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Viagra® (Sildenafil) For Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Effectiveness & Where To Buy Viagra In Singapore

Viagra® (Sildenafil) For Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Effectiveness & Where To Buy Viagra In Singapore

Viagra®, also sometimes known as “the little blue pill”, is the most famous name in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It was the first oral pill to treat ED and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998.

In this article, we share more on how Viagra® works to treat ED, potential side effects, Viagra® alternatives, and the safest way to obtain Viagra® in Singapore.

What Is Viagra®? 

Viagra® is a brand-name prescription drug that’s approved to treat ED. With ED, you are unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.

Viagra® is often mentioned alongside a drug called Sildenafil / Generic Sildenafil. While these two medications might have different names, they contain the same ingredient and work exactly the same. In comparison with Viagra®, generic sildenafil is much more affordable and wouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet.

How Does Viagra® Help To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

An erection occurs when nerves in your penis are stimulated. This results in muscles around the penis, known as the corpora cavernosa, to relax and allow blood to flow in, causing an erection. 

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra®, is a PDE-5 inhibitor that works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow into your penis when you get aroused to create and sustain an erection. 

Viagra® helps you get hard. If you often find yourself climaxing too fast, you may have premature ejaculation (PE), which is treated with a different medication.

How Effective Is Viagra®?

In multiple clinical studies, between 43% and 83% of men who took Viagra® had improved erections (these success rates varied depending on the cause of their ED and the dosage of Viagra® being used).

How Long Does Viagra® Last?

According to Viagra®’s FDA label, the drug can help to produce an erection up to 4 hours after pill-talking but its effects usually start to taper off after 2-3 hours. 

As you get older, your metabolism slows down. Hence, some people notice Viagra® works for a longer period as they age. 

Can you climax more than once with Viagra?

Viagra® may not work again immediately after ejaculation. Your stamina, natural refractory period, and level of arousal are just some factors that can determine how many times you’ll be able to come before the medication wears off.

How To Take Viagra®?

Viagra® may be taken anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes before sexual activity. This is the average time needed for Viagra® to start working, but in some cases it can take up to 2 hours to work. 

Do not take Viagra® more than once a day or the dose prescribed for you.

How To Take Viagra® For Best Results?

Viagra® works best when taken in the right conditions. Below are some tips that you can use to take Viagra® more effectively and get the best possible results from each blue pill:

  1. Eat a light meal beforehand

Viagra® does not need to be taken with food to work. However, a light meal can help to prevent indigestion/stomach upset!

Avoid large meals and high-fat foods (eg. fried, greasy food) before taking Viagra®. The fat in the meal can potentially delay the absorption of Viagra® in your body, meaning it may take longer to take effect. 

Had a large meal? Wait a couple of hours to allow enough time for digestion before taking Viagra®.

  1. Try to relax

If you feel anxious, nervous, depressed, or stressed, your body may not respond well to sexual stimulation. If this is the case, try to relax, make yourself comfortable, and give yourself time for the medication to work! Viagra® usually starts to work within 30-60 minutes. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity.

  1. Get in the mood

Viagra® will not work if you are not sexually aroused! Try giving each other a sensual massage or taking a warm bath together. Extend your foreplay, and you may even want to try role-playing to shake things up a little!

  1. Avoid alcoholic drinks after taking

Alcohol can decrease blood flow to your penis, making Viagra® less effective and shorter-lasting. 

Also, Viagra® can lower blood pressure. Combining it with alcohol can increase this effect. If your blood pressure drops, symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache could also hinder your hard-on and mood.

Potential Side Effects Of Viagra®

Viagra® is generally safe when taken under the advice and supervision of a medical professional. According to the NHS, most men have no side effects or only minor ones. 

Mild side effects

Common side effects include:

  • Headaches are mostly mild and go away quickly with rest. If the headache is bothersome, take paracetamol painkillers that can be purchased over-the-counter. 
  • Facial flushing where the skin on your face feels hot. Open a window, turn on a fan or lie down and rest to cool down if flushing occurs.
  • Indigestion or stomach pain. Take with a light meal if Viagra® causes stomach upset. However, do note that food can delay the absorption of the medication, meaning it may take longer for Viagra® to work. 
  • Stuffy nose.
  • Visual disturbances (eg. blurring of vision, blue tinge in vision).

Common side effects typically go away over time as you adjust to the medication. If you experience any of the above, keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Viagra® are rare, but they can occur. Stop your medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Chest pain. 
  • Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include swelling of the face, eyes, lips or tongue, difficulty in breathing, or itchy skin rashes over your whole body. 
  • Priapism, a prolonged and sometimes painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours.
  • Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden hearing decrease or loss. May also involve other symptoms, such as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in ears) or dizziness.

