Erectile Dysfunction Increases with Use of Multiple Medications!

If you are among the one who is under multiple medications, then there is a point to worry as a new research has indicated that men under multiple medications are more prone to getting erectile dysfunction than compared to other men who are not under so much of medications. This was the study published in British journal of urology International, which says that use of multiple medications at once significantly increases the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and is also one of the major causes of ED.

The study was conducted among approximately 37,712 men in an age group of 46 years to 69 years from southern California and concluded that men taking more than 3 medicines were more likely to suffer from Erectile Dysfunction than compared to men who were consuming less than 3 medicines. The link between excessive medication and erectile dysfunction was derived on basis of the medication information available with the pharmacy records. Twenty-nine percent of participants were classified as having moderate to severe ED, based on their answers to questions about their sexual function.

Even though researchers aren’t sure as to how can the use of multiple medications can trigger the outcome of Erectile Dysfunction, but they also agree to the fact that the possible interactions between the medicines can also result in such affects. Though such drug to drug interaction is never written on the label but there are great chances of such chemical reactions. The most common medications associated with ED include anti-hypertensive (beta blockers, thiazides, and clonidine) and psychogenic medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and any medication which can interfere with testosterone pathways. According to the survey close to 60 percent of men took more than three medications, and 25 percent took at least 10 medications. The study included both prescription and over-the-counter medications. In this case among the men with moderate ED, about 30 percent were taking 10 or more medications, whereas 15 percent were taking two or lesser medications. The conclusion of the study was true regardless of the type of medication. Use of multiple medications was also associated with increased level of ED. About 30 percent of men taking 10 or more medications had severe ED, compared with just 6.9 percent of patients who took two or lesser medications.

The main highlight of the study was to update physicians that they should review the medication of the patient time to time and also reduce the dosages or the medicines as a precautionary measure against possible outcome of ED. There is also great possibility that the patient might be on more medication than absolutely necessary and reviewing such situations can control ED to a great extent. ED has certainly become one of the major problems that affect a significant population of men in the United States and around the world. Previous studies have time and again shown that 35 percent of men over the age of 60 are more likely to suffer from ED, a condition with multiple causes including thyroid diseases, depression, stress, medication side effects, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, alcoholism, smoking, trauma, and surgery. Most of these conditions decrease nitric oxide, the main neurotransmitter which initiates and maintains an erection and thus resulting in Erectile Dysfunction.

It becomes very important for a Doctor to update the patient about possible side effects about the medicines prescribed and take precautionary measures to control ED. Many Doctors have now started prescribing Generic Viagra to patients if the patient reports of any discomfort in attaining erection. Drugs like Generic Viagra and Kamagra have certainly been the blessing to patients suffering from ED but regular exercises, lifestyle changes and changes in diet can also help in keeping medications at bay.