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Let’s face it, ED medications have serious side effects that must be considered.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection. Male sexual arousal is complex. It involves hormones, the brain, emotions, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
Erectile dysfunction can be the result of a problem with any of these parts of the body. However, in a large percentage of men, ED is caused by poor cardiovascular health.
Common health ailments, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes all impact a man’s ability to get or maintain an erection.
Physical causes of ED are more common as men get older. There are many erectile dysfunction prescription medications available that seek to treat ED, including:
- Viagra (Sildenafil)
- Cialis (Tadalafil)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
These medications work by increasing nitric oxide levels in the blood. Nitric oxide widens the blood vessels, which some studies show can increase blood flow to the penis. Having more blood in the penis makes it easier for men to get and maintain an erection.
While some prescription medications can be useful in the short term, most if not all ED sex pills ultimately do more harm than good long term, due to a wide range of negative side effects. Here are some of the most common ED medication side effects that men need to be aware of.
1. Headaches
One of the most common side effects associated with ED medications are headaches. They are caused by the sudden change in blood flow along with increased levels of nitric oxide. If you are actively taking sex pills and having this symptom, talk to your doctor immediately about your symptoms to avoid the risk of more severe consequences.
2. Dizziness
Aside from headaches, an increase in nitric acid can also cause dizziness, which can impact everyday activities. In some cases, ED medication side effects have caused severe dizziness that led to fainting.
If you experience frequent dizziness when taking Viagra, Cialis, or any other prescription medication for ED, contact your doctor right away.
3. Nasal Congestion & Chest Congestion or Pain
Many men have reported experiencing chest and nasal congestion when taking ED medication. Other men report having a runny nose.
These side effects of sex pills are caused by heightened levels of nitric oxide. The compound is already naturally abundant in the nasal mucosa, which lines the nasal cavity.
Having increased levels of nitric oxide leads to nasal congestion and chest congestion and potentially chest pain. Some men report experiencing rapid heart rate increases, which may increase the load carried by the heart and lungs leading to chest pain.
4. Digestive Problems
Another common side effect of ED drugs is digestive problems. Taking these medications increases the risk of diarrhea and indigestion. This side effect of erectile dysfunction drugs may appear relatively minor compared to other possible downsides and side effects, but a lack of proper digestion can contribute to a host of other symptoms and nutrient deficiency in general.
5. Body Aches
Some men report muscle aches and pain throughout their entire bodies when taking prescription ED medications. Others have reported pain in the lower back. If you experience any kind of aches or pains when taking ED drugs, you may benefit from discussing your pain with your doctor to rule out any serious underlying health issue.
6. Vision Changes
Erectile dysfunction medications can affect your eyesight in various ways. Some of the most common vision changes that men may experience include:
- Blurry vision
- Decreased color vision
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty telling colors apart
- Blue-green tinged vision
If these prescription side effects persist, or if you experience total loss of vision, call your doctor immediately.
7. Flushed Skin
It’s not uncommon for men taking ED drugs to experience flushed skin. This is when the skin turns red. Some men develop blotchy skin while others develop rashes. Eating hot or spicy foods can also worsen flushes.
Having red skin may make a hot temperature feel even hotter, which could lead to dehydration when combined with digestive problems listed above. Always consult a medical professional should you take any prescription medications for erectile dysfunction.
There Are No Quick Fixes, Think Long-Term About ED Treatment Options
While prescription pills may be a quick option for treating erectile dysfunction in the short term, the risk of dealing with the negative and painful side effects is rarely worth the reward. The good news is that there are other options to consider that can help to improve erection problems medically.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
For some men, improving their sexual function is as simple as making healthier lifestyle choices. A balanced lifestyle goes a long way in getting stronger, longer-lasting erections. Some of the best ways to boost penile function include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress levels
- Limiting nicotine and alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
Embracing a healthier lifestyle can give your manhood the boost it needs.
Consult an Erectile Dysfunction Specialist
If you’ve been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, the best thing you can do is discuss treatment options with your doctor as there are potential sex pill side effects to be aware of. These medications may also interact with other medications, which is why it’s important to discuss the safest option for your health needs.
If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), call the team at Preferred Men’s Medical Center now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are Ft Lauderdale’s leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, medical weight loss, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.