Alternative ED Pills To Viagra®

While Viagra® is considered to be the most common medication for ED, there are quite a few on the market. They all work the same — improve blood flow to the penis so that you can have and keep an erection long enough to have sex, but can differ in the cost, how fast they start working and how long their effects last. 

ED PillsCharacteristics
Viagra® (Sildenafil)– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-60 minutes
– Duration: 4-5 hours
Generic Sildenafil– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-60 minutes
– Duration: 4-5 hours
Spedra® (Avanafil)– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 15-30 minutes
– Duration: 6-12 hours
Cialis® (Tadalafil) – 20mg– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-45 minutes
– Duration: 24-36 hours
Levitra® (Vardenafil)– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-60 minutes
– Duration: 4-5 hours
Cialis® (Tadalafil) – 5mg– Taken daily
– Onset: Continuous
– Duration: Continuous
ED drugs: How soon they start working and how long they last

How And Where To Get Viagra® In Singapore?

The only (safest and legal) way to get Viagra® (Sildenafil) or other ED pills in Singapore is with a valid prescription from a Singapore licensed doctor.

ED pills may result in harmful physical reactions if they are not taken in the right dose, if you have certain medical conditions, or if you’re on certain medication. As such, it is important for a doctor to access your health condition before he/she can deem your suitability for Viagra® and at what dose.

Avoid counterfeit viagra

Oral medications for ED are among the most counterfeited medications in the world. A Straits Times article in 2014 reported that 11 men in Singapore have died after taking illicit sex drugs.

Never buy medication for ED from unauthorised sellers or if the medication is of unknown origin. These illegal products have no guarantee on the contents, efficacy, safety and quality. So you actually have no idea whether the pill will work or worse, if the pill will harm you. 

Where to get a doctor’s prescription for Viagra®?

A Viagra® prescription can be obtained from a General Practitioner (GP) or urologist (private and public sector). However, talking about our issues in bed may be a little awkward, and having to make a trip down to the clinic deters most men from seeking the help they need. 

With Arx — a MOH-approved digital health & wellness clinic for men, you can get a personalized ED treatment prescribed by a SG licensed doctor online and delivered discreetly to your home at $0. Simply start by answering some questions on your lifestyle, symptoms and medical history. 

The Bottomline

If ED is affecting your relationship, sex life or self-esteem, it is best to seek help from a medical professional. They’ll help you find the solution that’s right for you, and potentially catch other health problems before they become severe.

At Arx, we believe in empowering men with access, choice and knowledge to navigate health issues that matter. We provide affordable access to ED treatments, delivered conveniently to your door in discreet packaging to ensure your health remains confidential.

References

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Sexual Health

What Your Morning Boner Says About Your Health

What Your Morning Boner Says About Your Health

Many men find that as the sun rises, so do their dicks. This phenomenon is normal and often known as “morning boner”, or more scientifically, “nocturnal penile tumescence”. But what if your penis is still dozing when you’re up? Should this be a cause for concern?

What is Morning Boner?

Morning boner, scientifically termed as “nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)” or “involuntary sleep-related erections (SREs)”, refers to when a male wakes up to an erect penis. This occurs in men of all ages, although it is most common among younger men. In fact, infants and children experience it too. What’s even more surprising and interesting is that even male fetuses in the womb get erections!

A healthy man is estimated to experience between 3 to 5 erections during a full night’s sleep (8 hours), with each erection lasting for 25 to 35 minutes. These erections occur during a sleep stage known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is the period when dreams occur. The morning boner that you experience right after waking up is the last erection in the series of night-time erections.

What Causes Morning Boner?

While scientists have yet to come to an exact conclusion on what causes the morning boner, much evidence points to an interplay of three phenomenons – testosterone production, mental relaxation and physical stimulation.

1. Testosterone production

What is testosterone?

As most of you will already know, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays a key role in the sexual development of men. Some of its functions are listed below:

  • Regulates sex drive or libido
  • Controls sperm production
  • Responsible for the growth and development of the testes, penis, and prostate gland
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary male sexual characteristics, causing an increase in height, and body and pubic hair as boys transition to men during puberty

Testosterone levels are highest during sleep

So, what happens to testosterone levels through the night? When you fall asleep, testosterone levels rise, peaking when you transition from non-REM sleep to REM sleep state. After this, your testosterone levels remain consistently high throughout the night, including right after you wake up in the morning. The rise in testosterone levels itself may be enough to achieve an erection. 

2. Mental relaxation

A brief overview of corticosteroid hormones

Everyone experiences an adrenaline rush at some point in their lives. But what exactly is adrenaline? Well, it belongs to a group of hormones known as corticosteroids. These hormones are known for their function in producing fight-or-flight responses during times of stress or when you find yourself coming face to face with a threatening situation – be it rushing your work at the eleventh hour to meet a deadline, watching a horror movie or when you’re on a roller coaster. 

