Oral medications for ED primarily work by enhancing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. They do this through different mechanisms, but the most common type are PDE-5 inhibitors.
When you're aroused, your body naturally releases nitric oxide, which relaxes the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing blood to flow in and fill the spongy tissue, resulting in an erection.
However, an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) breaks down nitric oxide, making it harder to maintain an erection.
Oral ED medications like Viagra and Cialis block the PDE-5 enzyme, allowing nitric oxide to work more effectively. This leads to increased blood flow and a firmer, longer-lasting erection.
Health Canada approved treatments
