Are male enhancement pills harmful?

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Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in the elderly with reduced sexual function, which is treated with many methods including the use of oral Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Understanding the ingredients, indications and harmful effects of erectile dysfunction drugs will help patients improve the effectiveness of treatment.

1. Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction


Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Testosterone replacement therapy. Drugs placed or injected into the cavernous part of the penis. Penile surgery when treatment is not effective by other methods. Other methods: Psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, increased exercise, weight loss, restriction of alcohol and tobacco, drug addiction.

2. Using oral enhancement pills


Erectile dysfunction drugs are drugs that support erection and maintain that state for a certain time. Currently, the most commonly used oral erectile dysfunction treatment drugs are Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Currently, there are 4 drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat this condition. Clinical features include:
Avanafil (Stendra); Sildenafil (Viagra); Tadalafil (Cialis); Vardenafil (Levitra and Staxyn). 2.1. Mechanism of action of Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors Oral erectile dysfunction drugs contain active ingredients that are selective and reversible inhibitors of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5). , thereby increasing the effect of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide (NO) then activates the enzyme Guanylate, which increases the concentration of Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to the corpus cavernosum, causing penile erection.
2.2. Contraindications Hypersensitivity to any component of the drug Avanafil, Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Vardenafil. Concomitant use of other Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Concomitant use with other erectile dysfunction treatments. Men with cardiovascular disease should avoid sex. People with a history of angina that occurred during sex. People with angina or other cardiovascular diseases are being treated with organic nitrates of any kind. People who are taking drugs that have alpha blockers. People with new myocardial ischemia within the past 3 months. Patients with severe congestive heart failure or new cerebrovascular accident within the past 3 months. People with abnormally high blood pressure or low blood pressure. People with arrhythmias that cannot be controlled by medication. 2.3. How to use erectile dysfunction pills There are two ways to use erectile dysfunction drugs:
The first way: As a common use today, patients can use the pill about 1 hour before intercourse. PDE-5 inhibitors will take effect 30 minutes after taking the drug and can last 10 to 36 hours after taking it. The second way: Less commonly used, the patient is prescribed the daily dose of the drug by the treating doctor, and the appropriate treatment time is determined for each subject. Daily use of male enhancement pills can cause some unwanted side effects, so this method is used less often. 2.4. Is it harmful to take male enhancement pills? Currently, in the world as well as in Vietnam, there are many erectile dysfunction drugs for sale, with a variety of products on e-commerce platforms. Several reports by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claim that nearly 80% of products purchased on well-known e-commerce platforms contain unpublished active pharmaceutical ingredients, many of which are active ingredients. Some of these products contain active ingredients that have not been approved by the FDA. Some of the products are new, unapproved drugs or adulterated supplements. Therefore, consumers should exercise caution when using erectile dysfunction drugs, especially those advertised for sexual enhancement, weight loss, physical enhancement, sleep aid or pain relief.
The use of erectile dysfunction drugs should be prescribed and supervised by specialists.

3. Side effects of erectile dysfunction drugs


4 FDA approved drugs above, if not used correctly, or taken in high doses or for a long time can experience the following side effects:
Headache : Triggered by a sudden change nitric oxide levels in the blood. Body aches, some patients may have persistent back pain. Digestive disorders such as indigestion and diarrhea are the most common symptoms. To alleviate these symptoms, patients need to reduce caffeine-containing beverages, wine or fruit juices. Dizziness caused by a drop in blood pressure can cause discomfort in daily activities. Dizziness caused by erectile dysfunction drugs can lead to fainting, sometimes seriously endangering health. Vision problems such as blurred vision, hallucinations, retinitis pigmentosa. Complete loss of vision or persistent abnormal vision are serious problems that can be encountered with the use of erectile dysfunction drugs, but are rare. Hot flashes are brief flashes of heat and redness of the skin that begin on the face but can spread to other parts of the body. Flushing episodes can range from mild to severe, causing skin blisters or rashes. Symptoms may be aggravated by taking erectile dysfunction pills after eating spicy or hot foods, drinking alcohol, or going out in the hot sun. A stuffy or runny nose is a common side effect of erectile dysfunction medications. Other serious side effects include: Prolonged erection (Priapism) for more than 4 hours, sudden hearing changes, and severe vision loss. Discontinue use of male enhancement pills after detecting the above side effects or any other abnormalities. Patients and relatives should promptly inform their doctor or pharmacist about the use of erectile dysfunction drugs or immediately go to a medical facility for timely treatment.

4. Be careful when using erectile dysfunction drugs


Use caution when using erectile dysfunction drugs or Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) enzyme drugs in patients with a history of or existing cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, chest pain, stroke, etc. patient with prostate cancer. Use caution when using erectile dysfunction drugs in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, patients being treated with antihypertensive drugs. Use caution when using erectile dysfunction drugs in patients with genital abnormalities, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, patients with diseases that can cause penile erection. Do not use oral stimulants or Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors with other treatments for erectile dysfunction. Patients should not arbitrarily buy medicinal products that are said to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction for home use. In order to ensure the safety and limit the harmful side effects of the drug, patients need to consult and be under the supervision of a specialist.

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