Corticosteroid hormones levels fluctuate according to your sleep-wake cycle

When you’re awake, your body naturally produces corticosteroid hormones, including adrenaline. These hormones constrict your blood vessels to the penis. Consequently, less blood reaches your penis, keeping your penis in a flaccid state for most periods of the day.

However, during sleep, your brain relaxes. As a result, fewer corticosteroid hormones are produced, allowing more blood to flow to your penis. This, partnered with the rise in testosterone levels as aforementioned, helps make night-time erections possible.

3. Physical stimulation

Last but not least, your morning boner can be a result of physical stimulation throughout the night. While you’re asleep, you or your partner may unknowingly touch your genitals. Your body picks up this stimulation and develops an erection in response. Even the slightest graze from your pillow or bolster can induce this response. 

What Does NOT Cause your Morning Boner

Contrary to popular beliefs, racy dreams don’t cause your morning boner. Erections are a normal part of REM sleep in males, regardless of the contents of one’s dreams.  Neither are night-time erections related to whether you had sex before going to bed or how full your bladder is. 

Your Morning Boner Indicates Good Health

Frequently waking up to a morning glory is a green flag that you’re generally healthy. It indicates that your heart, circulatory system and nervous system are in good condition. Moreover, it also indicates that your body is physiologically capable of getting and maintaining an erection. In other words, frequently getting your morning boner puts you at lower risk of physiological erectile dysfunction (ED). 

What Does It Mean If You Have No Morning Boner?

If your penis still snoozing even after you’ve awakened, it may or may not be a cause for concern.

1. Age and declining testosterone levels

Firstly, testosterone levels decrease as one becomes older, especially between the ages of 40 and 50. Thus, it’s normal for older men to have fewer morning erections compared to their youthful counterparts. 

With that being said, if you’re an older man who has noticed a lack of morning boners, don’t panic about ED just yet. A study has shown that a lack of night-time boners in older men does not correlate with the inability to achieve waking erections, which means that older men can still have healthy and firm erections during normal sex. 

2. Waking up at the “wrong time”

It’s okay to not wake up with a morning boner occasionally, even if you’re young and healthy. On most mornings, you wake up at the end of a REM cycle, which explains your morning erections. However, you may also wake up at different points in your sleep cycle, such as when you’re not in REM sleep. This is especially likely if you use an alarm to wake up in the morning. 

3. Underlying medical conditions or medicines

Besides the generally harmless reasons mentioned above, your missing morning boner may be a sign of something more serious if it occurs frequently. This can be a red flag that you have an underlying medical condition and/or physical ED. 

Physical ED can be due to many medical conditions. These conditions work against your penis by blocking blood and nerve supply to your penis in one way or another, which is required for an erection. Some of the common medical conditions include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes 
  • Overweight or obese
  • Testosterone deficiency

Furthermore, certain medications also have a role to play in preventing your member from standing in the morning. In particular, painkillers and antidepressants are common culprits of a flaccid morning penis. 

4. Poor sleep quality

A study published by The Journal Of Sexual Medication also revealed that a man’s sleep quality can affect how often he experiences night-time erections and morning boners. Your sleep quality determines how many sleep cycles you undergo, which correlates to the number of night-time erections you will have. Essentially, having poor sleep quality means that you will undergo the REM stage of sleep fewer times, leading to fewer night-time erections and a lower probability of you waking up with an erection.

Test Yourself with Postage Stamps

Yeap, you read that right. If you aren’t getting morning boners and are unsure if you’re getting night-time erections, you can use postage stamps to help you. This is known as the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) stamp test, or simply the postage stamp test, and it is to be carried out over 3 consecutive nights. 

This test is easy to perform and doesn’t require any pesky, expensive and complicated equipment. All you need are a few postage stamps (the denominations of your stamps don’t matter) with perforated edges. If you aren’t sure what that means, stamps with perforated edges are connected by a row of small holes that allow them to be easily torn apart from each other. 

How it works

  1. Get a strip of 4 to 6 stamps per night. 
  2. Wrap the strip of stamps around the shaft of your penis. Make sure the strip of stamps is long enough so that the first and last stamps overlap. Moisten the top stamp and seal it over the bottom one, or use adhesive tape. 
  3. During an erection, not only does the penis become longer, but it also becomes thicker. 
  4. Check the strip of stamps in the morning after you wake up. If the perforations between the stamps are torn, it signals that you had at least one night-time erection. 

Don’t have any perforated stamps lying around at home?

Don’t worry about that. You can always make your own perforated “stamps” with a strip of paper and scissors. Click here to watch a video on how to DIY your own perforated “stamps”.

Disclaimer

It is possible for a male to move around during sleep in a way that causes the perforations between the stamps to tear without having a night-time erection. This results in a false positive.

