Medical Consent

You have been diagnosed with or have reported that you have a known diagnosis of organic or psychogenic (situational) erectile dysfunction—a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) are medications prescribed to treat this condition by enhancing erectile function.

Common PDE5 inhibitors include Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra), and Avanafil (Stendra). These medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.

Potential Benefits

The use of PDE5 inhibitors may:

• Improve your ability to achieve and maintain an erection
• Enhance sexual performance and satisfaction
• Improve your quality of life and personal relationships

Possible Side Effects

While PDE5 inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, possible side effects may include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Visual disturbances (such as blurred vision or changes in color perception)
• Back pain or muscle aches (more common with Tadalafil)
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (rare)
• Priapism (a prolonged erection lasting more than four hours)
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, or swelling)

Contraindications

Do not use PDE5 inhibitors if you:

• Take nitrates for chest pain (angina)
• Use recreational drugs called "poppers" (amyl nitrate or nitrite)
• Have severe heart or liver problems
• Have recently had a stroke or heart attack
• Have low blood pressure

Alternative treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes:
  • Exercise
  • Weight loss
  • Quitting smoking
  • Reducing alcohol intake
• Psychotherapy or counseling for psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
• Vacuum erection devices, which are mechanical pumps to induce erections
• Penile injections or suppositories, where medications are administered directly to the penis
• Hormone therapy if low testosterone levels are contributing to erectile dysfunction
• Surgical options like penile implants or vascular surgery