Impotence medication: glossary, explanation and practical checklist
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Impotence medication (medication for erectile dysfunction) should be used only after consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have chronic diseases or take prescription drugs.
Impotence medication is commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) — a condition in which a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Below you will find a structured glossary, a clear explanation of how these medicines work, and a practical checklist to guide safe and informed decisions.
Key terms (glossary)
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance.
- Impotence medication
- Prescription or approved medicines used to improve erectile function.
- PDE5 inhibitors
- A class of drugs (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) that enhance blood flow to the penis.
- Sildenafil
- An active ingredient in several ED medications; typically effective for 4–6 hours.
- Tadalafil
- A long-acting ED medication; effects may last up to 36 hours.
- Nitric oxide
- A molecule that relaxes blood vessels and plays a key role in achieving an erection.
- cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate)
- A chemical messenger that helps smooth muscle relaxation in penile tissue.
- Libido
- Sexual desire; distinct from erectile function.
- Hypogonadism
- Low testosterone levels that may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
- Psychogenic ED
- Erectile dysfunction primarily caused by psychological factors such as stress or anxiety.
- Organic ED
- ED caused by physical factors such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or nerve damage.
- Contraindications
- Conditions or medications that make the use of impotence medication unsafe.
- Nitrates
- Medications for chest pain that must not be combined with PDE5 inhibitors.
- Priapism
- A prolonged and painful erection lasting more than 4 hours; a medical emergency.
- Penile injections
- Medications injected directly into the penis when oral drugs are ineffective.
- Vacuum erection device
- A mechanical device that helps draw blood into the penis to produce an erection.
Clear explanation
1. What causes erectile dysfunction?
ED can result from vascular problems (reduced blood flow), neurological disorders, hormonal imbalance, medication side effects, or psychological stress. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are strongly associated with ED. Lifestyle factors — smoking, excessive alcohol use, lack of exercise — also contribute.
For more on risk factors, see our cardiovascular health overview and men’s hormonal balance guide.
2. How does impotence medication work?
Most first-line impotence medication belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor group. During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in penile tissue. This increases cGMP levels, relaxing smooth muscles and allowing blood to fill the erectile tissue. PDE5 inhibitors prevent the breakdown of cGMP, thereby enhancing and prolonging erections.
Important: These medications do not automatically cause an erection. Sexual stimulation is still required.
3. How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
- Medical and sexual history review
- Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors
- Blood tests (glucose, lipids, testosterone)
- Evaluation of psychological factors
Because ED may be an early sign of cardiovascular disease, medical assessment is strongly recommended before starting impotence medication.
4. Treatment approaches beyond pills
While oral impotence medication is the most common therapy, other options include:
- Lifestyle modification (weight loss, smoking cessation, exercise)
- Psychological counseling for performance anxiety
- Testosterone therapy (if deficiency is confirmed)
- Vacuum erection devices
- Penile injections or implants in severe cases
Learn more in our sexual health treatment options section.
Reader checklist
✅ What you can do
- Schedule a medical evaluation before starting impotence medication.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements.
- Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week).
- Limit alcohol and stop smoking.
- Follow dosage instructions exactly as prescribed.
❌ What to avoid
- Combining PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates or recreational “poppers”.
- Buying impotence medication from unverified online sources.
- Exceeding the recommended dose.
- Mixing with heavy alcohol intake.
- Ignoring persistent side effects.
🚨 When to see a doctor urgently
- Erection lasting more than 4 hours (possible priapism).
- Chest pain after taking impotence medication.
- Sudden vision or hearing loss.
- Severe dizziness or fainting.
Key concepts explained simply
| Term | In simple words | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| PDE5 inhibitor | Medicine that improves blood flow to the penis | Main treatment for most cases of ED |
| Nitrates | Heart medication for chest pain | Dangerous interaction with ED drugs |
| Psychogenic ED | Erection problems due to stress or anxiety | May require therapy, not just pills |
| Testosterone | Male sex hormone | Low levels can worsen symptoms |
| Priapism | Prolonged painful erection | Medical emergency requiring urgent care |
Specialist comment (generalized)
Erectile dysfunction is often a marker of overall vascular health. In many cases, impotence medication is safe and effective when prescribed appropriately, but it should be part of a broader strategy that includes cardiovascular risk assessment and lifestyle optimization.
Sources
- American Urological Association (AUA). Erectile Dysfunction Guidelines.
- European Association of Urology (EAU). Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Erectile Dysfunction Overview.
- Mayo Clinic. Erectile dysfunction – Symptoms and causes.
If specific statistical values are needed (e.g., prevalence rates or exact efficacy percentages), consult the latest editions of the above clinical guidelines, as recommendations and data are periodically updated.