How do ed pills work

Another study from involving 52 people found that a combination of ginseng and vitamin E may help improve ED, especially when compared with a placebo. There were no safety issues or negative effects noted after 6 weeks. Overall, there may be a role for ginseng in helping treat ED, but more research is needed to narrow down appropriate doses and potential side effects. Yohimbe is another supplement that helps treat ED by stimulating penile blood flow.

Research from shows that it can improve orgasmic function and ejaculation in men as well. Yohimbe has been linked with a number of side effects , including:. At very high doses, it can also be fatal. As a result, some medical experts are hesitant to recommend it. Proceed with caution and speak with your doctor before trying yohimbe. Propionyl-L-carnitine is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. Propionyl-L-carnitine is often used to address blood flow and other issues related to the circulatory system, making it a potential ED remedy.

Older research has shown that propionyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine also enhance the effects of the popular drug sildenafil Viagra. Risks include undisclosed ingredients and harmful side effects.

Some dietary supplements sold online contain ingredients not listed on the label, and these ingredients could be dangerous for some people who take them. The amount of active ingredients in products containing these supplements may not be consistent either. Some herbs effective in treating ED in animals may not have been tested on humans, resulting in unexpected side effects. In addition, OTC treatments can interact with other medications taken for ED, making the supplements unsafe.

Ingredients in these OTC treatments can also cause unsafe interactions with medications taken for other conditions. Importantly, taking an OTC drug that contains sildenafil at the same time as a drug that contains nitrates, such as one for diabetes or heart disease , can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Traditional ED treatments such as sildenafil Viagra , vardenafil Levitra, Staxyn , and tadalafil Cialis are often also used to treat pulmonary hypertension. A study shows that combining ED treatments containing these medications with nitrates or alpha-blockers can cause problems.

Many treatment options are available for ED management. These are backed by more data than OTC supplements. Your doctor may suggest:. There are many causes of ED , including mental, emotional, and physical. Emotional and mental causes may include:. It can help you determine whether your ED is physical or mental. Certain foods may be beneficial for people experiencing erectile dysfunction.

Learn more about what foods to include in the diet here. Some people claim that the amino acid D-aspartic acid can improve erectile dysfunction, but the science on its benefits is not conclusive. Learn more…. Many people have erectile dysfunction ED , but it is often possible to reverse this with exercises to strengthen muscles in the area. These include…. ED medication: Which pills are the most effective?

Viagra Cialis Stendra Levitra Alternatives Summary Erectile dysfunction is a treatable issue, and a variety of medications can help. Share on Pinterest A range of medications can help treat erectile dysfunction. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. A man who has an erection that lasts four hours or more needs to get to a hospital or risk permanent damage.

None of the ED drugs is safe to take with cardiac drugs called nitrates because it could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Drugs that many men take for urinary symptoms, called alpha blockers, can also lower blood pressure, so take them at least four hours apart from ED drugs. Your doctor may start you on a smaller dose of the ED drug if you already take an alpha blocker or may recommend the alpha blocker tamsulosin Flomax , which affects blood pressure less.

ED is often an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease , such as clogged arteries atherosclerosis. We don't have strong proof yet that starting to live a healthier lifestyle can reverse erectile problems, but it can't hurt.

Looking for natural solutions to ED? Read 5 natural ways to overcome erectile dysfunction. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

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