Drug Induced Erectile Dysfunction:

The inability of a man in achieving or maintaining an erection is referred to as erectile dysfunction. It is also known as male impotence and can result due to various causes. This condition usually occurs as a man becomes older. There are a few occurrences of this condition in men below the age of forty years also. Many conditions such as diabetes or mental depression can result in erectile dysfunction. Intake of drugs could be one of the causes. There are various drugs that can give rise to this problem. Drug abuse involving cocaine, heroin and other narcotic drugs can bring about this condition. Use of alcohol and cigarette smoking can also have this effect in men. A drug administered for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers, called cimetidine is known to cause erection problems. Diuretics used to regulate high blood pressure, heart disease and edema in the legs have also been found to cause erectile dysfunction. Other types of high blood pressure medications called beta blockers and medications for treating depression, psychosis and certain sedatives can also result in erectile dysfunction. Another drug known to cause this condition is finasteride which is used in the treatment of prostate cancer and in preventing balding.

There are many other drugs that can also cause erectile dysfunction. However, this does not take place in all men and some men never experience this problem when taking such drugs. But for some men, the ability to achieve an erection is completely diminished. If the problem starts occurring soon after starting on a new medication or drug, then in all likelihood the drug is responsible for the condition. In some cases months may pass while taking the drug and it is only later on that erectile dysfunction begins to occur. Before discontinuing the drug or medication, one must consult the doctor as this could have a negative effect on the condition that is being treated. In some cases, the drug can be substituted by another drug that is not known to cause erectile dysfunction. When the drug intake is stopped, the ability to have and maintain an erection will return soon. However if the erectile dysfunction persists, then other causes need to be examined.

In cases where the erectile dysfunction is caused by drug abuse or alcohol abuse, then it is most important to stop intake of these substances. This will not only solve the problem of erectile dysfunction but will also prevent far more serious health problems. Very long term abuse of these substances may result in erectile dysfunction throughout the lifetime of the individual. One needs to consult and discuss the condition with the doctor so that the right course of treatment can be prescribed.