Also, while the postage stamp test may tell you whether you’re having night-time erections, it doesn’t reveal anything about their qualities and durations. Hence, if you suspect that you may have ED, we advise that you consult a doctor.

When to See a Doctor

1. Sudden loss of erectile function

Once again, not having a morning boner occasionally isn’t a cause for concern. However, if you notice a sudden decrease in the frequency of your morning boner, or if you can’t get or sustain an erection during sex, you should see a doctor about it.

2. Painful erections and/or erections that don’t go away

Usually, most morning boners will subside on their own within 30 minutes. However, if your morning boner is still standing for 1 hour or longer after awakening, or if it becomes painful, something may be wrong. Contact a doctor immediately. 

Outlook

“People don’t ever realise that they take things for granted until it’s gone.” Indeed, not being greeted by the familiar morning boner upon awakening might come as a shock. While losing your morning boner occasionally is totally normal, especially as you age, losing it too often isn’t a good sign for your general and sexual health. 

If you are concerned about ED, fill in a simple questionnaire to get over with the awkward questions. We’ll then connect you with one of our friendly doctors for an online video consultation, and if prescribed, we’ll deliver your medication right to your doorstep!

References

  • Holland, K. (2018, September 17). What Causes Morning Wood? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/morning-wood. 
  • Youn, G. (2017). Why Do Healthy Men Experience Morning Erections? The Open Psychology Journal, 10(1), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874350101710010049 
  • Sherer, D. M., Eggers, P. C., & Woods, J. R. (1990). In-utero fetal penile erection. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 9(6), 371–371. https://doi.org/10.7863/jum.1990.9.6.371 
  • Schiavi, R. C., & Schreiner-Engel, P. (1988). Nocturnal Penile Tumescence in Healthy Aging Men. Journal of Gerontology, 43(5), 146–150. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronj/43.5.m146 
  • Zhang, Y., Chen, S., Ma, G., Lai, Y., Yang, X., Feng, J., Zang, Z., Qi, T., Wang, B., & Ye, L. (2018). 632 Consecutive nightly recordings are required for the accurate monitoring of nocturnal erections. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 15(7), S367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.04.539 
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Sexual Health

“Whiskey Dick”: Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction and How To Get Rid of It

“Whiskey Dick”: Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction and How To Get Rid of It
Image credit: iamkeithmiller on Deviant Art

Alcohol can calm your bedroom jitters, but have one too many and you may find yourself facing a bigger disaster – the inability to get hard. Here’s what every man needs to know about “whiskey dick”, also known as alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction.

What is “Whiskey Dick”?

“Whiskey dick”, also known as alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction (ED), is when a man is unable to get an erection after drinking alcohol. But don’t be misled by its name! “Whiskey dick” isn’t only caused by whiskey; all types of alcohol are in cahoots against your penis. 

Is “Whiskey Dick” Really True? Or is it Just a Myth?

Unfortunately, “whiskey dick” is very much a reality for many men. A study conducted by the University of Washington revealed that sober men were able to achieve an erection more quickly than intoxicated men. In fact, several men were completely unable to achieve an erection after drinking alcohol. 

How Alcohol Affects your Erection

1. CNS depressant

Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, causing both your brain and body to become slow and sluggish. Also, your body channels more of its resources to processing the alcohol rather than helping your willy stand.

2. Dehydration and reduced blood flow

Do you find yourself frequenting the bathroom way more often than usual during your booze nights out? That’s because alcohol causes your body’s water to be lost quickly, leading to dehydration. This reduces the total blood volume, as well as cause the release of a hormone known as angiotensin. Angiotensin constricts blood vessels, including those that travel to your penis. As a result, less blood flows to your penis, making it hard for you to get hard. 

3. Mental focus and coordination

Moreover, sexual arousal requires mental concentration, which dwindles as you drink more and more alcohol. The reduced mental focus, partnered with hampered coordination and slower reaction time, cooks up a recipe for a less than stellar performance under the duvets.

How Many Drinks Does it Take to Knock out Your Penis?

It’s a slippery slope, really. A little alcohol can help chase your nerves away, but drink a little too much and you find yourself tipping over to the disaster at the opposite end of the spectrum – ED. So, how many drinks is the limit?

There’s no magic number on how many shots you can have. It varies from person to person since not every man’s alcohol tolerance is the same. What might lead to a high in one man can be the downfall of another man’s penis. This depends on many factors, such as:

  • Age
  • Body weight
  • Body composition
  • Metabolism rate
  • Ethnicity
  • Whether you ate before drinking
  • How much water you drank
  • How fast you consumed the alcohol

Is There Anything that I Can Do About Alcohol Impotence?

There’s only one thing you can do – sober up. Alcohol-induced ED will only last as long as it takes for you to sober up. On such nights, time is your best friend. It’s best to call it a night and sleep it off! Also, do keep yourself well-hydrated too (with water, not alcohol, please!). Meanwhile, communicate well and assure your partner that it’s because of the alcohol and not a lack of attraction. 

