Erectile dysfunction treatment using sildenafil, tadalafil, and BHRT

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence is defined as the inability of a man to achieve and maintain a penile erection that is satisfactory during sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue affecting men worldwide, including in the United States. As per a report by Reuters, about 18 million men (18.4% of U.S. men age 20 and older) in the United States have this condition. 

This makes it challenging to obtain accurate data on the prevalence of ED. But if we talk about the overall prevalence of ED at least 150 million men affected worldwide.  Interestingly, the International Journal of Impotence Research notes that the worldwide prevalence of erectile dysfunction is expected to increase to 322 million men by 2025. 

The incidence of ED increases with age (70% >70 years), but young men should not be excluded from the selection. Previously, the rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men under 40 years of age was reported to be 5%-10%. However, according to more recent data, this rate may be as high as 26% among men in this age group. 

It is important to remember that ED is a social problem that can be caused by either organic functional disorders or psychological disorders, or ED can occur with other comorbidities. The causes may vary, but they are treatable. If this problem is ignored, it often has a bad impact in the psychological/physiological spheres not only on the life of a man but also on his partner. In this article, we will take a closer look at the main points regarding this category of sexual dysfunction: causes, types, and our vision for treatment. 

The main sexual organ is the brain. In the presence of an adequate androgenic environment, androgens stimulate libido and, together with neuropeptides regulate sexual behavior in the brain. The signals travel through the parasympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nerves of the sacral plexus S2-S4 and then to the penis via the cavernous nerves.

In simple words, when a man gets aroused, the brain sends signals to the penis that cause the muscles to relax and allow blood to flow inside. 

Signs of erectile dysfunction that may be persistent include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, reduced sexual desire, and/or other related issues.  

There are 2 types of erectile dysfunction (ED):

There is a large selection of causes for ED, and one of the main tasks is to determine whether the cause is psychological or organic.  

This has not been proven, but a meta-analysis in 2020 involving 3330 cyclists compared to 1524 non-cyclists showed a significantly increased risk of ED in cyclists. This may be due to the fact that racing bike seats exert significant pressure directly on the perineal nerves, as well as on the pudendal and cavernous arteries. 

Sildenafil and Tadalafil are the most popular medications that are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. They belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. However, there are differences betwen sildenafil and tadalafil: 

• While Sildenafil action lasts for 4-6 hours, Tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours.  
• Sildenafil typically starts working within 30-60 minutes, while Tadalafil may take up to 2 hours to take effect. 
• Sildenafil should be taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal, as a heavy meal can delay its onset of action. In contrast, Tadalafil can be taken with or without food. 
• Sildenafil is primarily used to treat ED, but it is also approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Tadalafil is also used to treat ED, and it is also approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

Mega Aid Compounding Pharmacy manufactures troches with customized dosages of sildenafil or tadalafil for erectile dysfunction in a USP-compliant laboratory. 

One of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).  

HRT involves the use of manufactured hormones from synthetic sources, while bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) involves the use of hormones derived from natural sources.   

BHRT is produced in a laboratory from plants (wild yam, cactus, or soy), but the structure and function of these hormones are identical to those of hormones produced by the human body.   

BHRT is beneficial because it contains hormones that are similar to the ones naturally produced in the body, which leads to fewer side effects and a more comfortable transition for the body. 

Testosterone: testosterone replacement therapy improves energy, and bone density, increases muscle mass and weight, and heightens sexual interest. It also raises the patient`s mood. 

Progesterone: it is a precursor to testosterone, the male sex hormone. When the balance of progesterone in men is insufficient, it can lead to so-called “estrogen dominance”. Progesterone affects spermiogenesis, sperm response, acrosome response, and testosterone biosynthesis. 

Nitroglycerin:  works by dilating blood vessels. This relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis, which constricts the veins of the penis and prevents blood from flowing out of the penis, causing stiffness. 

Mega Aid manufactures bioidentical hormone replacement compounds in a USP-compliant laboratory that is customized to specific patient needs. Since the human body is unique and requires an individualized approach, compound treatment can be a perfect option.  

To simplify the medication regimen, Mega Aid has the ability to make a single BHRT medication with multiple hormones in customized dosages according to patient needs. Such approach may be far more convenient for patients than prescribing several separate drugs with different regimens.