How to Optimise the Performance of Erectile Dysfunction Drugs 

If you are treating your erectile dysfunction (ED) using a prescription drug, you want to make sure that it is working properly. Aside from saving on expenses, a properly working prescription drug can ensure that you get back the quality of sex life that you deserve. This article will give you valuable insights and tips on how to optimise the performance of the drugs for erectile dysfunction that you take. 

Make sure you have the right drug 

All ED drugs aim to help takers achieve an erection. However, different ED drugs have different components. This means that although they work in similar ways, they may not have the same effects on different individuals. An ED drug that works for your friend might not work for you.   

Before taking an ED medication, consult a doctor. Your doctor can help diagnose the source of your ED and recommend an ED drug that will work best for you. It is also important to address the root cause of your ED as it might result in another serious health issue.  

A highly effective option for treating ED involves personalised medications tailored to your specific requirements. Providers such as the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) specialise in crafting custom ED drugs that consider factors like medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. These personalised solutions can often lead to more effective outcomes compared to standard treatments. 

Book a consultation with MHC to get a customised medication for erectile dysfunction. 

Watch your diet 

Watching what and when you eat is important if you want to make the most out of both customised and OTC drugs for erectile dysfunction. Let’s talk about the “what” first. Some foods can reduce the effectiveness of your ED medication. Others can delay the effects of your meds. High-fat meals, like fried food or steaks, can minimise the effects of your ED drugs and make it take longer to work. This is because a fatty meal can slow down the rate of absorption of your meds.  

You should also watch the amount of food you consume before taking drugs used for erectile dysfunction. As much as possible, avoid eating a large meal. Why? When you eat a large meal, your body diverts blood flow into your stomach and intestines to make sure that your food gets digested properly. This means a decrease in the blood flow to your penis for that hard and long-lasting erection.  

What about the when? It is recommended that you wait for at least two hours after taking a meal before taking over-the-counter drugs for erectile dysfunction. This is to ensure that your meal won’t affect the medicine you are taking. If you cannot resist a high-fat meal, eat one for breakfast or during lunch if you are taking your ED drug at night.  

Timing is important 

Knowing how long your ED drug takes to work is crucial if you want to reap its benefits. Most OTC drugs for erectile dysfunction take 30 to 60 minutes to work. This means that you need to take your ED drug around an hour before having sex. If you take your ED drug too early, its optimal effects might have worn out by the time you are having sexual intercourse.  

However, the exact time frame for an ED drug to work may be affected by several factors. Your diet and rate of metabolism might shorten or lengthen the time it needs for your ED drug to work. This underscores the importance of consulting a doctor before taking an ED medicine. Your doctor can recommend the best time to take the medicine so you can take advantage of its benefits.  

You should also remember that ED medications may take time to work. If you don’t feel its effects the first time you take it, do not be discouraged. Your body might just need to get used to the ED drug. Some patients might notice gradually increasing positive effects from their ED meds. Do not stress yourself or panic. Remember that stress can aggravate your ED.  

If you’re not sure when to take your meds, definitely ask the doctor or team you consulted with. At MHC, our doctors always provide clear instructions when taking medications. 

Learn all about drug interactions 

According to the National Institutes of Health, a drug interaction is the reaction between two or more drugs. It can also be the reaction between a drug and a food or beverage. You need to consult with your doctor about drug interaction because it can affect how your ED drug works.  

For example, if you are taking medication to keep your blood pressure in check, it may affect how your ED meds work. If you are taking medication with nitrates for a heart condition, taking an ED drug is not recommended. The combination of ED drugs and meds with nitrates can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels.  

This is why custom meds are advantageous because the personalised approach minimises potential drug interactions since the formulation is specifically designed with the patient's unique health considerations in mind. By considering factors like existing medical conditions, current medications, and allergies, custom medications can be optimised to reduce the risk of adverse reactions or interactions. 

Before taking any ED drug, including over-the-counter drugs for erectile dysfunction, be sure to consult your doctor. Provide your doctor with a list of all the medications you are taking. Make sure that you include the over-the-counter drugs and supplements you are taking. This way, your doctor can advise you about possible drug interactions and what you need to do to avoid them. Your doctor can also give you alternatives that are just as effective but won’t cause any drug interaction. If you are taking an ED drug without the knowledge of your doctor, make sure to disclose this information if your doctor prescribes a medication for another health issue. 

Understand possible side effects 

Just like any other medication, an ED drug can have side effects. Common side effects include: 

• Headaches 
• Muscle aches 
• Back pain 
• Heartburn 
• Nasal Congestion 
• Flushing of the skin 

Using over-the-counter drugs for erectile dysfunction for long periods of time can result in respiratory issues, UTI, acid reflux, diarrhea, and coughs. These side effects can be unpleasant and make your daily life uncomfortable. They can prevent you from performing your daily functions. These side effects can affect your psyche and make you hesitant about taking your ED drug. 

So, do you just stop taking your ED drug when side effects present themselves? You can temporarily stop taking your ED drug and consult your doctor. Your doctor might switch you to drugs commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction. Your doctor can also adjust the dosage to a more comfortable level.  

Follow the recommended dosage 

All drugs, including drugs commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, have recommended dosages. You need to use the recommended dosage to get the best results from your ED drug. Do not take more than the recommended dosage even if you believe that the ED drug is not working. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to painful consequences. 

Keep in mind that for an erection to happen, blood gets pumped into your penis. This happens only when you are in a state of sexual arousal. Taking more than the recommended dosage of an ED drug can result in an erection that lasts for hours. This is a medical condition called priapism. Priapism can be painful. It can also result in irreversible damage if left untreated.  

If you believe that the recommended dosage of your ED drug is not enough for you, consult your doctor. Your doctor can up the dosage of your meds or recommend another ED drug that might work better.  

Maintain a healthy lifestyle 

Achieving an erection is easier when you are healthy. So, instead of relying solely on ED medication, make sure that you are physically healthy. This can help boost the positive effects of your ED drug. Start by maintaining an ideal weight and exercising regularly. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, 160 minutes of weekly exercise for six months helps decrease erectile problems for men with ED as a result of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. 

A healthy lifestyle also includes avoiding tobacco and limiting your alcohol intake since these can prevent you from achieving and maintaining an erection.  

Conclusion 

Drugs for erectile dysfunction are a godsend for men suffering from ED. These drugs can help men get back their sexual prowess. However, this will only happen if an ED drug is performing optimally. If you want to get the most out of your ED drug, follow your doctor’s orders about dosages, drug interactions, and side effects. An ED drug will also work best if you are in top physical condition. Follow the guidelines outlined above so you can get the most out of your ED drug and reclaim the mojo you have lost.  

Need a custom drug for ED? Book a consultation with MHC today.