Feeling Hungry After Eating: The Hormones At Play And How To Manage Them

It often happens to the best of us to eat more than necessary and not always out of hunger, but to compensate for states of anxiety, nervousness, stress, with the almost obvious consequence of becoming overweight. If the feeling of always having hunger happens every now and then, it is not worrying, but if it becomes habitual we should not underestimate this alarm bell. It is in fact a modality through which the body is communicating something to us: obviously something in your diet is not going the right way. So let’s see what can be the causes for which you are still hungry even after eating.

Being hungry after eating: the causes

Hunger is a physiological need and is influenced by various factors, such as the food itself, the emotional factors and the appetite hormones. An excess of constant hunger can affect our health, for this reason, we must pay attention to some habits.

The feeling of compulsive hunger can be triggered by a slight state of dehydration. It could be that the body needs fluids but there is confusion in the brain in the hypothalamus, which is the brain region that regulates both thirst and appetite. So it is advisable to drink a glass of water 20 minutes before starting to eat. If you finish eating you still have the feeling of hunger, drink another glass of water and wait 20 minutes. If the problem is dehydration, the feeling of hunger will disappear.

If your diet is mainly based on the consumption of carbohydrates, that is: white flour, sugary foods, sweets and biscuits, the blood sugar level will rise very quickly and fall immediately afterwards, triggering a vicious circle that leads to always eating more.

Hungry_after_eating

Therefore a balanced diet is recommended, which is also rich in fiber and protein. The latter promote the feeling of satiety. Say yes to eggs, lean meat and Greek yogurt.

It should never happen that you skip a meal during the day. When the stomach remains empty for a long time, it produces a high level of ghrelin, or the hunger hormone. Therefore it is advisable to eat every 4/5 hours starting from breakfast.

Psychological causes of continuous hunger

Several studies have confirmed that observing food encourages eating and, in this society where food really is not lacking, we just have to give in to temptations very often. So once our meal is over, we should be strong and resist.

Very often, because of the little time available, we eat quickly on the office desk, maybe in the meantime we carry on the work. Nothing could be more wrong: lunch or dinner require the right amount of time, as well as the serenity and the possibility of enjoying the meal. Eating slowly and consciously helps to reach satiety first and keep it longer.

Dietitian, Nutritionist Or Dietologist: Whom To Consult And When?

When you want to lose a few pounds of weight, the first suggestion you receive is to skip the do-it-yourself ambitions and seek help of a food professional, in order to receive safe driving and a personalized and truly ideal food plan for you. The figures of reference, however, are different: how to choose, for example between a nutritionist or a dietologist? Or isn’t a dietitian better?

Dietitian is the one who has a bachelor’s degree, or the first degree: they are not a doctor, but a health worker. A professional elaborates, formulates and sets the diets prescribed by the doctor and monitors the patient’s acceptability. You can also develop a diet prescribed by a doctor. The dietician also deals with food hygiene control, nutrition education, scientific research and collaboration with food industries.

Nutritionist is a biologist who holds a five-year degree: they are entitled to assess people’s nutritional and energy needs, developing dietary patterns and, like dietitians, working in the area of ​​food education and collective catering. They can independently develop diets, nutritional advice and prescribe food supplements (but not drugs). However, they cannot make a diagnosis of pathology, but in case of suspicion of illness they must invite the patient to seek medical attention.

Dietologist is a doctor graduated in medicine and surgery, and later specialized after another four years of study in food science. They are responsible for the diagnosis of a possible pathology and the prescription of the diet, as well as drugs and even invasive tests. From the professional point of view it is the most titled and most competent figure in the field of food and related disorders.

Who to trust. The three professionals described above simply indicate the training path of the various specialists. As always, when you have to rely on a specialist, in addition to competence, there are also a series of more subtle elements, such as ease of dialogue, empathy and the sense of confidence you feel “in your gut”. For this reason, with the same skills and documented qualification of the specialist, it is always the criterion to choose the person with whom you are the best team.