Besides, we aren’t exactly great decision-makers when drunk. A tipsy night can lead to haughty decisions that screams regret the following morning. A 2016 study found that risky sexual behaviours, such as unprotected sex, are more common among men when under the influence of alcohol. Not only can this spiral into unwanted pregnancy, but it can also increase the risks of STI transmission. 

Can I Take ED Pills to Resurrect My “Whiskey Dick”?

If you were thinking of popping ED pills such as Viagra and Cialis as a quick solution, we’re sorry to break this to you – ED pills aren’t going to do much to toughen up your drunken wood. Waiting till you’re sober remains your best bet in this case. 

Tips for Preventing “Whiskey Dick” in Future

Well, experiencing the dreaded “whiskey dick” once is enough. Don’t let history repeat itself! You definitely don’t want to go through all that awkward pauses and bumbling apologies on a drunken night again. Hopefully, these tips will help you pull through your tipsy nights in future:

  • Set a limit for the night and go for fewer drinks (a maximum of 2 drinks for men). Any more than that and you risk your sex drive taking a nosedive. 
  • Choose drinks with lower alcohol content, such as beer and malt liquor. Otherwise, mix your drinks to make them less strong! Your “whiskey dick” depends on the total blood alcohol content in your body. That is, you’re more likely to get a “whiskey dick” within a few sips of hard liquor as compared to drinks with lower alcohol content.
  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach! This is pretty much common sense for the frequent drinkers. When you drink on an empty stomach, alcohol enters your bloodstream directly, accelerating your risk of intoxication and “whiskey dick”. On the other hand, grabbing a bite before you drink slows down alcohol absorption, hence preventing intoxication. 
  • No chugging! While chugging may help you look like a cool dude at that moment, it’s going to extinguish any potential sizzling hot moments in your bedroom later that night. Sip your drinks slowly instead.
  • Pace yourself. Other than sipping your drinks slowly, you should also alternate between alcohol and water.

Chronic Drinkers, Beware!

Sure, “whiskey dick” might be a one-off thing for some men, but chronic drinkers are way more likely to experience the long-term effects of alcohol on their dicks. In a study conducted on 100 men who were chronic heavy drinkers, 72% reported having one or more sexual dysfunction, including ED, low sexual desire, and premature ejaculation (PE). Essentially, we’re warning you that chronic alcohol consumption can mess with your penis and sex life real bad in the long run. 

What to Do if Your Partner is Having the “Whiskey Dick”

If your partner is experiencing the “whiskey dick”, don’t take it personally. “Whiskey dick” isn’t a reflection of how attracted your partner is to you. Also, don’t try to help him get it back up! This could backfire and make him feel worse about it. Instead, reassure him that you’re cool about it. You could call it a night, but if you and your partner want to keep the night going, try other techniques that don’t require a boner, such as oral sex and erogenous play.  

The Bottom Line

Less is more when it comes to alcohol on a date night. While it’s normal for men to have a “whiskey dick” after having one too many, it can be easily prevented by practising responsible drinking and sex. 

However, if you’re experiencing ED despite not drinking alcohol or drinking very little alcohol, we advise you to seek medical help. At Arx, simply fill in a questionnaire to get over the awkward questions. Shortly after, we’ll connect you with one of our licensed doctors who’ll help you find out what’s causing your ED and prescribe your medications if needed. 

References

  • George, W. H., Davis, K. C., Norris, J., Heiman, J. R., Schacht, R. L., Stoner, S. A., & Kajumulo, K. F. (2006). Alcohol and Erectile Response: The Effects of High Dosage in the Context of Demands to Maximize Sexual Arousal. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 14(4), 461–470. https://doi.org/10.1037/1064-1297.14.4.461 
  • Scott-Sheldon, L. A., Carey, K. B., Cunningham, K., Johnson, B. T., & Carey, M. P. (2015). Alcohol Use Predicts Sexual Decision-Making: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Experimental Literature. AIDS and Behavior, 20(S1), 19–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1108-9 
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, December 29). Facts about moderate drinking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm
  • Benegal, V., & Arackal, B. S. (2007). Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male subjects with alcohol dependence. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 49(2), 109–112. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.33257 
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Sexual Health

Does Porn Cause Erectile Dysfunction?: What Every Man Needs To Know

Does Porn Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Image credit: Brittany Falussy

Today, we have an irony in question – could streaming sex on your browser’s incognito mode be detrimental to your own sex life? 

Sexual Dysfunction and its Demographic Trend Across the Years

Up until the last decade, the rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) among younger men (below the age of 40) was relatively low. A 2002 meta-analysis found that the rate of ED among men below the age of 40 was only 2%.

