Recently, there are many articles on the treatment of male sexual disorders, but, unfortunately, most of the authors of such articles are only superficially familiar with this problem and are not specialists with a medical education that could compare different methods of treatment with each other. In this article, we wanted to highlight the main misconceptions related to solving this problem.
Opinion of Specialists
The only reliable and proven means of treating erectile dysfunction are inhibitors of PDE-5 (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc.). For some reason, the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning these drugs is the myth of their danger to heart. Cardiovascular diseases have long been leading among causes of death of both men and women, and it was widely known long before the appearance of PDE-5 inhibitors and calls for sexual activation. There is certainly no discussions about any «super-mortality» on the background of the use of drugs for erectile dysfunction. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases, unfortunately, is constant and does not depend on possibilities of male sexual activation.
It is well known that cardiovascular diseases are not an absolute contraindication for use of PDE-5 inhibitors. In presence of cardiovascular diseases before taking PDE-5 inhibitors, the knowledgeable cardiologist should be consulted. Interestingly, the first inhibitor of PDE-5 – Viagra – was originally proposed as effective means that improve the nutrition of heart muscle, in particular, in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Therefore, all PDE-5 inhibitors do not contribute, but on the contrary, prevent the development of myocardial infarction.
A statement that taking PDE-5 inhibitors can «shorten life» is an empty rhetoric, as long-term use of PDE-5 inhibitors, on the contrary, prolongs duration and improves quality of life of men.
When considering the list of side effects of any medication, often pay attention to its length, rather than frequency of these side effects. In fact, a long list of side effects of a medication is not evidence of its danger, but the result of long and multifaceted studies of its safety, evidence of manufacturer’s credibility, guarantees of the low frequency of side effects.
It is necessary to distinguish many herbal preparations and dietary supplements, for which no necessary studies on efficacy and safety have been carried out from inhibitors of PDE-5, which convincingly proved its effectiveness and safety. Actively advertised in mass media and Internet, distributed through network marketing, they often not only do not benefit patients but also pose a real threat to their health.
