Photo Credit: by Nick Youngson, The Blue Diamond Gallery
If you’re a male and don’t have erectile dysfunction (ED) yourself, you surely know someone who does. A significant portion of the male population (not only men over 50) suffers from this condition, in which men are unable to get or keep an erection for sexual intercourse.
Millions of men around the world experience ED. The statistics are unfortunate, but on the bright side, it leads to a lot of research and treatment innovation.
According to Globe Newswire, “The global erectile dysfunction drugs market is anticipated to surpass around USD 6.1 billion by 2032 from USD 3.2 billion in 2022.”
This anticipated growth in the ED drug market underscores the significant research and development efforts in this field, and is driven by rising awareness of ED and the growing availability and variety of treatment options.
Hopefully, better outcomes and more successful treatments are on the way! Men around the world hope their ED will be cured once and for all. Below, we review the latest research trends in ED, including treatment innovations, health implications, and lifestyle interventions.
ED treatment and medications
In the realm of ED medications, there has been a notable advancement with the approval of the first over-the-counter (OTC) gel for ED, offering a new and accessible treatment option for men experiencing erectile dysfunction.
According to LiveScience, “The first-ever over-the-counter topical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) has just been approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced…The new drug, named Eroxon, has received a ‘De Novo’ classification from the FDA, meaning it's the first gel or topical treatment for ED and the first ED treatment that is accessible without a doctor’s prescription in the United States, according to a statement.”
This development signifies a shift towards more user-friendly and less stigmatized treatments.
For those who opt to go the prescription medication route, some long popular ED drugs include Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra. The generic version of Cialis 20 mg and generic version of Viagra 100 mg offers cost-effective alternatives while maintaining efficacy.
To safeguard against counterfeit Viagra, it is crucial to verify the credibility of the Canadian online pharmacy from which you intend to purchase ED medications. Ensure that the pharmacy is reputable, licensed, and follows all the safety and regulatory standards.
Here at Canadian Pharmacy World, we carry a variety of brand and generic versions of ED drugs from different countries and suppliers, such as Canada, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Turkey. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our customer toll-free at 1-866-486-7979.
Always consult with a doctor before taking any prescription medication, including ED drugs.
The impact of ED treatment: Can ED drugs improve heart and brain health?
Recent research has also explored the broader health implications of ED treatments. For example, studies have shown that medications used for ED, such as Viagra, could significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and reduce mortality related to cardiovascular conditions.
An article in the New York Post reports, “Viagra could cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 60%, according to a new study. Researchers from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York found that Viagra (sildenafil), a drug most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, blocks an enzyme found in the brains of those who suffer from the disease. … Findings showed that Viagra suppresses a protein called PDE5. In Alzheimer’s patients, PDE5 is ‘significantly increased’ in the part of the brain that manages memory.”
What’s more, ED can be an early warning sign of heart disease and other circulation issues.
According to an article published by Healthline, “ED medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra may improve heart health by affecting blood vessels throughout the body. New research suggests that this effect may protect men from heart attacks, stroke, and other major cardiovascular events. A study of 23,000 men with ED found that those who took medication to treat the condition had a 39% lower rate of death due to cardiovascular disease.”
These findings suggest that the benefits of ED medications may extend beyond improving sexual function, potentially offering protective effects against other serious health issues. This is a promising finding in the world of ED treatment.
Lifestyle and exercise: Is exercise as effective as ED medications?
We all know how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle when it comes to diet, exercise, stress levels, and more. But in recent news, lifestyle factors, particularly exercise, have gained attention for their role in managing ED.
A report published by Medical News Today states, “For men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), exercising regularly can be nearly as effective as ED medications, such as Viagra (sildenafil), in improving performance, according to a new meta-study. The authors say that the benefits of exercise include other sexual performance benefits as well. The study found that men with the most severe ED improved the most with exercise.”
It only makes sense that regular aerobic exercise sessions have been associated with improved blood flow and overall sexual health, reinforcing the importance of physical activity in the management of ED. Some consider exercise a free, low-risk alternative to ED drugs!
As ScienceAlert puts it, “Regular exercise sessions can be as effective as popping Viagra pills when it comes to dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED). According to new research, just three 30 minute sessions per week could be enough to see a difference.”
Do you need to get up off the couch and go for a walk, jog, or run? You’re not alone!
Of course, many people already have a healthy exercise routine or their ED does not improve with exercise. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if this is the case for you.
Can ED medications treat diabetes?
The relationship between ED and diabetes has been a focus of recent research, with findings indicating that high-dose ED medications can improve long-term blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
As a recent article by News Medical states, “A small group of patients with type 2 diabetes significantly improved their long-term blood sugar levels when treated with high-dose tadalafil, a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.”
Did you know that most overweight men with type 2 diabetes develop ED? The article also states “More than 70 percent of men with obesity and type 2 diabetes develop ED.”
However, it seems like ED drugs can help because of their effect on a man’s metabolic performance.
The article reports, “Tadalafil increases blood flow in skeletal muscle, heart and adipose tissue. This present study also shows increased blood flow and a favorable effect in the liver, where an established marker of fatty liver decreased during the drug treatment, compared with the placebo. In addition, the researchers saw an increase in glucose uptake with the tadalafil treatment compared with the placebo.”
As you can see, ED and metabolic health are interconnected, suggesting that treating one condition may have positive effects on the other.
Fertility considerations
Another area of exploration is the impact of ED treatments on male fertility. Research into inhibitors commonly used in ED medications has begun to assess their potential effects on fertility.
Medriva reports, “A recent study has sparked a fascinating discussion in the realm of reproductive health. Research suggests that phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition, a widely recognized approach for treating erectile dysfunction, may have a significant impact on male fertility.”
The article continues, “PDE5 inhibitors are widely used in the management of erectile dysfunction. By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, these drugs enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes muscles in the penis, thereby improving blood flow and facilitating an erection. The recent study, however, suggests an additional potential benefit - increased fertility in men.”
Understanding how these treatments influence reproductive health is crucial for men who hope to start a family.
The future of ED research and treatment
Ongoing studies are aimed at understanding the underlying causes of ED and developing more effective therapies.
As the market for ED drugs continues to grow, so too does the potential for new discoveries and improved quality of life for those affected by ED. The potential for personalized medicine, based on individual genetic profiles, could revolutionize the way ED is treated, making therapies more tailored and effective.
Remember that consulting a healthcare professional is essential for personalized advice and credible treatment options.
With advances in medication, lifestyle interventions, and a deeper understanding of the condition’s relationship with other health issues, the future of ED treatment looks bright.
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