In 2011 (a decade after the 2002 meta-analysis), another study was conducted using the same assessment as before. Shockingly, this study showed a radical rise in the rate of ED among young men. ED rates among younger men had skyrocketed to between 14% to 28%.

The Simultaneous Rise of Porn and Erectile Dysfunction Cases: A Coincidence?

So, how did the rates of ED climb so rapidly within a decade? Is porn a driving force? This topic is still highly contentious and requires more scientific research before we can take a solid stance. Here’s what we have gathered so far regarding both sides of the argument.

Proponents: “Porn has led to an increase in ED rates”

In 2006, “porn tube sites” were introduced, enabling wide and easy access to sexually explicit videos. Viewers no longer needed to download content as the videos could be conveniently streamed online. 

A 2015 study revealed that it was common for men who frequently “use pornography and masturbate” to have ED and low sexual desire with a partner. Porn is speculated to induce ED through its psychological impacts, which we will further explore later in this article. 

Opponents: “Porn is just a scapegoat for other legitimate factors that cause ED.”

However, some critics have explained that porn itself may not cause ED. Instead, the apparent association between porn and ED may be due to other factors, such as the increase in public awareness of ED as a disease. We will also delve deeper into these reasons later.

What is Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED)?

Before we let the debate begin, let’s first understand what exactly is porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED). PIED occurs when:

  • A man can achieve an erection and have orgasms when watching porn but finds it difficult to do the same when having sex in real life.
  • A man takes a long time to have an orgasm when having sex in real life.
  • A man’s partner complains that he seems uninterested during sex.

Next, let’s move on to discuss how porn might induce ED.

Porn Leads to Desensitization

Watching porn too frequently can render real-life sexual interactions no longer fulfilling. Porn is highly addictive and affects your brain the same way as addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol would. Here’s the science behind how porn numbs your emotions surrounding sex:

  • Watching porn induces pleasure, causing dopamine, the happy hormone, to be released explosively. The release of dopamine is further heightened due to masturbation. 
  • The brain continuously craves for more pleasure, motivating the man to compulsively watch even more porn, similar to how a drug addict would repetitively seek out cocaine to achieve the same high over and over again. 
  • Ultimately, the brain becomes “overloaded” with dopamine and builds tolerance against porn. The man now has to watch increasingly hardcore porn to achieve the same high as before. 
  • Unfortunately, the authentic reality almost never measures up to the unrealistic fantasies portrayed by porn. As such, real-life sexual encounters with a partner are insufficient to arouse the man, eventually escalating into PIED.

Porn Causes Unrealistic Expectations

From impossibly perfectly well-sculpted physiques of porn stars to extreme position and inflated moans, porn is the epitome of unrealistic sex. However, porn has also become a one-stop solution for sex education for many youths. Therefore, the repeated exposure to porn, especially at an impressionable age, leads to unrealistic expectations on what sex and your body should be like. The pressure to meet these expectations and the despair that befalls when one fails to meet them can ultimately lead to performance anxiety.

Amidst the scramble to replicate porn scenes, men often forget that real-life sex is supposed to have an emotional aspect that porn lacks. The self-inflicted pressure to perform like a porn star only serves as a distraction that blinds one from the mutual emotions of lovemaking. 

Performance Anxiety of Trying to Replicate Porn’s Portrayal of Sex in Real Life

Porn sets the bar high, in fact, too high for the average man to reach. However, the ubiquity of porn has led to a common misconception that the sex portrayed in porn is normal and easily attainable. It’s natural for most men to fail to achieve porn-like sex, but this often results in a feeling of inadequacy. In general, porn can induce and elevate performance anxiety due to the following reasons:

1. Increased dissatisfaction in one’s own body

Porn paints a rosy picture of what the “perfect macho” looks like – dashing faces, ripped bodies, and huge (and surgically enhanced) genitals. 

2. Pressure to replicate unrealistic sexual performances

The undying stamina of porn stars allows their action to be dragged on for way longer than normal humans can. Together with exaggerated shrieks and difficult positions, these elements of porn videos are rarely recreated in real life. However, this misleads frequent consumers of internet porn to believe that sex that doesn’t look like porn is underwhelming. 

Disclaimer

Performance anxiety isn’t only caused by internet porn. Many other factors also contribute to performance anxiety. To learn more about performance anxiety and how to alleviate it, check out our previous blog article. 

Guilty Pleasure

Frequent consumers of porn may also be washed with a sense of guilt and shame, especially since porn is often shamed as sinful and frowned upon by many religions. Unfortunately, moral and religious qualms of watching porn can spiral into moral panic, inducing ED. 

The Other Side of the Story

There isn’t a unanimous consensus that porn causes ED. Some experts remain doubtful of the relationship between porn and ED. Moving on, let’s explore their side of the argument.