However, some general rules apply: if you are in good health and simply want to reorganize your food style or check to follow the rules of a healthy and balanced diet, perhaps losing a bit of weight, the nutritionist can be a valid reference figure.

You can seek their help with confidence even if you have been diagnosed with a condition like hypercholesterolemia or obesity: the nutritionist will help us identify a healthier lifestyle and provide you with an adequate food plan. However, if you have to lose a lot of pounds or stay on a diet for a long time, or you suspect that our extra pounds hide a disease or a disorder of eating behavior, the dietician is the professional figure for us. You will be in front of a specialist doctor who can deal with all aspects of our situation, even from a clinical point of view, possibly prescribing the exams and drugs you might need. Only in a second phase, with a complete clinical picture, can you possibly book an appointment with a nutritionist.

Obesity As A Cause For Erectile Dysfunction: This Is What The Link Is

When we talk about erectile dysfunction we must always move with extreme caution considering the delicacy of the interests called into play. Sexuality, despite a recent libertarian tendency, remains a topic by definition intimate, which causes embarrassment and communicative difficulties both in the couple and with a trusted doctor.

A US research conducted by the professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, Eric Rimm, has shown the close link between overweight and / or obesity and erectile dysfunction. The results tell us that men, aged between 51 and 90 years and overweight (identified by a waist size of more than 105 cm in total), have a tendency to develop problems of impotence twice that of men of normal build (waistline below 90 cm).

The correlation is obvious but the specific causes that create this problem can be manifold. For instance, excessive overweight determines the inability to release nitric oxide from the cardiac epithelial layer due to the excessive presence of insulin in the blood. This step is crucial, since it is precisely nitric oxide that sends the message to the soft tissues and penile arteries to relax, to allow the blood to flow into the cavernous bodies and spongy bodies.

But it is not only the secretion of nitric oxide, other physiological mechanisms may be involved. The greater the quantities of the fat mass, the lower the levels of testosterone in the blood, with negative consequences for the development of the sexual organs and the correct production of the spermatozoa (with possible consequences also for the fertility of the subject).

The high percentage of fat mass typical of obesity does not simply worsen the general and penile blood circulation, but acts at the hormonal level, soothing the testicular activity regulated by the pituitary gland. Thus, an involutive spiral of continuous lowering of testosterone is triggered, which fails to contribute to the loss of erectile potential.

In addition to the specific point of view, obesity acts negatively on a psychological level. The severely overweight or obese person will not be able to perceive himself as a potentially attractive person, and a person who fails to love himself can hardly be loved by others.

Except for particular endocrine, hormonal or other pathological problems, to combat obesity and lose weight immediately it is sufficient to gradually change one’s habits, undergoing a balanced and correct diet and having regular physical activity throughout the course of the year.

You should not follow fad diets that consist of deprivation of entire nutritional sectors, but comprehensively supplement your diet with foods with high vitamin, mineral and micronutrient content to improve the overall health of your cardio circulatory system and appreciate in a short time the improvements also in erections.

weight-loss

Substances such as Zinc (contained in some vegetables such as Cavoli or all seafood), help to reduce the levels of triglycerides in the blood, avoiding the formation of cholesterol plaques inside the blood vessels. A discreet protein intake will also be necessary to avoid losing lean muscle mass during the diet. In this way the weight loss decreed by the balance may be less or less striking than in a more extreme diet, but your body will certainly benefit from it.

A brisk walk will be sufficient for half an hour for 5 days a week, but it is possible to modulate the effort according to one’s own preferences (eg swimming is one of the preferred choices for overweight people, since one does physical activity , without perceiving the weight of your fat as a ballast) and at your own time availability.

What Is Sildenafil And How Does It Work?

Sildenafil, known to most as Viagra but also available as a generically produced cheaper variant of the drug under numerous names, is a medicine that belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5).

This drug is mainly used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction – therefore the inability to achieve or maintain an erection even following adequate stimulation. In fact, it helps to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing a greater flow of blood when sexually stimulated thus allowing an erection.

In case of erectile dysfunction, it is recommended to take about 45 minutes before sexual intercourse and preferably on an empty stomach. The effect of sildenafil lasts about 4/6 hours, the time after which the penis returns to a rest condition.

