Somex Pharma is a family-owned business and a pharmacy-led company based in Essex which has been involved in producing medicines for the NHS and the public for the last 15 years. Somex Pharma is now focussing its efforts on bringing to market affordable and proven treatments for conditions affecting lifestyle such as EDF.
Erectile dysfunction, formerly termed impotence, is becoming increasingly common, particularly in men over 40. It is a condition in which men are unable to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Although often caused by high blood pressure or cholesterol, hormone problems or side effects from medication, it can also be the result of ‘performance anxiety’. This is where mental distractions or other issues can prevent men from getting or maintaining an erection.
The negative effects of erectile dysfunction on a man’s quality of life can be substantial. Men with this condition often experience depressive symptoms, anxiety related to sexual performance and therefore men avoid engaging in sexual relations. This can lead to severe emotional stress for both the patient and their partner, with feelings of undesirability and dissatisfaction being at the forefront. As well as discussing their erectile dysfunction with their partners, men should seek treatment for managing the condition.
As with many other medical conditions, lifestyle modifications are considered as first-line therapy and can have a major role in managing erectile dysfunction, especially in younger patients. Doctors can identify reversible risk factors that contribute to the patient’s condition such as medication, poor diet, lack of exercise and anxiety. From the data available, it is suggested that treating these underlying risk factors can ultimately improve erectile dysfunction.
Activity
It is recommended that adult men should take part in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each day. Studies have shown that weight loss in obese men as well as switching from a Western diet to a Mediterranean diet can improve erectile function. This is also the case in patients with congestive heart failure. Other lifestyle choices such as smoking and high alcohol consumption have also been seen to have a direct relationship with erectile dysfunction. Liver damage associated with alcohol can lead to low levels of testosterone and increased levels of oestrogen, both of which can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Finally, reviewing a patient’s current medications might also reveal some drugs which are commonly known to cause erectile dysfunction as an adverse effect (e.g. β-blockers for hypertension, 5α-reductase inhibitors for benign prostatic hyperplasia and tricyclic antidepressants for depression and other psychiatric conditions). If lifestyle modifications however do not lead to improved erectile function, then medication is often considered as the second-line therapy.
Eropid
Eropid 50mg Tablets were launched in 2020 as an over-the-counter treatment for erectile dysfunction. This means that they are available to buy in the pharmacy or online without a prescription. It is indicated for treatment in adult men aged 18 years or over.
Eropid contains the active ingredient Sildenafil which belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, leading to an increased blood flow and erection when sexually excited (stimulated). In one study, Sildenafil was shown to improve erections, leading to successful intercourse in 63% of men with general erectile dysfunction compared with 33% of men using a placebo.
Eropid is well-established and allows patients to fully engage in sexual intercourse. It helps patients to regain their self-esteem and confidence, leading to better relationship satisfaction. It is also shown to improve depressive symptoms in patients with erectile dysfunction.