The supposed ED may actually be caused by the refractory period

After orgasm or ejaculation, every man undergoes what is known as the “refractory period”. This is regardless of whether the man performed masturbation or partner sex, or whether or not he had watched porn. During the refractory period, the man will be unable to achieve another erection. 

Refractory periods increase with age. Hence, as one grows older, he may need to wait for long periods before being able to raise his wood again. For some men, this may be several hours, but it’s also normal for men above the age of 60 to have a refractory period of 12 hours or longer. 

Essentially, when one watches porn and orgasms or ejaculates because of it, he naturally slips into the refractory period. In other words, while porn isn’t the one that is killing erections, porn may be an extremely convenient scapegoat for the lack of erections. 

The increase in reportings of ED may simply be due to greater awareness of ED as a legitimate medical concern

In the early days, ED was commonly passed off as a joke and was considered humiliating. Then, Viagra’s® grand introduction in the late 90’s changed everything. “Impotence”, the stigmatised label of erection problems, was relabelled as “erectile dysfunction”. This led to an unprecedented increase in awareness of ED as a treatable medical concern. Thanks to that, more men suffering from ED are willing to come forward to seek treatment for it. Naturally, the number of ED cases reported in medical research papers would increase. 

Coincidentally, internet porn saw its success as a lucrative business. With its popularity skyrocketing during this time, it may have mistakenly taken the blame for the increase in the number of ED cases reported on papers.  

Is it really porn usage that is causing ED, or could it be ED that is causing porn usage?

That’s like the ever famous question – which came first, the chicken or the egg? There isn’t a definitive answer, as men with PIED may be trapped in an endless feedback loop: If they can’t have satisfactory partnered sex due to ED, they turn to watch porn, which in turn, worsens their ED. 

The Simple Solution to PIED

The solution is an obvious one – stop watching porn. Many men reported that abstaining from porn helped them get back in the saddle in 90 days. While this number may differ across individuals, it is a good gauge to keep you motivated throughout your journey. 

Tips to abstain from porn

However, removing porn from your life is easier said than done in reality. Here are some tips that may help you abstain from porn:

  • Install a porn blocker software.
  • Change your password on porn streaming websites to something complicated. Write it down and lock it somewhere that isn’t easily accessible. Remember to clear out your web browser’s bookmarked porn sites as well!
  • Address any underlying issues. If you’re watching porn out of boredom, try out new hobbies, hang out with your friends more often, or hit the gym to preoccupy yourself! On the other hand, if you’re indulging in porn due to an ebbing sex life, talk to your partner about both of your needs. 

Outlook and Conclusion

The ongoing debate on whether porn really causes ED calls for more scientific research. Till then, it may be difficult to firmly say that watching porn is either inherently good or bad for your sexual health. 

While porn may be a contributing factor to ED, many other factors can result in ED as well. To learn more, check out our blog article that covers the symptoms, causes and treatments for ED.  

If you’re experiencing ED, it’s a good idea to chat with a doctor about it. Feeling a little reluctant at the thought of having a face-to-face chat with a doctor at the clinic? Arx is a safe haven, away from judgement and stigma regarding sexual health. Simply connect with one of our licensed doctors at Arx for an online consultation for your ED with our licensed doctors. 

References

  • Prins, J., Blanker, M. H., Bohnen, A. M., Thomas, S., & Bosch, J. L. (2002). Prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of population-based studies. International Journal of Impotence Research, 14(6), 422–432. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900905 
  • Landripet, I., & Štulhofer, A. (2015). Is Pornography Use Associated with Sexual Difficulties and Dysfunctions among Younger Heterosexual Men? The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(5), 1136–1139. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12853 
  • Klein, V., Jurin, T., Briken, P., & Štulhofer, A. (2015). Erectile Dysfunction, Boredom, and Hypersexuality among Coupled Men from Two European Countries. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(11), 2160–2167. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.13019 
Categories
Sexual Health

Premature Ejaculation (PE): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments & More

Premature Ejaculation (PE): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments & More
Image credit: Dainis Graveris

Remember the proverb, “slow and steady wins the race”? Whether or not you actually heed this advice in your daily life, I’m sure you’ll agree that this proverb holds potent truth in bed. Indeed, coming too fast in bed often ruins the mood and can be extremely distressing for both you and your partner.

With 1 in every 3 men aged between 18 and 59 years old experiencing premature ejaculation (PE) at some point, PE is more common than you think.  

What is premature ejaculation (PE)?

Premature ejaculation occurs when:

  1. A man orgasms and ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like.
  2. A man orgasms with very little stimulation.

How soon is too soon?

There is no clearly defined time period of what constitutes PE. The time frame can vary across individuals, depending on what he or his partner constitutes as “too soon”. International guidelines often cite that a man has PE if he ejaculates within 1 minute of entering your partner. Once again, this isn’t a hard-line definition, and it really depends on you and your partners’ preferences and feelings. 

