Impotence medication
Disclaimer: This self-check questionnaire is for informational purposes only and does not diagnose erectile dysfunction (ED) or prescribe treatment. If you have doubts about your sexual health or general well-being, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Impotence—also known as erectile dysfunction—is the persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Many men consider impotence medication (such as PDE5 inhibitors) without fully understanding potential causes, risks, and alternatives. Use the checklist below to better understand your situation before seeking medical advice.
Questionnaire
Over the past 3–6 months, have you experienced any of the following?
- Difficulty achieving an erection during sexual activity more than 50% of the time?
- Trouble maintaining an erection until completion of intercourse?
- Reduced morning or spontaneous erections compared to previous years?
- Decreased sexual desire (low libido) along with erection problems?
- Symptoms that began gradually rather than suddenly?
- Recent stress, anxiety, or relationship difficulties that coincide with symptoms?
- Diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease?
- Smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, or sedentary lifestyle?
- Use of medications such as antidepressants, antihypertensives, or prostate treatments?
- History of pelvic surgery, prostate surgery, or radiation therapy?
- Pain, penile curvature, or physical changes during erection?
- Fatigue, low mood, or symptoms of possible low testosterone?
- Chest pain or shortness of breath during mild physical activity?
- Concerns about performance anxiety affecting sexual confidence?
- Lack of improvement despite trying lifestyle changes (exercise, weight loss)?
If you are considering impotence medication, it is also important to ask yourself:
- Are you taking nitrates (for chest pain) or certain heart medications?
- Have you ever been advised to avoid sexual activity due to heart problems?
How to interpret answers
This checklist cannot confirm erectile dysfunction or determine whether you need impotence medication. However, your answers may help you decide how urgently to seek medical care.
Low reason to seek help (monitoring stage)
- Symptoms are occasional and linked to stress or fatigue.
- No chronic health conditions or high-risk factors.
- Normal morning erections still occur.
What it means: Consider stress management, sleep optimization, and healthy lifestyle adjustments. Monitor symptoms for several weeks.
Medium reason to seek help (planned consultation)
- Persistent symptoms for more than 3 months.
- Presence of risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or mild hypertension.
- Partial response but ongoing concerns affecting quality of life.
What it means: Schedule a visit with a general practitioner or urologist to discuss erectile dysfunction treatment options, including prescription medication.
High reason to seek help (prompt medical evaluation)
- ED symptoms with known cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
- Chest pain, reduced exercise tolerance, or multiple heart risk factors.
- Sudden onset after surgery or trauma.
- Use of nitrates or complex heart medications.
What it means: Seek medical advice before considering any impotence medication. ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease.
Next steps: what to do
- Track symptoms: Note frequency, severity, and possible triggers for 4–6 weeks.
- Record medications: List all prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Assess lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol intake, exercise level, sleep quality.
- Book the right specialist: Start with a GP; referral to a urologist, endocrinologist, or cardiologist may follow.
- Prepare questions: Ask about causes, lab tests (glucose, lipids, testosterone), and safe treatment options.
- Discuss medication safety: Review contraindications and possible side effects of PDE5 inhibitors.
- Explore alternatives: Lifestyle therapy, psychological counseling, vacuum devices, or hormonal evaluation if indicated.
For broader men’s health screening guidance, see our preventive health checklist. You may also find useful information in our cardiovascular risk assessment guide and urology consultation overview.
Situation → urgency → action
| Situation | Urgency | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional difficulty during stressful periods | Low | Monitor, improve sleep, reduce stress, reassess in 1–2 months |
| Persistent symptoms >3 months | Medium | Schedule GP or urology appointment |
| ED with diabetes or hypertension | Medium–High | Medical review and cardiovascular evaluation |
| Chest pain or nitrate medication use | High | Consult doctor before any ED medication |
| Sudden ED after pelvic surgery | High | Prompt specialist consultation |
FAQ
1. What is impotence medication?
Most commonly, it refers to phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. These medications increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.
2. Can I take ED medication without a prescription?
In many countries, a prescription is required. Self-medicating without medical supervision can be unsafe, especially if you have heart conditions.
3. Are impotence pills safe?
They are generally safe for many men but may cause side effects (headache, flushing, nasal congestion) and are contraindicated with nitrates and certain cardiac conditions.
4. Does ED always mean I need medication?
No. Lifestyle changes, psychological therapy, or treatment of underlying conditions may significantly improve symptoms.
5. Is erectile dysfunction a sign of heart disease?
Sometimes. ED can precede cardiovascular events by several years, which is why medical evaluation is important.
6. How quickly do impotence medications work?
Depending on the drug, onset ranges from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Sexual stimulation is still required.
7. Can younger men develop ED?
Yes. Psychological factors, stress, substance use, and hormonal issues can affect men under 40.
8. What tests might a doctor order?
Common tests include blood glucose, lipid profile, testosterone levels, blood pressure measurement, and sometimes cardiovascular assessment.
Sources
- European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
- American Urological Association (AUA) Guideline on Erectile Dysfunction.
- Mayo Clinic – Erectile dysfunction overview.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular disease risk factors.