Impotency, also known as erectile dysfunction, refers to a medical condition in which men are unable to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. The Mayo Clinic says that some of the risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction include being overweight, suffering from such medical conditions as heart problems or diabetes, and suffering from stress, depression or anxiety. Medications do exist to treat impotency.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil, commonly sold as Viagra, is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the penis, so that an erection can occur. You take a tablet one hour before sexual activity. According to Drugs.com, sildenafil's less serious side effects include memory problems, back pain, stomach problems, stuffy nose and headache. It can also lead to warmth of the chest, neck or face. This drug's serious side effects include shortness of breath, sudden hearing loss and ringing in the ears. In some instances, sildenafil leads to chest pain, sweating and sudden visual loss. Notify a doctor when this medication causes these effects.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil, commonly sold as Cialis or Adcirca, also relaxes muscles in the penis, so that blood flow occurs through it and an erection results. You take a tablet as needed before sexual activity. Drugs.com says that some of tadalafil's less concerning side effects include headache, memory problems, diarrhea, stomach problems, sore throat and stuffy nose. Its serious side effects include irregular heartbeat; sudden visual loss; swelling of the ankles, hands or feet; and shortness of breath. In some instances, tadalafil leads to chest pain, sweating and an erection that lasts greater than four hours.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil, commonly sold as Levitra, is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that also increases blood flow to the sexual organs, so that an erection results. You take the medication one hour before sexual activity. Vardenafil's less serious side effects include heartburn, headache, stuffy or runny nose, stomach problems, and flu-like symptoms. Some of its serious side effects include ringing in the ears, trouble breathing or swallowing, hives, rash, and blurry vision. In some instances, dizziness and loss of vision can also occur. Notify a doctor when vardenafil leads to these side effects.