What if it happens only occasionally?

It’s okay to have some disappointing nights, you can’t always have it all. However, if the problem occurs almost every time for more than 6 months and causes you significant distress, then you may have PE. 

Types of premature ejaculation

Also, did you know that not every PE is the same? Here, we break down the 2 different types of PE for you.

  • Lifelong PE (primary PE): These men have been experiencing PE ever since their first sexual encounter. 
  • Acquired PE (secondary PE): These men have previously had normal ejaculations, but later developed PE.

Lifelong PE is often caused by psychological factors, whereas acquired PE can be caused by a mixture of both psychological and biological factors. Moving on, let’s explore the different reasons for PE. 

Causes of premature ejaculation

PE may be due to psychological factors or physical factors, or a mixture of both. It’s good to know the common causes of PE so that you can identify which ones have led to your PE. 

Psychological factors

Anxiety is one of the leading factors of PE. This usually comes in the form of performance anxiety, where a man is concerned about his sexual performance. However, anxiety and stress about other aspects of life, such as work or relationship problems, can also play a part in PE. Other psychological factors that cause PE include depression, guilt, low self-confidence and unrealistic expectations about sex. 

Think back about your teenage years. If you recall masturbating hurriedly for fear of getting caught by your parents or others, that might have caused a lasting effect and led to your PE today. Besides that, traumatic sexual experiences at a young age or strict upbringing that frowns upon sex as shameful can lead to PE. 

Biological factors

Ever heard of serotonin, the happy hormone? Not only does serotonin boost your mood, but it is also the controller of your sexual desires and erection. The higher the serotonin levels in your brain, the longer it takes for you to ejaculate, allowing more satisfactory and happier sex. However, when serotonin levels are low, the time to ejaculation is shortened, causing PE. Not so happy anymore.

Besides serotonin imbalance, other medical conditions can also lead to PE. These include erectile dysfunction (ED), diabetes, an overactive thyroid and some prostate-related conditions. Genetics or simply an overly sensitive penis may even be at blame. 

Medical treatment for premature ejaculation

Oral medication

A common way to treat PE is using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This is a class of drugs that increases the level of serotonin, hence prolonging the time it takes to ejaculate. They may also help increase your sense of control over ejaculation. If deemed medically appropriate, Arx can prescribe you an SSRI medication known as Priligy®, which contains dapoxetine. 

In men who have both PE and erectile dysfunction (ED), ED pills can help. These include sildenafil (Viagra®), also known as the blue pill, as well as avanafil (Spedra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). These pills improve blood flow to the penis, which is necessary for an erection. 

Not sure if you have ED? Check out our previous blog article to learn more about ED.

Sprays and creams

Some men may find that local anaesthetic sprays and creams help reduce penile sensation, increasing the time to ejaculation. These sprays or creams should be applied onto the head of the penis up to 30 minutes before sex. You should wash the spray or cream off your penis 5 to 10 minutes before sex or put on a condom to prevent absorption of the spray or cream by your partner. Otherwise, it may cause vaginal numbness in your partner during vaginal sex. The condom also helps reduce your penile sensation, ultimately prolonging your time to ejaculation. 

Other tips and tricks to combat premature ejaculation

There are several natural ways to combat premature ejaculation. These include behavioural therapy, psychological therapy, lifestyle changes and even switching up your sex positions and techniques. We’ll save those for the next blog post, so do keep a close lookout for it!

Our final tip to all men with PE is to talk to your partner and seek treatment. Keep in mind that PE does not only affect you, but it can also lead to frustration and feelings of hurt from your partner. This may, of course, be a difficult topic to approach. However, your partner can be a great pillar of emotional support, and an open discussion with your partner will help to pave the way for mutual understanding. 

Lastly, remember that PE can be easily treated. That’s fortunate, but it means nothing if you shun away from seeking treatment. We know that visiting the clinic for treatment can be embarrassing and daunting, and that’s where we step in to help you. At Arx, simply fill up a questionnaire to answer the awkward questions and connect with one of our doctors for a video consultation, all from the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

References

  • What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation (PE)? Latest Medical News, Clinical Trials, Guidelines – Today on Medscape. (2021, June 4). https://www.medscape.com/answers/435884-30677/what-are-the-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria-for-premature-ejaculation-pe. 
  • Nazario, B. (2020, July 7). Premature Ejaculation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, & Prevention. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/men/what-is-premature-ejaculation. 
  • NHS. (2019, July 24). Ejaculation problems. NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/. 
  • Premature Ejaculation. Premature Ejaculation: Causes & Treatment – Urology Care Foundation. (2020, July 16). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/premature-ejaculation. 
  • Lowy, M. (2018). Premature Ejaculation Fact Sheet. Healthy Male (Andrology Australia). 
  • Urology Care Foundation. (2020). Premature Ejaculation Patient Guide.