Erectile dysfunction affects 20% of men in the US, yet more than half of those affected ignore it. This condition makes it difficult for a man to start or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual performance.

It’s common for men to have trouble with erections at times due to stress, lack of sexual stimulation, or just not being “in the mood.” However, this issue becomes more serious if it happens consistently and affects relationships. It can also lower confidence in some men and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

There are many possible causes of erectile dysfunction, which can be physical, psychological, or both. Generally, these causes affect blood flow to the penis and/or nerve stimulation needed to trigger an erection. Problems with blood flow to the penis reduce the chances of achieving an erection.

Possible physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Obesity
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis

Possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Other mental health conditions

Treatment

Not all men experiencing erectile dysfunction choose to seek medical help. Some feel too embarrassed or believe it diminishes their ‘manliness’. This can lead to low self-esteem and unsatisfying sexual lives. Some couples planning to conceive may struggle to conceive due to erectile dysfunction.

Without seeking the necessary help to address erectile dysfunction, men (and their partners) may experience significant stress, anxiety, or even depression. This can strain relationships and, in some cases, lead to relationship breakdowns. Therefore, we should not underestimate the physical and psychological toll that erectile dysfunction can have on some men and their partners.

So… can I take Viagra with other erectile dysfunction treatments?

No, you should not.

You will find that you are always prescribed only one of the licensed medications for treating erectile dysfunction mentioned above. If you are taking Viagra, you do not need to take other treatments from these medications, but if you find that Viagra is not effective for you, always consult a doctor and do not mix it with other ED medications.

Reasons why Viagra tablets may not be effective include

• The dosage strength may not be sufficient for you.
• You engage in sexual activity too soon after taking the Viagra tablet.
• You wait too long to engage in sexual activity after taking the tablet.
• There isn’t enough sexual stimulation to cause an erection and make the tablet effective.

If you take Viagra along with other erectile dysfunction treatments as mentioned earlier, you significantly increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. These side effects can be serious, like sudden drops in blood pressure that could lead to a heart attack. Severe headaches should not be ignored, and pain relievers like paracetamol may not be effective.

However, one specific side effect of erectile dysfunction treatment is considered a medical emergency, and the risk increases greatly if you take Viagra with other treatments — it’s called ‘Priapism’. Priapism is a medical emergency where an erection lasts continuously and painfully for more than 4 hours. Immediate medical help is necessary because if left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the penis.

So, if you’re prescribed treatment for erectile dysfunction like Viagra, don’t consider taking other treatments alongside it because this could be more harmful than beneficial! If Viagra tablets aren’t effective enough for you, it may just be a matter of adjusting the tablet strength, taking it correctly, or possibly switching to an alternative medication instead.