Contact the provider for any problems, changes, or side effects or if you visit a new provider for treatment. ED may indicate other health issues that should be addressed, which is why we recommend routine testing of labs and regular visits with your primary care provider.

ED may be a sign of other medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes, vascular diseases, and even neurological disorders. You must disclose your health history, medication history, and any health-related changes so the provider can address your needs to help safeguard your well-being.

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are prescription medications commonly used to help manage erectile dysfunction (ED) and should only be used after you’ve been diagnosed with ED. Take them as directed.

Here is a guide to help you understand the potential risks and benefits of Sildenafil or Tadalafil in treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

These medications do not increase sexual desire. Instead, they allow the penis to better fill with blood and achieve a satisfactory erection. With both of these drugs, however, patients must realize that they do not have 100% success and that the success rate has a lot to do with the severity of ED

Patients taking either Sildenafil or Tadalafil may experience mild to severe side effects.

These are rather common and temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Penile tissue releases Nitric Oxide (NO) when the brain processes erotic stimulation. This release of NO increases a chemical known as Guanosine MonoPhosphate (cyclic-GMP) which causes the relaxation of the muscles in the penis, in a process known as tumescence.

The swelling causes the veins in the penis to collapse, which restricts blood from leaving the penis. This is what causes a persistent erection. Eventually, the penis will become flaccid again as the blood is released, in a process known as detumescence. It is caused by chemicals known as phosphodiesterases which break down the cyclic-GMP in a reversal of how the erection started.

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are phosphodiesterase inhibitors, meaning they block your body’s phosphodiesterases which inhibits the breakdown of cyclic-GMP, so the blood stays in the penis for longer, resulting in a longer erection.

Certain phosphodiesterase inhibitors can react differently in the body. Sildenafil can be effective in as little as one hour and will be out of the bloodstream in up to eight hours, whereas tadalafil may not take effect for two hours and can work for up to 36 hours.

There are other ways to treat ED. Below are some options that should be carefully discussed with your provider before treatment.

Healthy lifestyle choices and alterations are also encouraged for improvement in a patient’s ability to get and maintain an erection. Here are some ways to improve overall sexual performance:

Alcohol acts as a depressant in the nervous system which can inhibit messaging between the brain and the body. Smoking can damage blood vessels and impede the body’s ability to achieve an erection.

Contact your provider with any concerns. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek treatment immediately.

Please see your PCP and notify them that you have started taking medications for erectile dysfunction.

ED may be an early sign of the following conditions:

While your prescribing physician has reviewed the medications you have reported, it is important for you to be aware of the many drug interactions that can occur with phosphodiesterases.

Please review the PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) for complete information.

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