It is no secret that treating erectile dysfunction is a booming business for the pharmaceutical industry. The two main medications approved to treat erectile dysfunction, Viagra and Cialis, are in direct competition. Furthermore, both pharmaceuticals are within the top 100 drugs sold in 2012. Viagra came in at number 53, with just over $1 billion in sales, and Cialis was number 73, with total sales of $8.7 million.

As with any drug, there are side effects associated with Viagra and Cialis. Both have similar side effects, ranging from a stuffy nose, to dizziness, to even blindness or cardiac problems. Both drugs present a higher risk for patients with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart issues. Patients are cautioned to seek immediate medical intention for any painful erections or ones that last more than four hours.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to either achieve or maintain an erection, sometimes known as impotence. Most cases of erectile dysfunction are physical, rather than psychological. Smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and trauma can all be physical reasons behind erectile dysfunction. In fact, as many as half of men over the age of 40 have experienced some form of erectile dysfunction, and as many as 30 million men in the United States have had some form of problem achieving or maintaining an erection.

How Does Erectile Dysfunction Medication Work?

Most erectile dysfunction drugs work the same way, by increasing the body’s natural production of the chemical nitric oxide. This chemical opens and relaxes blood vessels in the penis, allowing men to achieve and maintain an erection.

The main difference between the drugs is how fast they begin to work and for how long. Viagra and Levitra should be taken anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes before sex and will last for approximately five hours. Daily Cialis can be taken at any time and will be effective anytime between doses. In comparison, 36-hour Cialis should be taken about 30 minutes before sex, and is good for 36 hours.

How Can Chiropractic Care Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

The nerves that control the male reproductive organs exit from the bottom of the spine, in the lumbar region. This lower back region is often the site of back pain and stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine can help unblock compressed nerves and increase blood flow to the body’s vital organs. This, in turn, will increase the amount of blood flow and nerve activity to the penis and scrotum, thereby allowing for sustainable erections. In short, chiropractic care has the same effect as drugs – to increase blood flow to the penis – but without any harmful side effects or worries about timing or dosage of medication.

Dr. Nathen Horst feels that chiropractic adjustments are a safe and natural way to treat many medical problems, without the risks, costs, or side effects of medication. Even very personal and difficult to treat issues such as erectile dysfunction can benefit from regular chiropractic spinal adjustments. Dr. Horst can provide a caring, discreet environment in which to receive top quality care for erectile dysfunction.

Contact Dr. Nathen Horst to schedule a consultation.