Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects men of all ages. It is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. In the UK, its estimated that up to 50% of men over the age of 40 experience ED to some degree.
Erectile dysfunction can be very distressing and cause difficulties in relationships. It’s important to investigate ED though because sometimes it can be a marker for illness, like testosterone deficiency, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
It can have a variety of causes, including physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Physical causes include conditions that affect blood flow to the penis, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis.
Psychological causes for ED, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, can also contribute to ED.
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, high alcohol consumption and obesity may also increase the risk of developing ED. Some medications can also cause ED, including beta blockers and some antidepressants.
Tadalafil is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow into the area which facilitates the development of an erection.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine investigated the efficacy and safety of daily tadalafil in men with ED. The study included 623 men with ED who were randomly assigned to receive either daily tadalafil or a placebo for 12 weeks. The results showed that men who received daily tadalafil had a significantly higher rate of successful intercourse attempts compared to those who received the placebo.1
Another study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of daily tadalafil in men with ED. The study included 1,199 men with ED who were treated with daily tadalafil for up to 2 years. The results showed that daily tadalafil was effective in improving erectile function and was well-tolerated.2
There can be some side effects that include headaches, facial flushing, and back pain. These can usually be managed by reducing the dose of the medication.
ED is a common condition that affects a significant proportion of men in the UK and sadly some men find it difficult to talk about. While there are several potential causes that should be investigated and considered, daily tadalafil is a generally well tolerated treatment option that helps improve erectile function and sexual satisfaction.
References:
- Hackett G, Kirby M, Wylie K, Heald A. Erectile dysfunction and its implications for men’s health. J Sex Med. 2008;5(6):1447-1455. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00884.x
- McMahon CG, Stuckey BG, Lording DW, et al. A 6-month study of the efficacy and safety of tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study in Australian men. Int J Clin Pract. 2005;59(12):1437-1443. doi:10.1111/j.1368-5031.2005.00636.x