In addition to being used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, sildenafil is used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Research has shown that this drug, when taken in low doses, is able to dilate the pulmonary arteries and block the progression of pulmonary symptoms.

In many European countries as well as in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Viagra patent (whose active ingredient is, precisely, sildenafil) expired in June 2013, a factor that allowed the sale of equivalent medicines containing the same principle.

Currently, there are more than 12 alternatives available on the market to the more well-known Viagra which have the name of the active ingredient and provide the consumer with the same therapeutic effect at a decidedly lower cost: for the purchase of a pack of four 50 mg tablets, the sildenafil price has decreased by almost 90%.

How does sildenafil work?

A dose of sildenafil should be assumed before sexual activity is planned. The 50 mg sildenafil dosage is usually recommended by specialists for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. We recommend taking about an hour before sexual intercourse as needed. It is important to follow the directions given by the doctor without exceeding the indicated quantity, in order to avoid possible side effects.

The recommended maintenance dose will be established based on the patient’s individual response, and can vary from 25 mg to 100 mg, to be taken from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse depending on needs and dosage.

Sildenafil vs phosphodiesterase type 5

Sildenafil blocks phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and helps to release nitric oxide, a substance that promotes the flow of blood. Since PDE5 is mostly found in the spongeous bodies located in the penis, it is there that the drug’s action is perceived the most. The dilated blood vessels absorb and retain the maximal amount of blood, which results in the ability to achieve and maintain firm and hard erections.

What conditions are required for sildenafil to work? First of all, the user has to be sexually stimulated for sildenafil-containing pill to yield any measurable benefits. But many patients actually state that they experience the improved flow of blood in the genitals shortly after ingesting the drug, so even minor and unintentional stimulation of the penis can result in its turgor.

Sildenafil works best and quickest when taken on an empty stomach or after a fairly light meal. It is also known that the medication has an accumulated effect and the response towards the drug improves with prolonged use.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug that is contraindicated in men with heart, stomach, liver or kidney problems, as well as some other health conditions. Remember that it should always be a doctor who appoints the medication and correct dose of any ED drug.

When Levitra Be Available Over The Counter?

Since the little blue pill came on the market in 1998, men of all ages have opened their eyes to the miracles it can accomplish. Viagra is top notch for men who have erection problems, but the point is that healthy men aged 18 – 40 rarely or never need to use oral drugs for ED like Viagra or its follow-up Levitra to get an erection.

Younger boys and men who know that they need drugs like Levitra are often easily affected and they often think there is something wrong with them if they cannot perform as men in porn movies. It is quite natural that the penis does not stay as rigid as a cane throughout the intercourse, but porn has imagined that this is how sex works. The fact that the healthcare authorities of Norway, Great Britain and some other countries now make Viagra available without a prescription for men as young as 18 is both worrying and critical.

It is stated that Levitra is a drug that is approved for men over 18 with impotence. It is also written that the mandatory guidance will reduce the risk of misuse and side effects. Although you can buy Viagra Prescription-free at any pharmacy, the Drug Agency of Norway recommends having a health check with the GP within six months. Impotence can be an early sign of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among other things.

To make matters clear, there has not been any official discussion as to whether or not Levitra should be sold over the counter. However, before even considering that as an option, there are other essential questions to consider.

The availability of Levitra and at some point in time other ED drugs without prescription can lead to healthy men aged 18-40 to buying these preparations to “test and try”. They often find that the erection they get is neither good nor bad, but rather painful and uncomfortable. So uncomfortable that they initially want to visit a doctor because they are worried but they dare not. That is the backside of the medal but there are so many that do not talk about it.

Erectile dysfunction epidemics grows, not only because men have poor health, but also because performance anxiety increases. Men are influenced in all channels and now they get a simple solution to the pharmacy bypassing the actual visit to a doctor who could make a timely observation that there is no pathology as such.

Vardenaifl should not be given to healthy men to improve erection and patients should be well advised against abuse. To say that “Viagra without a prescription has worked well in England”, having been available as a non-prescription drug for less than a year, is not good enough in this case.

