Erectile dysfunction (ED)

What is erectile dysfunction?

ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED:

• Is a self-recognised condition
• May occur occasionally or frequently. One in five Irish men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) regularly
• Can vary in severity, from mild (a soft erection) to severe (no erection at all) 

Although ED can occur at any age, prevalence increases as men get older.

What causes ED?

ED can be caused by

• Physical factors. Certain co-morbidities may predispose men to ED, for example: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD). The majority of men with ED have cardiovascular risk factors. Men presenting with ED may be in the early stages of cardiovascular disease and could go on to experience a major cardiovascular event within 5–10 years.

• Psychological factors. Approximately 10% of ED cases have purely psychological causes and may include depression, low self-esteem, other sexual dysfunction, lack of arousal, performance anxiety, indifference, major life stress
• Medication. A number of commonly used medications can cause ED. These include: diuretics, ACE and ARB inhibitors, beta-blockers, anti-depressant medication (e.g. SSRIs), anti-epileptic medication (e.g. carbamazepine)

What is VIAGRA connect?

VIAGRA connect contains sildenafil 50 mg and is a pharmacy-only medicine used to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men aged 18 years and over. 

How do I use the service?

Lynch’s pharmacists have been trained to treat requests for Viagra connect professionally and confidentially. The pharmacist will need to ask a few simple questions before giving you the medication. This will help the pharmacist ensure that the VIAGRA pill is suitable for you to use. Available in packs of 4 and 8 tablets. 

• The maximum dosing frequency is one 50 mg tablet per day with water, approx. one hour before planned sexual activity
• It can start to work within 30 minutes, but men can still obtain an erection in response to sexual stimulation for up to 4 hours post-dose
• Sexual stimulation is required for VIAGRA connect to be effective
• Can be taken with or without food but may take longer to work after a high fat meal
• For men who have been unable to have sexual intercourse for some time, it may be necessary to try the product on a few separate occasions to achieve satisfactory erection

Individuals may be unsuitable for the service due to contraindicated concomitant medications, contraindicated concomitant conditions and based on a patient’s cardiovascular (CV) health etc. In such cases there may be other options that are more suitable for you. The pharmacist will be able to give you more information and help you decide on the best option for you. 

Online Consultation Form

To save you time when you visit Lynch’s Pharmacy, we have an online consultation form that can be completed in advance. Please click here to complete the form. The pharmacist will have your completed form ready and waiting for you when you arrive at the pharmacy.