Information about managing and treating erection difficulties
LET’S GET
YOU GOING.
If you've decided to do something about erection difficulties you've come to the right place. Here you'll get good, honest info on ED (erectile dysfunction) and what may help treat it.
Know enough already and just want to get going?
THE CONDITION
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Many men find it difficult to get or keep an erection. The occasional let-down, though, is usually different from having erection difficulties most of the time. Constant erection difficulties may undermine your confidence, preventing you from having a satisfying sex life, and maintaining an important connection with your partner.
If you are unable to get or keep an erection long enough for satisfying sex, you may have a medical condition called ‘erectile dysfunction’ or ‘ED.’ It can affect men of different ages. Recognising the concern and talking about it with your pharmacist or doctor are the first steps in managing the difficulties and getting yourself back on track.
What causes ED?
Erection difficulties can be due to a combination of physiological factors and psychological causes. And it can be a vicious cycle – having an erection difficulty might reduce your desire to have sex because you’re not confident your erection will last long enough for it to happen.
Talking to your pharmacist or GP to work out what may be causing erection difficulty can be the first step to helping you enjoy sex like you used to.
Some of the physiological and psychological factors related to ED could be2:
PHYSIOLOGICAL
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease
- High Cholestrol
- Diabetes
- Kidney Failure
- Stroke
- Spinal Injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Prostate Surgery
PSYCHOLOGICAL
- Stress & Anxiety
- Relationship conflicts
- Depression and bereavement
- Fear of failure to get an erection
Recreational drugs, smoking, poor diet, being overweight, alcohol intake and the side effects from some medications may also contribute to the condition.2
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THE SOLUTION
Only 5% of men with ED actually seek help because most men, in general, are unwilling to discuss their sex life, even when it is going well. 3
It’s good to know that many erection difficulties can be successfully treated. You don’t have to put up with an unsatisfying sex life.
Treatment options include: pills, injections and pumps, along with lifestyle changes, hormone treatment etc.2 One oral therapy is Viagra® (sildenafil) – the world’s most prescribed ED treatment4. Viagra® can begin to work within 14 minutes and for most men within 30 minutes.5,6
Understanding that ED is a common issue, and probably not one that you can get sorted on your own, should encourage you to see your pharmacist or doctor. They will be able to advise if Viagra®™ is the right choice for you.
Viagra® usually works for at least four hours, allowing you to have sex within this timeframe but you do need to have sexual stimulation to get an erection.6
For best results avoid excess alcohol (more than two drinks) and avoid eating a high fat meal before taking Viagra® as it may slow the effect.7
Understanding that ED is a common issue, and probably not one that you can get sorted on your own, should encourage you to see your pharmacist or doctor. They will be able to advise if Viagra®™ is the right choice for you.
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HOW TO GET
VIAGRA®
Ready to take the first step?
Getting treated with Viagra® starts with talking to your local healthcare professional. They are trained to treat erection difficulties with understanding and discretion. They are also the only ones in NZ who can prescribe or supply Viagra® to you.
To find out whether your pharmacist or GP is the best person for you to see, answer six questions, to help guide you in the right direction!
Once you have completed your questionnaire, your pre-check guide will be emailed to you. You can either download them onto your mobile, or print them to show your doctor or pharmacist.
If you want Viagra® and not an alternative or generic treatment, make sure you ask for Viagra® by name and that your doctor notes “No Substitution” on your prescription.
It is important to note that Viagra® is one of the most counterfeited drugs in the world. In fact, 80% of websites surveyed claiming to sell Viagra were selling counterfeits. These counterfeits aren’t just a cheap knock-off of a proven product; they’re illegal, potentially harmful fakes. It’s difficult to tell where or how they were made—or even what’s inside them. So, don’t be fooled by counterfeit Viagra®.8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Viagra®?
Viagra® is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, it is the world’s most prescribed treatment for erection difficulties.4
Viagra® is an oral tablet that comes in three strengths, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. The most commonly used strength in New Zealand is 100mg. Viagra® can be used once a day. 7
How can I get Viagra®?
Viagra® can be supplied only after consultation with your pharmacist or GP. If you suspect you have some difficulties achieving or keeping erections then rest assured you are not alone. Click here to find out whether you are best to talk to your pharmacist or GP.
Beware of buying Viagra® off an unknown overseas website – it could be a counterfeit product and may not be safe.8
How does Viagra® work?
Viagra® is a medicine that treats ED physically by increasing blood flow to the penis. With Viagra®, you must be sexually stimulated to get an erection.
How long will it take for Viagra® to work?
For some men it begins working in as early as 14 minutes and for most within 30 minutes. It only works when you are sexually stimulated but you may take it up to four hours before sexual activity. Orgasm and ejaculation occur as normal and after sex your erection should go away. For most men Viagra® works on the first or second attempt.5.6
