Month: September 2022

Categories
Sexual Health Uncategorized

Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments In Singapore

Are your erections, or rather, lack thereof, causing disappointing nights for you? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes known as impotence, refers to the inability to get or sustain an erection that is firm enough for sex. It is one of the most common sexual problems that men encounter. In fact, a study published by the Singapore Medical Journal has revealed that among Singaporean men above the age of 30, about 1 in 2 of them have had ED at some point in their lives. 

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction

If your penis fails to perk up very occasionally, chances are it is completely normal, especially if you’re recently feeling a little stressed out. However, if you routinely have difficulty getting or maintaining your erection, you might want to get it checked out – it may be ED. Some men also find themselves losing interest in sexual activities or having lower self-esteem about their erections. These psychological factors may ultimately result in ED.

The mechanics of erectile dysfunction

Imagine someone filling up a balloon with water. The balloon expands in size and becomes more turgid. Likewise, when a man is sexually aroused, your brain sends signals which cause blood to flow into your penis. Blood fills up spongy tissues, known as corpora cavernosa, causing the penis to become more rigid.

Now, imagine if the tap that you are using to fill the balloon is faulty. Water flows out so slowly that there isn’t enough force to stretch and fill up the balloon. That’s exactly how ED works. When blood flow to your penis is blocked or slowed down, your penis remains flaccid. Other causes of ED may be a disruption in brain signals arising from depression, anxiety or stress. 

Causes of erectile dysfunction

You might have heard that ED is “all in your head”. For many years, experts believed that emotional and psychological problems were the sole causes of ED. Well, this is partially correct and partially wrong. Here’s the truth – ED can be caused by a multitude of factors, including emotional, physical, lifestyle factors and many more. 

Psychological and emotional causes of erectile dysfunction

Your brain plays a key role in a good erection. It is responsible for feelings of sexual excitement, as well as transmitting nerve signals to allow blood flow to your penis. The common psychological culprits of poor erection include: 

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Low self-esteem
  • Guilt
  • Performance anxiety
  • Relationship conflicts

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

Contrary to popular belief, ED is not “all in your head”. Any chronic disease that decreases blood flow can result in ED. If you have any chronic diseases, it is important to keep them under control. Common diseases include:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol

Besides those mentioned above, there are also other less common, albeit more serious diseases that can contribute to ED. These include: 

  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)

Does old age cause erectile dysfunction?

Is age just a number in the onset and progression of ED? Well, maybe, maybe not. Although ED becomes more common with age, growing old does not always cause ED. Some men remain sexually functional, even in their 80s. On the other hand, younger men, including teenagers, can have ED due to lifestyle factors such as drinking, smoking and overall health.

Treatments for erectile dysfunction

Depending on what caused your ED, you may be recommended for different treatment options. Most ED pills belong to a class of medication known as “phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors)”. To put their mechanism of action in simple terms, these pills cause your blood vessels to relax, increasing the blood flow to the penis. 

Different pills follow different treatment schedules. Generally, ED pills can be categorised into two groups: the as-needed pills and the daily pills. 

As-needed pills/strips

These pills/strips are taken prior to any sexual activity. They are recommended for men who are able to predict when they have sex or men who do not wish to take pills daily. 

  • Viagra® (Sildenafil), also known as the blue pill. These pills were the first FDA-approved oral treatment for ED. 
  • Generic Sildenafil. These pills contain the same ingredient and work exactly the same as its branded option, Viagra®. In comparison with Viagra®, generic sildenafil is much more affordable and wouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet. Generic sildenafil is also the most popular treatment option at Siena.
  • Spedra® (Avanafil). These pills are great for men who prefer spontaneity. They are fast-acting and are effective just 15 minutes after taking them.
  • Cialis® (Tadalafil) 20mg. These pills are long-lasting and are effective for up to 36 hours after taking them. 
  • Tadalafil 20mg. These pills contain the same ingredient and work exactly the same as its branded option, Cialis®. But cheaper!
  • Caliberi® Tadalafil Orodispersible Films 20mg. These strips contain the same ingredient and work exactly the same as Cialis® but dissolve on your tongue.
  • Levitra® (Vardenafil). These pills are the branded alternatives to Viagra®, the blue pill.

Daily pills

These ED pills are to be taken every day. They work best for men who don’t like to plan ahead and want to be ready around the clock.

Other treatment options

Other options include testosterone therapy if you have low testosterone, penile injections, vacuum erection devices, intraurethral medications, penile implants or even surgery.

Lifestyle changes for better performance

Keeping a healthy lifestyle not only boosts your overall health, but also your sexual health. Here are some tips that you can follow: 

  • Keep a heart-healthy diet: A poor diet that is full of fats and sugars can lead to clogged arteries, diabetes and heart disease, which eventually spirals into ED. Reduce fats and sugars while incorporating more vegetables and fruits into your diet. 
  • Stay within your healthy weight range: If you are overweight, it’s best that you shake off that excess weight.
  • Exercise regularly: Not only does exercise promote blood circulation, it is also amazing at alleviating stress. In short, exercise targets both root causes of ED. Having 30 minutes of exercise for at least 5 days a week is bound to boost your health and energy, both in and out of the bedroom.
  • Quit smoking and drinking: As both smoking and drinking increase your risk of ED, we recommend that you sever your ties with them. Trust us, your body and penis will thank you. 

