What erection problems (erectile dysfunction) can Cialis (tadalafil) help?

Men who suffer with erection problems (erectile dysfunction), also called impotence, have an ongoing problem with getting or keeping a hard enough erection to have sex to their satisfaction. The erection problem results in the man being unable to penetrate their partner or keep their erection to allow enjoyable sex.

How many men suffer with erection problems (erectile dysfunction)?

Most men, at some point in their lives, suffer with the occasional erection problem often associated with stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol. However it is estimated that at least one in ten men suffer with frequent and long-standing erection problems (erectile dysfunction). That means there are well over 2 million men in the UK who suffer with erection problems. The problem becomes more frequent in older men. It is probable that around 20 % of men between 50 and 54 years and 50 % of men between 70 and 74 years have erection problems.

It is estimated that only 10% of men who suffer with frequent and long-standing erection problems (erectile dysfunction) actually seek medical assistance. This is remarkable since effective treatments are available for many men that can really help.

What are the causes of erection problems (erectile dysfunction)?

Erection problems or erectile dysfunction is caused by both psychological and physical factors. It is thought that in 75% of cases there is a physical factor involved.

Psychological factors that contribute to or cause erection problems or erectile dysfunction include; stress and anxiety from work or home, conflicts and dissatisfaction with the partner, depression, unresolved sexual orientation. Men with erection problems often suffer from the fear of failure. Men who have suffered from erection problems in the past worry about their performance, and this removes the pleasure of feeling sexually excited. This in itself contributes to their erection problems.

Physical factors that contribute to or cause erection problems or erectile dysfunction include; diabetes, low blood flow to the penis or too much leakage of blood from the penis, penile nerve damage, hormone imbalance, alcohol and drug abuse including heavy smoking, high cholesterol and stroke

Treatment of erection problems (erectile dysfunction)

Since there are many possible causes of erection problems, treatments can vary a great deal.

Sexual therapy can be of great help for men with erection problems with a predominantly psychological cause. Often medicines are used in association with such therapy.

If a physical cause is the main problem, such as a hormonal imbalance addressing this can remove the erection problems. In some cases surgery can ensure normal blood flow is restored. Treatment of depression can remove erection problems caused by this.

In many cases medicines will be prescribed by a patient’s doctor to directly assist the body to create and maintain a good erection. These medicines can either be injected into the penis (E.g. Caverject (alprostadil), inserted into the eye of the penis (E.g. MUSE (alprostadil)) or taken as a tablet by mouth (E.g. Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), Viagra (sildenafil) and Uprima (apomorphine).

Vacuum pumps are another option to help men with erection problems get a good erection.

How does Cialis (tadalafil) work?

Cialis (tadalafil) belongs to a group of medicines called “PDE5 inhibitors”. It is an almond shaped yellow tablet with strengths of 10mg or 20mg. It is an oral tablet, which is swallowed. For Cialis to be effective, sexual stimulation is required and so Cialis will not create an erection unless a man engages in sexually exciting activity.

Cialis (tadalafil) works by helping the blood vessels to the penis to let more blood flow. This helps to create and keep an erection. This increased blood flow is achieved by relaxing the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis.

Cialis (tadalafil) can work for up to 36 hours, so allowing the man suffering with erection problems to take the tablet plenty of time before he wishes to have sex. Cialis should be taken at least 30 minutes before the man wishes to have sex.

Does Cialis (tadalafil) always work?

Cialis has been shown to work in many clinical trials, however individual results may vary. Cialis has been shown to improve the ability for most men with erection problems to have successful sex.

Cialis (tadalafil) side effects

When taken at the recommended dose, the possible side effects of Cialis (tadalafil) are mild and normally pass with time. The most common side effects are a headache and upset stomach. Less common effects include flushing, stuffy nose, muscle pain, dizziness and back ache. Most men aren't bothered by the side effects enough to stop taking Cialis.

Is Cialis (tadalafil) for everyone?

Cialis (tadalafil) is only for men.

Cialis (tadalafil) should only be taken if your doctor has prescribed it for you. This is because Cialis can be dangerous if you take it at the same time as certain other medicines including some that are used to treat chest pain (angina), high blood pressure or prostate problems. In addition, some men may not be well enough to have sex because of the extra strain it puts on the heart and so Cialis is unsuitable.

For these reasons you should always see your doctor if you think you could benefit from Cialis (tadalafil).