It is positive that men with erectile dysfunction can have a better potency, and therefore probably a better sex life, but this should be determined by a doctor, not a patient himself, and definitely not at the age of 18 are thereabout. Setting this limit to 40 + will prevent young men without physical impotence problems from becoming dependent on ED pills they don’t really need. Very often “the erection is in your head” and is not a physical thing. Getting mentally addicted to a Levitra or any other sexual enhancement is definitely not recommended.

The bottom line is this: it is not much of a hassle to either see a doctor in person or get a telemedicine consultation if you really are certain that your failures in bed are caused by erectile pathology. Even a telemedicine specialist can issue a prescription for you after asking you a set of elaborately thought-through questions, and many pharmacies online are prepared to provide this service for free. The question that you should be asking yourself is whether or not you have grounds to take Levitra; at this day and age, getting a presctiption for this and other ED pills is not a problem.

The True Correlation Between Porn Addiction And Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can stem from the drop in libido to depression, repressed anger to anxiety. And again, from alcohol abuse to taking medications, from stress to obesity to problems with muscles, circulation or nerves. Listing the reasons behind impotence is really difficult, but the ones listed are the main ones. Better yet, those which – over the years – have been identified as the founding basis of the problem. Erectile dysfunction can be both physical and psychological in nature. In recent years, however, another cause was added to this list: pornography, because those who prefer the virtual sex or porn to the “physical” one run the serious danger of ending up in a complex mechanism from which it is difficult to escape.

Porn and erectile dysfunction: is there an association between the two factors? Absolutely yes. In fact, addiction to porn involves many difficulties in real sex. A reference study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Matthew Christman (American Urological Association) who monitored sexual behavior – including adult entertainment – on hundreds of women. and men between the ages of 20 and 40.

Researchers believe that porn affects men because of unrealistic expectations. Obviously, they think they can do everything they see doing in those films, and failing to do so can cause great anxiety. Their claim is reflected in the results of the aforementioned survey: the researchers examined 312 men, who were monitored in a urological clinic in San Diego in the context of the treatment of erectile dysfunction. 26% of those surveyed admitted to having seen pornography less than once a week, 25% once or twice a week, 21% three to five times a week, 5% 6 to 10 ten times a wee, 4% over 11 times a week.

But the key figure is another: 3.4% of men admitted that they prefer to masturbate by looking at pornographic images compared to a real sexual relationship. Hence the researchers have found, statistically, a relationship between porn addiction and erectile dysfunction.

Online pornography – a topic on which various essays have also been written – exerts a stimulus so strong as to raise the threshold of “tolerance” towards hard images in people, creating an addiction that refers to that of narcotics and reducing the ability to sexual response.

In summary: the more you consume pornography online, the higher the risk of erectile dysfunction during a sexual relationship with your partner. The reason is simple: to get excited, you will need a load of pornographic images which, in the real situation, you will not have.

research rectile dysfunction

The large amount of dopamine produced while men watch hardcore films, in fact, raises the level that must be reached for a normal erection. For this reason, many men find themselves fantasizing about a porn movie, even while they are carrying out a “normal” sexual activity with their partner. In short, the so-called “performance anxiety” takes over, especially in young people. Contact with porn images risks creating unrealistic expectations in young and inexperienced people, almost a libido anxiety, which occurs when real-world sex does not match that intercepted on the internet.

Food Supplementation Of Saw Palmetto And Testosterone Levels

During the recent years, natural solutions to boost virility and sexual stamina have come to prominence, growing bigger on the market proportionally to the advance and development of pharmacologically formulated substances – as a side-effect free alternative to the latter. And although no substance with curative powers is completely void of adverse reactions and contraindications, it goes without saying that herbal products have considerably fewer side effects and are available to a wider range of patients. They also have a considerable benefit of being cheaper and easier to buy: although a doctor’s consultation is always recommended, even in case of all-natural supplements, a medical prescription is not required.