Finding the best treatment for erectile dysfunction

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ED. To choose the best treatment option for yourself, take into account your lifestyle, preferences, medical history and affordability. If you’re experiencing ED, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor at Siena. They’ll help you find the solution that’s right for you, and potentially catch other health problems before they become severe.

References

Categories
Birth Control Period

How To Delay or Skip My Period(s) Safely

How To Delay or Skip My Period(s) Safely

Us women have never asked for periods. It is uncomfortable, troublesome and sometimes even painful. It doesn’t help that they are a monthly occurrence.

There’s no natural way to stop the Crimson Wave and other monthly woes from crashing onto the shore, but there are medicines that may do the trick – period-delay medication such as norethisterone and hormonal contraception such as birth control pills/patches.

In this article, we share more about:

  • Benefits of delaying or skipping your period(s);
  • How to delay or skip your period(s) safely;
  • Is it safe to delay or skip period(s); and
  • Where to buy period delay medication (Norethisterone) or birth control in Singapore.

Benefits Of Delaying Or Skipping Your Period(s)

There are many reasons why many women choose to skip their periods. As periods are a hassle for all and even excruciating for some, it is understandable why women would rather skip their periods than bear with the inconvenience, especially since it’s proven to be safe to do so.

Symptoms, conditions or reasons why people delay or skip their periods can help with include:

  • heavy periods – excessive blood loss every month can take its toll physically and emotionally, and can also lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which can leave you feeling very tired (fatigued), but skipping periods can help avoid this. 
  • painful periods – if your periods cause cramping tummy pains or lower backache, skipping a period can give you a well-needed break.
  • irregular periods – not knowing when your period is coming can be annoying, but delaying or skipping it can put you back in control. 
  • premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – PMS symptoms you can get before your period range from bloating and mood swings to acne and breast pain, but not having a ‘natural’ cycle can reduce your chances of getting them. 
  • endometriosis – this long-term (chronic) condition can cause heavy and painful periods, but hormonal treatments that stop your periods can help ease symptoms.
  • fibroids – these non-cancerous growths that can develop in or around your womb can also cause heavy or painful periods, so skipping or stopping periods can help manage symptoms. 
  • blood clotting disorders – conditions that cause bleeding, such as Von Willebrand disease, often cause heavy periods, so not having periods can make symptoms easier to manage.
  • other health conditions – several other health conditions can be aggravated or made worse by having periods, including menstrual migraines, asthma and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • non-medical reasons – such as for a holiday, staycation or big event.

How To Delay Or Skip Your Period(s) Safely?

There are no natural remedies to delay or stop your period, but there are medicines that may do the trick!

Norethisterone

If you are currently not on any hormonal contraception and want to delay your period, your doctor can temporarily prescribe you a period-delay medication called Norethisterone.

Norethisterone contains the hormone progesterone. In a natural female cycle, the menstrual period (monthly shedding of the womb lining) is triggered by a drop in the level of progesterone hormone. By taking norethisterone and artificially keeping your natural progesterone levels up, it stops the lining of your womb from shedding and hence prevents your period from happening. 

Once you stop taking Norethisterone, your progesterone levels return to normal and your next period usually starts again within 3 days.

Norethisterone has to be taken 3 times a day (1 tablet each time), starting 3 days before your period is due to start. Norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive when taken for period delay, so you could still get pregnant. It is important to consider if you need alternative contraception such as condoms. However, Norethisterone should not be used alongside any hormonal contraceptive.

Birth Control Pills/Patches

To skip your period(s) using the combined birth control pills, simply skip the inactive pills or 7-day hormone-free break by starting on a new pack of pills immediately. 

To skip your period(s) using the combined birth control patches, simply skip the 7-day hormone-free break by starting on a new pack of patches immediately. 

When you are on continuous use of birth control pills/patch, levels of estrogen and progesterone are consistently high which prevents ovulation from taking place. When ovulation does not occur, your period does not come too.

Is It Safe To Delay Or Skip Periods?

Menstrual suppression — the use of hormones to delay or eliminate menses — is often used to manage conditions associated with the menstrual cycle and to accommodate lifestyle preferences. Studies show that reducing the frequency of menstrual bleeding does not cause any known physiologic harm and has potential short-term and long-term advantages. Different methods used for menstrual suppression, however, have associated risks and side effects that need to be weighed against the benefits of controlling menses.

Where To Buy Period Delay Medication (Norethisterone) Or Birth Control In Singapore?

Norethisterone and birth control are prescription-only medications in Singapore. You would need to consult a doctor in person before you can get started on them.

With Siena, you can have access to affordable period delay pills and birth control from the comfort of your home. Simply complete an online questionnaire, and speak with a doctor via an online video call. If prescribed, your medication will be delivered to you in discreet packaging and at no additional charge!