Table of Contents
When it comes to dealing with health conditions, most of us would rather use over-the-counter medication than visit the doctor. But when erectile dysfunction is on the line, should you really be reaching for that bottle of Viagra from the pharmacy shelf?
The short answer is no. Many products that claim to help fight against ED contain unregulated ingredients that may harm your health. In the worst cases, they may exacerbate pre-existing conditions and lead to debilitating side effects.
That said, there’s a slew of products available online and in retailers. They all claim the same thing—to boost sexual performance and help a man maintain a firm erection. But what exactly is so bad about these products if, for the most part, they’re effective in enhancing that specific function?
Read below to learn more about the side effects of OTC ED pills as well as alternative ways of restoring sexual function and treating erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction: What Does It Mean?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the incapability to sustain an erection long enough for sexual activity. Nearly half of all men aged 40-70 years old are estimated to have forms of erectile dysfunction in varying severity.
The most common erectile dysfunction symptoms include the following:
- An absence of an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Erectile softness
- Reduced sexual desire
While erectile dysfunction can appear on its own, it may also be a result of underlying health problems. Some erectile dysfunction causes are:
- Diabetes
- Heart and blood vessel diseases
- Neurological disorders
- Prostate surgery
- Certain medications
Why Men Should Avoid OTC Viagra & ED Drugs
While surfing the net, you might have come across advertisements claiming to solve erectile dysfunction problems and enlarge your penis. But don’t be fooled: these “ED medications” are neither effective nor safe.
Among all prescription medications, the most common one for treating ED is Viagra. Viagra is a prescription drug that helps resolve temporary erectile dysfunction. Many drugs assert that they function similarly to Viagra. These products are often counterfeit medicines that should be avoided at all costs.
The main reason why men should avoid Viagra and counter ED pills is due to their potential side effects. Even though Viagra helps men achieve an erection, it also has a list of potential side effects that range from relatively benign to more severe.
The most common side effect of Viagra is flushing, which affects nearly 1 in 3 men. While most cases of these symptoms are short-lived, they can quickly alter the mood in the bedroom, and your health at large.
But Viagra’s problems don’t stop there. Many variants of penis enhancement pills aren’t FDA-approved. According to the Food & Drug Administration, nearly 50 ED supplements contain undisclosed ingredients that are unfit for human consumption. This can be exacerbated when ingested with other drugs or when a patient’s already suffering from certain health conditions.
The FDA further claimed that 20 out of 25 of the ED products purchased from retailers had undeclared ingredients. This doesn’t only indicate that these products aren’t reliable, but they also show that companies who make and market these products don’t have the customer’s well-being in mind.
If you want to steer clear of the dangers associated with Viagra and other ED drugs, get in touch with a medical professional for them to properly evaluate your condition. If your ED is mild, there are natural ways to enhance your sexual performance without putting your health at risk.
Side Effects of Over The Counter Viagra And ED Drugs
From Cialis to Stendra, every ED medication on the market carries risk, no matter how statistically insignificant it may seem at first glance. It’s for this reason that you must consult a physician before obtaining a prescription so that you can reduce the likelihood of side effects.
That said, it’s not possible to avoid risks all the time. Some side effects of taking Viagra or ED drugs over-the-counter include:
- Headache
- Body pain
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Visual changes
- Nasal congestion
Before taking ED drugs, make sure to consult a doctor. It’s recommended to avoid these drugs if you are taking certain medications, have certain health conditions, or are at risk for heart attack or stroke.
Despite these warnings, there’s a high demand for these products solely because of their accessibility online. If you want to verify the safety of a certain male pill, checking the FDA’s database of contaminated sexual enhancement items will assist you in avoiding using risky products.
This database won’t always contain the most recent coverage, so if you’re serious about treading on the safe side, it’s best to consider other means to treat erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction Alternative Treatments
With the sheer prevalence of this disease around the globe, there’s a large catalog of options when it comes to ED treatments. The best part is that most of these treatment procedures are offered on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go about your daily activities as soon as you step out of the doctor’s office.
- Lifestyle changes: Changing a few lifestyle practices, such as exercising regularly, taking dietary supplements, and eating a well-balanced diet, can help improve your sexual health.
- Counseling: Opening up to your partner and doctor about your problems can help if you have erectile dysfunction due to stress and anxiety.
- Vacuum devices: Penis pumps or vacuum pumps help draw blood into the penis with suction.
- Surgeries: Penile implants enable you to have an erection when you desire.
- Acoustic wave therapy: Also known as shockwave therapy, this treatment uses sound waves to break down plaque in blood vessels and help increase blood flow to the penis. It’s been proven to be highly effective without adverse side effects.
Consult a local ED physician if you’re experiencing any erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Contact St. Louis’ Top Men’s Sexual Health Clinic for a Medical ED Consultation
If you are one of the many men suffering from erectile dysfunction, speak to your doctor before taking any medication. They’ll be able to advise you on the right course of action with utmost consideration of your prevailing health.
Erectile dysfunction is a global phenomenon. People afflicted by the condition may turn to various forms of medications to treat it, both prescription and over-the-counter variants. Unfortunately, most over-the-counter medicines can be ineffective to a certain population of people, if not harmful.
Instead of using these untested medications to treat ED, consider getting proper erectile dysfunction treatments at Paramount Men’s Medical Center.
The medical professionals at men’s clinic Paramount Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction, Low Testosterone, Premature Ejaculation, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
