What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED is also known as impotence. ED can have a significant impact on both your quality of life and your partner’s. However, in many cases, ED can be treated. Although you may be embarrassed, it is important that a healthcare professional diagnoses ED so that the cause can be identified. There are several other treatment options that have proved very successful for ED. Medication can be used to successfully manage it in at least two-thirds of men. Vacuum pumps that encourage blood to flow to the penis and cause an erection are also successful in 90% of cases. All men experience failure to acheive an erection at some time of their lives and this problem increases with age for all men. If you are one of these men you are not alone.

Quick Facts about ED...

Approximately, 1 in 10 men over the age of 40 is impotent. Our pharmacist can help you get the medicines you need in a quick and discreet manner, your doctor is only notified if you ask.

What treatment options are available from this pharmacy?

You can get the same oral medicines you would usually get from your doctor, without the hefty consultation fee or long wait! In addition to this we can also provide vacuum pumps or make referrals to specialist care when needed.

What happens at the appointment?

All the pharmacist will do is take you to a confidential area within the pharmacy and ask you a series of confidential questions. If you are eligible the pharmacist may supply you with medicines at their discretion. If you are ineligible they will sign post you to someone who can help.

Why Should I go to my ED pharmacy?

Less cost and hassle. If you go to your doctor, unless you have certain conditions (such as diabetes) you will have to pay for a private prescription which can cost between £10-£50, in addition to this you will then need to go to a pharmacy to get the medicine. Save yourself the hassle and cost and go straight to the source. You can walk in, have an appointment and walk out with the medicines in 25 minutes.

Causes of ED

There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, your pharmacist will go through these with you. It is better to make sure the ED is not being caused by any other underlying conditions before treatment with medicines can start. If the you do suffer from any of the conditions listed below, you will need to talk to your doctor.

• Psychological causes such as depression
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Heart or vascular disease, diabetes
• Prostate cancer, trauma to the penis
• Patients taking certain medicines
• Kidney failure, liver chirosis
• Stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Malnutrition and zinc deficiency

Medicines which may cause erectile dysfunction

• Antidepressants - maoi, ssri, tca
• Antiepelepsy - carbemazepine
• Heart/bp medicines - ACEI, beta blockers
• Antipsychotics - risperirdone, phenothiazines
• Cholesterol lowering drugs - statins fibrates
• Sleeping tablets - benzodiazepines
• Stomach acid - cimetidine, omeprazole
• Severe pain medicines - opioids