Erectile Dysfunction
With Simple Online Doctor, our Australian registered doctors can issue a script for your previously prescribed erectile dysfunction medication. Simply fill out an assessment and our doctor will evaluate your suitability for this service.
If approved, the doctor will pass a prescription to our pharmacy team, who will fill the prescription and dispatch your medicine to your delivery address.
All medicines sourced by the pharmacy are from Australian wholesalers, who are fully licensed in Australia, so you can be confident that you are receiving genuine medication.
Overview
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is thought to affect as many as 1 million men in Australia. Studies have shown that the prevalence of ED in men increases with age. As many as 70% of men aged 70 will be affected, while around 40% of men aged 40 will suffer from ED.
There can be a number of causes and factors which can affect your ability to get and maintain an erection. These can be split into two main categories. Physical and Psychological factors.
Physical Factors
- Narrowing Blood Vessels
A number of conditions lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels. These include hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. This narrowing of the blood vessels may result in an inability to get or maintain an erection. It may often be the first sign of one of these underlying conditions for many men, so it's important you see your GP for a full check-up, particularly in men aged over 40.
- Lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of fitness, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption are all factors which can cause men to suffer from ED. Before using ED treatments, it's advisable to try to address and lifestyle factors which may have caused your ED. Cyclists may also be prone to ED, particularly if their seats are uncomfortable apply undue pressure to the perineum.
- Hormonal
Imbalances of hormones in men can result in erectile dysfunction.
- Medicinal Causes
A number of prescription medications can have the side effect of impotence. Common examples are medications for depression, heart conditions and blood pressure. As these medications are often critical to health, you should discuss with your GP your options for ED treatment.
- Nerve Problems
Conditions that affect nerves can often result in ED. Examples of such conditions are people who suffer from Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis or spinal injuries.
- Ageing
As men age, the chances of suffering from erectile dysfunction increases.
Psychological Factors
- Anxiety
Erection problems can often arise as a result of anxiety. This is often true at the start of a relationship when anxiety about sexual performance may be a concern. This often resolves without the need for intervention. Counselling may be of use for men who have a long-standing problem with anxieties related to sexual performance and sex.
- Depression
ED is more prevalent in men who are suffering from depression. It's important you speak to your doctor about your conditions.
Medication which is prescribed for ED should be used responsibly, and only by those who suffer from dysfunction. Prolonged erections can causes health problems, and should be reported to a doctor immediately. A range of treatments for erectile dysfunction is available from our online doctor. If you have previously been prescribed medication, you can be prescribed treatment after completing an online assessment.
Most men will experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their life. It may be recurrent or just a temporary problem. It can also be just a natural part of ageing. While there are a number of different causes for ED, most commonly it is due to reduced blood flow to the penis when aroused.
However, ED can also be a symptom of other conditions that can affect your blood vessels and heart (such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol). It is always best to have a health check with your GP to rule out the possibility of your ED being related to any more serious underlying condition.
Treatments are from a class of drug called PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing the arteries which supply blood to the penis. This relaxation results in an increased flow of blood into the penis, resulting in a harder erection.
FAQ
Erectile Dysfunction FAQ
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is when a man is unable to achieve an erection which is hard enough to achieve sexual penetration.
What causes Erectile Dysfunction?
There are a number of causes of ED. Ageing, underlying health conditions and anxiety being amongst the most common.
What is impotence?
Impotence is when a man is unable to achieve an erection. This is another term which is used for erectile dysfunction. .
Is ED a natural part of the ageing process?
ED is more common in men over the age of 40. This is because conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity are more prevalent.
Can being tired cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. When fatigued, sex drive and the ability to get or maintain an erection may be affected.
Can alcohol and drugs be causing my erectile dysfunction?
Yes. Consumption of alcohol or recreational drugs increases the likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction.
How do you treat erectile dysfunction?
This can depend on the cause. Sometimes ED will resolve without any intervention, while addressing issues such as obesity can also help. Medications are also available from your doctor.
Can masturbating too much cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes - If you masturbate several times in a short period of time, then you may experience problems getting an erection.
Can too much cycling cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. It has been shown that excessive cycling can lead to erectile dysfunction in some men. This is especially the case if the seat is uncomfortable and applies too much pressure to the testicles.