So what is the celebrated testosterone booster, Saw Palmetto, all about? Is it worth the hype that has been building around it? Saw Palmetto is a supplement based on dry extract of Serenoa repens (or Sabal), a small palm tree native to the subtropical regions of the Atlantic coast of North America, the Mediterranean area of ​​North Africa and southern Spain. This small plant produces fruits similar to red berries, from which some active ingredients are extracted, in particular fatty acids and sterols traditionally known for supporting urinary functions and prostate function.

ED effects compared

In men over 40, hormonal imbalances of testosterone and estrogen can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (IPB), a condition characterized by an increase in prostate volume. The classic symptoms of BPH are difficulty in urination or, vice versa, there may be an increased frequency in urinating (pollakiuria) or the urgent need to empty the bladder at night (nocturia). Some studies have shown that the active ingredients brought by Serenoa repens have helped to reduce the symptoms of IPB.

Saw Palmetto And Testosterone Levels

The mechanisms of action are complex but an inhibition of an enzyme (5α-reductase) has been found which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT would be responsible for stimulating prostate tissue, causing hyperplasia. Another avenue of action would appear to be related to the inhibition of some estrogen-related processes that would lead to IPB. If the mechanisms of action can be multifaceted and not entirely clear, the benefits brought by this plant are evident: in fact, several studies have been conducted which have shown how the administration of Serenoa repens can be a valid support for the well-being of the prostate specifically in cases of nocturia by acting on the spasmolytic activity (sudden and involuntary contraction) of the muscles of the urinary tract. Fields of action: prostate function, urinary tract function.

How to choose a good Saw Palmetto supplement? Look for a supplement that contains dry extract standardized to 30% fatty acids, the only excipient present should be organic rice flour. Absence of allergens is important, so scan the ingredients closely to detect the substances that you have known sensitivities for. There are also products containing Saw Palmetto suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Viagra Vs Cialis Vs Levitra: ED Bestsellers Compared


Viagra, Cialis and Levitra: efficacy in ED treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and / or maintain a penile erection of sufficient duration and stiffness for a satisfactory and complete sexual relationship. Currently, phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors constitute the first-line management for ED – they are Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil). A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PDE5i vs. placebo in which randomized controlled trials of high quality of evidence are included, showed that PDE5i in a period of use less than 12 weeks, consistently improved erectile function and the effectiveness between the different types is similar. Studies on cardiovascular safety of sildenafil show that there is no greater risk of acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular deaths, compared with placebo.

ED effects compared

Viagra and Levitra start acting 60 minutes after the intake, and continue to produce effects during 4 hours. The onset of Cialis effects occurs 20-30 minutes after the intake and continues for the ensuing 36 hours.

Cialis is not affected by heavy and fatty meals, while the effects of the other two pills will be delayed and somewhat inhibited.

None of the three drugs is available in the usual pharmaceutical arsenal in primary care centers, however, they can be found in virtually all pharmacies in the national trade and in online stores. With regard to the cost of drugs, in general, the different trademarks of sildenafil are the most economical, especially if you buy those containing higher doses and with more tablets per box. Tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) have a similar price and both are generally more expensive than sildenafil.

Side effect compared

Sildenafil contained in Viagra is the medicine that has the largest number of safety and adverse effects studies. In it, we can see that 34% of the patients reported some adverse effect, however, only 0.012% of the patients discontinued the treatment attributing it to side effects.

When comparing the adverse effects of the different ED drugs, these are similar, not very serious and the discontinuation rates due to an adverse effect are very low. The use of Viagra is more likely to result in headaches and changes to color perception, while Cialis causes muscle aches. Other common side effects for all the three drugs include:

  • indigestion
  • facial redness
  • nausea
  • stuffy / runny nose

To choose the best ED drug, you should also consider other factors such as time of action, cost, adverse effects and patient and partner preferences.

