What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, means not being able to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.
It can be treated with medicines, surgery, lifestyle changes, or by fixing other health problems that cause it.

How Common Is ED?

A study called the Boston Area Community Health Survey found that:

• About 10% of men aged 30–39 have ED.
• The number rises to 59% of men aged 70–79.

We’ll also look at how lifestyle changes and medicines can help older men regain sexual function.

About Viagra and Other ED Medicines

Sildenafil citrate, known as Viagra, is often called the “little blue pill.”
It’s famous for helping men with ED by improving blood flow to the penis.
According to its manufacturer, Viagra works for up to 85% of men who use it.

But remember — ED medicines are only one part of improving your sex life.
Many men stop taking them due to side effects, relationship problems, or safety worries.
However, sexual activity (with or without Viagra) increases the risk of a heart attack by only 0.1% — which is very low.

That’s why ED treatment should include a full health check, including:

• Mental health assessment
• Physical exam
• Lab tests
• Ongoing follow-up

There are many ED medicines in the market, such as Cenforce, Fildena, Kamagra, Vidalista, Tadarise, Malegra, Tadalista, and Vilitra.

How Does Fildena Work?

Fildena (generic Viagra) was first made in 1989 to treat heart problems like high blood pressure and chest pain.
While it didn’t help much for heart issues, it caused stronger erections — leading to its use for ED.

The active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, is part of a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors.
These medicines relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to help achieve an erection.

ED and Aging

There’s no specific age when ED begins, but it’s more common after age 50.
Younger men can also have ED.
Health issues that become more common with age can increase the risk.

Common Age-Related Causes:

• Heart disease / Atherosclerosis – arteries get stiff and narrow, reducing blood flow.
• High blood pressure (Hypertension) – damages blood vessels.
• Diabetes – high blood sugar harms blood vessels and nerves.
• Cancer treatments – surgery or radiation can affect sexual function.
• Anxiety and depression – emotional stress can also cause or worsen ED.

(Some medicines like Dulane, Duxel, Hypnite, Zopifresh, and Zunestar are used to treat anxiety, but only under a doctor’s supervision.)

What Causes ED?

ED can happen due to physical, emotional, or medical reasons.
Common medical causes include:

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Alcoholism
• Certain prostate cancer treatments

These problems reduce blood flow or nerve function, making erections difficult.

Medicines That May Cause ED

Older men often take medicines for other health problems that can cause ED.
These may include drugs for:

• High blood pressure (like thiazides, beta-blockers, and diuretics)
• Heart rhythm problems
• Parkinson’s disease
• Painkillers like codeine and morphine
• Chemotherapy drugs

If you think your medicine is causing ED, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dose or change your prescription.

Testosterone and ED

Testosterone helps control sexual desire and supports healthy blood flow.
As men age, testosterone levels drop, which can lower sex drive and increase the risk of ED.

ED Treatment Options

1. Lifestyle Changes

You can improve or prevent ED by:

• Eating healthy foods
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol
• Treating conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Getting enough sleep

Sometimes, lack of sexual desire also causes ED. A sex therapist can help improve both desire and performance.

2. PDE5 Inhibitors

Medicines like sildenafil (Viagra/Fildena), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil, and avanafil (Stendra) help increase blood flow to the penis.
They are usually safe, even for older men, but should not be used with nitrate medicines for heart problems.

3. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

If your testosterone is low, your doctor may suggest TRT.
However, it won’t help if your ED is caused by blood flow or nerve issues.

4. Injections

Alprostadil injections (like Caverject, Edex, or VR Prostin) can cause an erection within 8–10 minutes.
There are also medicated urethral suppositories for the same purpose.

5. Surgery

Surgery is usually the last option if other treatments don’t work.

Fildena Side Effects and How to Reduce Them

Most side effects are mild and go away in a few hours.
Common ones include headache, dizziness, flushing, and indigestion.

Tips to reduce side effects:

• Rest and lie down if you feel dizzy or have a headache.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Take Fildena with a light snack if it causes stomach upset (it may take a bit longer to work).
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about safe pain relief if needed.

Higher doses may cause stronger side effects.

Common Fildena Dosages

• Fildena 25 mg
• Fildena 50 mg
• Fildena 100 mg
• Fildena 120 mg
• Fildena 150 mg
• Fildena CT 100 mg
• Fildena Double 200 mg
• Fildena Professional 100 mg
• Fildena Super Active
• Fildena XXX 100 mg