It has been discovered through a preliminary study involving men suffering from type-2 diabetes that mortality can be reduced with the use of PDE5 inhibitors. This is also true for men who had suffered a myocardial infarction previously. A second study involved men who were undergoing testosterone therapy and also had type-2 diabetes but were not taking PDE5 inhibitors. The results were similar.
This shows that both PDE5 inhibitors and testosterone therapy are capable of bringing about mortality reduction.
How Is This Possible?
The findings of these studies are contrary to the expected effects. Erectile dysfunction is often a marker of dysfunction in the endothelial cells. As a result, patients suffering from ED are at a higher risk of having a myocardial infarction that is potentially fatal. However, the findings suggest that this is something that can be reduced.
Be that as it may, the research has a number of important points which needs to be kept in mind. One of the more important points is that there is a lack of knowledge of the other factors that can affect the mortality. There can be a number of other factors that are relevant and contributory to longevity. Some of them include lack of depression and sexual activity frequency. Understanding these factors is important in determining the extent of the impact made by PDE5 inhibitors or testosterone therapy in mortality.
The Aim of the Studies
Previously, studies have been done on animals with PDE5 inhibitors. The results of those studies have shown that PDE5 inhibitors have cardioprotective properties. They are even capable of arrhythmias. However, these effects have yet to be studied properly on humans. The studies aimed to find out if survival could be improved with these medications.
In the study, a total of 1359 men were given PDE5 inhibitors. After a period of 5 years, it was found that this group had a lesser risk of dying as compared to those who didn’t use the inhibitors. This fact held true even when the statistics were adjusted for multiple confounders. Among them, 432 men had a myocardial infarction during the 5 years. Those using the PDE5 inhibitors had a 38% less chance of dying due to the myocardial infarction.
The second study was meant to understand the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the mortality. The study involved the following groups.
- 320 men with normal testosterone levels
- 362 men with lower testosterone levels but no testosterone therapy
- 175 men with lower testosterone levels and with testosterone therapy
20% of these men received PDE5 inhibitors as well. The results of the study showed that the 682 men who did not have testosterone therapy but used PDE5 inhibitors had their risks of dying decreased by 15 times.
What Are PDE5 Inhibitors?
A phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor is known as a PDE5 inhibitor for short. They are drugs which are often used as oral medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Their main function is to enable the blood flow more smoothly through the blood vessels by causing them to dilate.
Since the penile regions get more blood it becomes easier to achieve an erection. It is for this reason why such drugs are used in ED treatments. The most popular of these medications on the market are listed below.
- Viagra;
- Cialis;
- Levitra
These medications are quite effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. They can also be bought easily from Canadian Health&Care Mall. Be that as it may, these medicines can have adverse reactions when used in conjunction with other medications like nitrates and alpha-blockers. For that reason, care must be taken with their use.
Side Effects of PDE5 Inhibitors
These oral medications can also have a number of side effects. Understanding these effects is essential to ensuring a proper treatment. A doctor should be consulted while buying these oral medications. The doctor will be able to guide you through the potential side effects so that you can take the right step if and when they occur. Some of the common side effects are given below.
- Allergic reactions;
- Abnormal vision;
- Loss of vision;
- Loss of hearing;
- Headaches;
- Indigestion;
- Upset stomach;
- Flushing;
- Nasal congestion;
- Muscular pain;
- Back pain;
- Nausea;
- Diarrhea;
- Rash