Some practical recommendations on the use of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra

Generalities: Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol the hours prior to its use, control the other cardiovascular risk factors when appropriate, evaluate withdrawal and / or substitution of drugs that may aggravate ED and preferably include the opinion of the sexual partner in the diagnostic process and treatment

dosage ed drugs

Dosage: Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are prescription medications whose appointment and dose should be regulated by a doctor. Start sildenafil with a dose of 50mg and if it is well tolerated but the response is not as expected, it could be increased to 100mg. You could even try 25mg if the response is good. Take the medicine 30 to 60 minutes prior to sexual intercourse (action window up to 4hrs) and take the drug away from meals (decrease absorption) and only once a day. The same concerns the doses for Cialis and Levitra: start with the median ones of 10mg and ask your doctor to adjust the it up to 20mg or down to 2.5mg-5mg (Cialis) or 5mg (Levitra) if needed.

Patient information: Inform that although most of the time, success occurs in the first 2 times of use, it could take up to 8 doses to reach the success of the treatment. Discuss with the patient the possible frequent side effects, check the concomitant use of nitrites (contraindicated). Use with caution in users of alpha adrenergic antagonists.

Finally, schedule a control to see the response to treatment, optimize dose and evaluate referral to urology in the next controls if there is no adequate response to treatment.

The PDE5 inhibitors are widely used medications given their proven effectiveness, safety profile, mild side effects and affordable cost in their generic versions. Except for contraindications, they constitute the therapy of first line for the ED.

Over The Counter ED Pills Become Reality


Viagra and other ED pills to retail OTC

Viagra becomes prescription-free and probably more expensive in many countries of the world – this is a tendency that started in 2018 with New Zealand and was followed by the UK and Norway. Will the trend hold up in 2020? Is it a good thing that over the counter ED pills become a palpable reality?

A whole new type of prescription class evolves where the customer gets mandatory guidance at the pharmacy upon purchase. This should reduce the risk of misuse and side effects. By taking a prescription drug, you will no longer need go through the doctor before picking up the drug at the pharmacy. It should make it easier to take care of one’s own health. In addition, it can relieve the regular doctors and better utilize the expertise of the pharmacists.

If you need medicine in this scheme, you should not go to the doctor for a prescription, but can go straight to the pharmacy. There one must get mandatory guidance and fill out a checklist on own health. If someone has had a heart attack or stroke for the past six months, they are told to talk to the doctor before using the pills. This can make it easier for people to obtain certain medicines, and improve access and make it easier for people who refuse to go to a doctor.

When the patient has received something at the pharmacy that the doctor did not know of, they can prescribe medication that conflicts with what the patient has received anonymously at the pharmacy. Both antibiotics and tablets for acid disorders can lead to severe side effects of Viagra, the specialist point out.

Another downside of this practice is that it increases the cost of brand medications. It is the initiative of the drug manufacturers to release Viagra without presctiption, and they also increase the unit price to make it less available for recreational use.

Viagra OTC, or Viagra Connect is a non-prescription drug that increases blood supply to the penis and makes it easier to get an erection when you are excited. The medicine is used for impotence, a condition where it is difficult to get or maintain an erection hard enough to have sex. Impotence is a common condition, and studies have shown that drugs such as Viagra provide improved erection in 70% of adult men.

Extra guidance ensures safe use

OTC ED drugs can be used by many men, but not all. You should be absolutely sure that you do not have any diseases or use other medicines that go badly with Viagra and its analogs – Cialis and Levitra. If you want to buy Viagra without prescription, a pharmacist will explain how to use the medicine and go through some questions with you. If you are unsure whether you can use medicines of this type, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

1 tablet of your ED drug of choice is swallowed with 1 glass of water 30-60 minutes before the expected intercourse (possibly up to 4 hours before having sex). You should not take more than 1 tablet daily. The medicine can be taken both with and without food, but if the food contains a lot of fat it may take longer before you get the effect.

These drugs can help you get an erection, but it does not treat the very reason you are having erection problems. We therefore recommend that you contact your GP within 6 months of starting the medicine. Your doctor can find out what is wrong and start treatment that can help. There are many reasons why men experience erection problems, including stress, smoking, obesity, side effects of some drugs, drugs, and diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Is It dangerous to use ED pills without prescription?

