The number of men who have erectile dysfunction is growing rapidly around the world. A review of 23 studies from Europe, USA, Asia, and Australia revealed that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction range from 2% in men under 40 years old to 86% in men over 80 years old (1).
This condition can be caused by different factors, and a lot of treatment options have also been offered to either target the cause of erectile dysfunction directly or treat the bigger medical conditions that are causing it. One of the most popular drug combinations used today is Viagra with Dapoxetine.
What Are Viagra and Dapoxetine?
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, the most popular drug to treat erectile dysfunction. A PDE type 5-inhibitor, Viagra works by enhancing NO-mediated relaxation of the human corpus cavernosum in vitro (2) to increase blood flow to the penis so you can achieve and maintain an erection long enough for sex. Viagra is said to work within just 30-60 minutes, and you only need to take it as needed.
Dapoxetine, on the other hand, is a popular medication for treating premature ejaculation in men aged 18-64 years. Also known as Westoxetin and Priligy, Dapoxetine is the first compound explicitly created for the treatment of premature ejaculation (3), and it works by increasing the serotonin’s action to promote ejaculatory delay.
The drug is a member of the SSRI family that was originally developed to treat depression, but its fast-acting capabilities have made it more ideal for treating premature ejaculation than as an antidepressant.
Is Viagra With Dapoxetine Effective?
With premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction being two of the most common sexual disorders in men, there have been studies examining the efficacy of combination therapy of Viagra and Dapoxetine in patients who have erectile dysfunction, especially since it is common in patients with premature ejaculation.
According to the results of the tests conducted on 74 patients, 81.13% were satisfied with the treatment (4). Patients who underwent the combination therapy also reported only mild side effects like palpitation, flushing, and headaches, but none were severe and life-threatening.
How Often Should Viagra With Dapoxetine Be Taken?
One tablet of Viagra followed by Dapoxetine should be taken at least 30-40 minutes before sexual intercourse. The effect of the combination of drugs is believed to last up to 4 hours, but never take more than one tablet of each drug a day to avoid severe side effects.
What Are Other Ways to Treat Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation?
Although the combination of Viagra with Dapoxetine has been proven effective, it’s still imperative to consult your doctor whenever you experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
A thorough assessment will allow the doctor to give you a proper diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan that includes the combination therapy and some of these options:
- In premature ejaculation, your doctor may recommend avoiding intercourse for some time for other forms of sexual play. You may also be asked to try kegel exercises to help strengthen your penile muscles and relieve erectile dysfunction.
- Injection therapy may be used to improve blood flow to the penis so you can achieve an erection. If penile sensitivity is causing premature ejaculation, you might be asked by your doctor to try wearing a condom to delay ejaculation.
- Acupuncture has been proven to have some positive effects in patients with erectile dysfunction. The study examined 22 patients divided into two groups that were treated with acupuncture specific for the condition or against headache. It revealed that 21.05% of the patients reported improved erections after the treatment (5).
- For premature ejaculation, your doctor may ask you to try applying an over-the-counter topical anesthetic cream 10-15 minutes before sex to reduce your sensation in the penis and delay climax. Some doctors would also recommend lidocaine spray, although you have to be aware that this can cause temporary sensitivity loss and decreased libido.
Of course, you also need to make some necessary lifestyle changes to address erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. You should exercise regularly to maintain your ideal weight and strengthen your muscles.
It’s also essential to embrace a healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich foods to help boost your health and treat the symptoms of bigger diseases that may be causing your condition.
For instance, doctors recommend eating foods high in zinc and magnesium in patients with premature ejaculation since they help delay climax. These foods include spinach, kidney beans, yogurt, oysters, sesame seeds, garlic, and dark chocolate.
The Takeaway
Although both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction may happen temporarily, experiencing them more frequently could be a sign of something worse. So whenever you feel any symptoms, make sure to consult your doctor right away to address the problem before it gets worse.
