Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards. More InfoThis content is based on the current state of medical knowledge. All information has been carefully researched and sources are listed at the end of the article. Our articles meet a high quality standard. Our goal is to present medical topics in a comprehensible language.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist) More InfoThis content is based on the current state of medical knowledge. All information has been carefully researched and sources are listed at the end of the article. Our articles meet a high quality standard. Our goal is to present medical topics in a comprehensible language.
Viagra containing the active ingredient Sildenafil is the most prescribed drug to assist with erectile dysfunction (ED). However, for some people, it still doesn’t solve the problem.
Like any medication, there are several reasons why Viagra doesn’t work for everyone. Factors like physical, psychological, or interactions are some of the possibilities. This is not the end of the matter though, there are alternatives.
Briefly about erectile problems
When men say they have erectile dysfunction, sometimes they mean other disorders that can be related, such as:
- premature ejaculation
- loss of desire
- loss of sensation, numbness in the genital area
- delayed or absent orgasm
- reduced ejaculate
- painful intercourse
- relationship problems
To have an erection, different body systems need to be able to work together. This means your brain, nerves, hormones, and blood vessels all need to work together. If something is preventing these functions from working in a usual manner, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Men can experience emotions such as distress, resentment, feeling defeated, outrage and even grief when dealing with erectile dysfunction. It can have a substantial impact on a man’s quality of life. You must educate yourself so that you can talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing.
Being reluctant to discuss sexual health with a doctor is common. One man advised, “don’t wait as long as I did to where it stressed my marriage. I was embarrassed to talk about it, and I shouldn’t have been. I should have gone to my doctor almost a year sooner.“
What Are Reasons Viagra (Sildenafil) Doesn't Work?
There are several reasons a man might have erectile dysfunction, so getting the proper treatment for your situation is the best approach. Some common causes are:
- Increasing age - Sexual dysfunction can naturally increase as you age
- Vascular disease - Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking
- Neurological disease - Diabetes, MS, spinal trauma
- Surgery or Radiation therapy - Prostate, bladder, bowel
- Medications - Both prescribed and recreational drugs, especially alcohol, beta-blockers, antidepressants
- Peyronies disease - Scar tissue causes an abnormal bend in the penis
- Venous leak - Blood vessels in penis impaired causing lifelong issues with erection
- Low testosterone – Rarely happens, but possible
- Anxiety – Performance pressure
Viagra might not be the appropriate remedy for you. When you visit your doctor, there are many things they need to consider before putting together a treatment plan. They need to take a history and may ask very personal questions such as:
- What happens with sexual stimulation?
- Are you able to have an erection with self-stimulation?
- Are you able to maintain an erection?
- Is ejaculation too quick or too long?
- What do you mean by too quick and too slow?
- Are you able to have intercourse at all?
- Is there pain during intercourse?
Viagra (Sildenafil) Doesn't Work - Being Healthy Enough
You often hear on erectile dysfunction medication commercials the advice “Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough for sex.” What does that mean? A doctor from the University of Wisconsin gives the basic guideline that if can climb two flights of stairs without being out of breath, then you are healthy enough for sex.
Disabilities or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis can make having sex challenging, but not impossible. Communicate with your doctor and do your thorough research to see what alternatives there are to improve or maintain a healthy sex life. Keeping an open mind is essential.
Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association are good sources of information. Coaching and therapy can be helpful when dealing with more challenging disabilities and health conditions. In most communities, there are sex therapists that can work through telemedical communications or in office.
Exercise can help ease the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This can make the bulbospongiosus muscle stronger, allowing blood to flow to the penis and pump during ejaculation.
An advocate for ageless sexuality writes that even though sex changes as we age, there is a solution for every barrier. A client in his 60’s recounted how he and his wife were struggling with how age and their sex lives were overlapping. Using the suggestions from a seminar, they felt that fun and adventure were back in their marriage. The Joan Price website is a wealth of information.
Pressure to Perform
Thinking of sex as a performance can be a real problem. Men can feel self-conscious and anxious while being sexual. Feeling vulnerable can contribute to erectile dysfunction occurring when that was the worry in the first place.
If you are critiquing yourself as you engage in sexual activity, enjoyment for both you and your partner is going to be compromised. Erectile dysfunction is a problem that affects both people in the relationship, so keep the lines of communication open. Going to appointments as a couple and being supportive of one another can go a long way to solving the issue.
Have an assessment with your physician to be sure there are no physical or medication causes. As previously mentioned, medication side effects could be the cause. Make sure the doctor is informed about all medicines, supplements, and vitamins you are taking.
Viagra Doesn't Work - Could It Be Your Diet?
Did you know food choices can affect a man’s sex life? Some foods can diminish sex drive, reduce testosterone and sensitivity, and affect sperm production. Maintaining a healthy diet can help to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar will all lower your libido. Highly processed, fried, and fast foods all contain higher levels of unhealthy fats and excess salt and sugar. Foods like these do not help maintain good sexual health.
Surprisingly, some foods considered healthy can affect sexual performance. Foods such as tofu and edamame contain compounds like estrogen and alter testosterone levels. The menthol in mint and processed dairy products can also lower testosterone levels.
A couple of drinks to set the mood before engaging in sex is thought to be quite normal in our society. Be careful not to overdo it, as alcohol is a depressant. It may increase the desire for sex, but drinking too much interferes with arousal and orgasm.
A balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits can improve sex drive. Make sure that you are getting all the minerals and vitamins necessary in your diet to stay healthy. Avoid the overuse of alcohol so that the experience is enjoyable.
Could the Dosage Be the Issue?
Remember that Viagra is just one treatment for erectile dysfunction, not a cure. Many men choose to use the medication for extended periods. During yearly checkups, it is important to let your physician know if Viagra is continuing to be an effective treatment.
Viagra (Sildenafil) Doesn't Work - What Are Some Options?
Educating yourself is key to understanding the causes and treatments of erectile dysfunction. There are no “one size fits all” treatments. Each person’s experience is unique to them, and what may work for one man may not be the solution for another.
Recently, a doctor from New Zealand gave two examples of patients he had helped where proper education and physical examinations could have saved patients some suffering. One man thought he was circumcised. On physical examination, it was discovered that there was damage to his foreskin. After a small surgical procedure, the man’s sexual function was normal.
In another case, a man complained of reduced desire. On examination, the doctor found that the man didn’t have testicles. They had been removed to treat prostate cancer, and no further education had been given to him on his condition.
Communicate candidly with your doctor, be straightforward and explain what you are experiencing. If a physical examination is necessary, try not to be nervous. Do not hold back in asking questions; the doctor is there to help you.
Hope For Those Who Experience ED
There is no need to lose hope. Some options you can consider are:
- Different oral medications – Maybe Sildenafil (Viagra's active ingredient) doesn't work, but Tadalafil or Vardenafil might.
- Alternative medical treatments – Topical creams, penile injections, suppositories, and surgical implants can be effective treatments when pills don't work.
- Non-medical treatments – Acupuncture, penis pumps, penis rings have been used with different levels of success.
- Future Treatments – Stem cell therapy, gene therapy, new medications, shockwave therapy
At one time or another, all men will experience erectile dysfunction. When it interferes with daily life, it is essential to work with your physician to remedy the situation. Maintaining good sexual health is vital to your overall health.
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