The drugs used to treat male impotence should be used wisely, and if you are not having trouble getting an erection, we do not recommend you to try. Here are three good reasons why:

ED pills without prescription

You may have unpleasant side effects. The active ingredient, sildenafil, works by widening blood vessels in the penis. This makes it easier to get an erection, but can also cause blood pressure drops or other side effects such as headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, redness, upper abdominal discomfort and nasal congestion.

You can become psychologically “addicted”. Some people believe, or may begin to believe, that they need medicines like Viagra to perform well enough sexually, even if they really don’t.

It costs a lot of money. Viagra and its analogs are undoubtedly a very useful medicine for men who are having erection problems, but if you don’t really need it it will just be an unnecessary cost.

Is there something I need to watch out for when using ED drugs OTC?

Viagra, Cialis or Levitra should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Concomitant use can cause severe hypotension. Alcohol can make erection more difficult. Therefore, to get the maximum effect of the medicine, it is recommended not to drink large quantities of alcohol before taking ED drugs. They should not be combined with other medicines for erectile dysfunction except in consultation with a doctor.

How To Counter The Effects Of Medications That Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Although the attention of subjects suffering from erectile deficit is mainly focused on the choice of specific medicines that can improve their performance, one should not forget that there are also drugs that can cause or aggravate this disorder. It is important to emphasize that erectile dysfunction does not represent the automatic consequence of taking these drugs, but a side effect that occurs in a generally minority percentage of patient users.

Here are some classes of drugs that cause problems with sexual function:

  • antihypertensive drugs: diuretics (thiazides, spironolactone), centrally acting (methyldopa, clonidine, reserpine), a-blockers (prazosin, terazosin), ß-blockers (propanolol, metoprolol, atenolol).
  • medications for the treatment of dyslipidaemias (hypertriglyceremia, hypercholesterolaemia): gemfibrozil, clofibrate
  • heart failure medications: digoxin, chlortalidone, amiodarone, disopyramide
  • neurological and psychiatric drugs: benzodiazepines, amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, desipramine, tiotixene, lithium salts, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazide, phenelzine, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, flufenazine, pimozide, primidone, carbamurepepine,
  • urological and endocrinological drugs: cyproterone acetate, flutamide, finasteride, analogues of GnRh, cortisone.
  • gastroenterological drugs: cimetidine, ranitidine, metoclopramide, famotidine, nizatidine, propantheline bromide
  • recreationally used substances (drugs of various kinds): cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, codeine, methadone, heroin, meperidine, LSD, hashish

If an iatrogenic origin of erectile dysfunction is suspected, it is important not to spontaneously discontinue drug therapy; rather it is necessary to talk to the doctor, who may eventually prescribe alternative therapy.

Beyond the drugs and drugs that can cause or otherwise promote erectile dysfunction, we remember that alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking can also aggravate the disorder. Alcohol, for example, causes a drop in libido, premature ejaculation, testicular hypotrophy, increased prolactin and gynecomastia.

Smoking is a documented risk factor for erectile dysfunction as it results in peripheral vasculopathy, reduces penile blood pressure and inhibits neurogenic vasodilation. Nicotine reduces blood flow and induces vasoconstriction of the corpora cavernosa even in the absence of systemic vascular anomalies.

These substances can alter both the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and testicular steroidogenesis, or act by antagonizing the peripheral action of androgens. If an iatrogenic origin of erectile dysfunction is suspected, it is important not to spontaneously discontinue drug therapy; rather it is necessary to talk to the doctor, who may eventually prescribe alternative therapy.
medicine and alcohol

Beyond the drugs and drugs that can cause or otherwise promote erectile dysfunction, we remind you that alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking can also aggravate the disorder. Alcoholism, for example, causes a drop in libido, premature ejaculation, testicular hypotrophy, increased prolactin and gynecomastia.

Cigarette smoking is a documented risk factor for erectile dysfunction as it results in peripheral vasculopathy, reduces penile blood pressure and inhibits neurogenic vasodilation. Nicotine reduces blood flow and induces vasoconstriction of the corpora cavernosa even in the absence of systemic vascular anomalies.