recorded side effects include visual problems, fainting, dangerous reductions in blood pressure and heart problems.

While pharmacists have been quick to warn that Viagra, generic sildenafil or any other impotence medication should not be treated as a recreational drug to be purchased on any street corner, this doesn’t appear to be stemming the tide of fake drugs coming into the UK.

Just a quick search online reveals a huge number of adverts promoting improved sexual performance from sites that are in no way regulated or representative of the medical profession. It is hardly surprising then that seizures of counterfeit Viagra have revealed pills to be comprised of nasties such as chalk, detergent and talcum powder among others.

Needless to say that as a prescription medication Viagra should only be purchased from a registered UK pharmacy and taken only with guidance from a pharmacist or doctor. Never trust the appearance of a medication as this can easily be imitated by those wishing to sell fake products on the black market.

Taking counterfeit pills is dangerous because such pills will not have been through the same strict and thorough safety tests that all licensed medication must go through. And without consulting a medical professional those taking such pills may be putting their health in danger in the event that they have any underlying problems such as pre-existing blood pressure issues or are exceeding recommended dosage.

How to trust your medication

As a fully regulated pharmacy, Express Pharmacy features the mandatory logo released by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2015 on each and every page of our website. This logo is designed to provide consumers with peace of mind.

Want to know more about our online pharmacy? Find out about us.