OTC help on the way for ED

In the realm of healthcare, it’s not uncommon for us to focus primarily on the main conditions that affect a patient, such as kidney disease or heart conditions. However, the often overlooked aspect of patient health is how these conditions can affect other areas of a person’s life. For men on dialysis, one such issue is erectile dysfunction (ED).

Understanding the Problem

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition where a man cannot get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s a common problem, particularly among older men, but is rarely talked about, even in medical consultations, due to the stigma and embarrassment associated with it.

For men on dialysis, the issue is particularly prevalent. Dialysis, a life-saving treatment for kidney failure, can, unfortunately, lead to ED for a number of reasons. First, the underlying health issues necessitating dialysis, such as diabetes or hypertension, are often risk factors for ED. Second, the physical and psychological stress of dialysis can also contribute to the problem. It’s estimated that as many as 70-80% of men on dialysis experience ED to some degree, a far higher rate than in the general population.

The Impact

The impact of ED on men on dialysis is profound. It goes beyond just the inability to have sexual intercourse. Men with ED often experience low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. It can also strain relationships, creating a significant amount of emotional distress for both the patient and their partner.

Moreover, ED can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease, among other conditions, can all lead to ED. It’s essential to bring up this topic during medical consultations, as it can provide valuable insight into a patient’s overall health.

Addressing the Issue

The first step in addressing ED among men on dialysis is to break the silence around the issue. Encouraging open and honest discussions between patients and healthcare providers can help to alleviate the embarrassment associated with ED and lead to more effective treatment strategies. Thus this blog entry.

Treatment options for ED in men on dialysis do exist. These can range from medication to lifestyle changes, psychological counseling, or even surgical interventions. However, it’s important to remember that treatment should be tailored to each individual’s situation, considering their overall health, the severity of their ED, and their personal preferences.

The Future

Research is ongoing to understand the connection between dialysis and ED better and to develop more effective treatments. Already, there have been promising developments in the field of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy that could potentially revolutionize the treatment of ED. This blog will report on a new entry in this field.

To conclude, while dialysis is a life-saving treatment, its impact on a man’s sexual health is undeniable. I

But wait, it is not just a male problem!

Women’s Sexual Health and Dialysis

While the conversation around dialysis and sexual health often focuses on men, it’s crucial to recognize that women on dialysis also experience significant sexual health challenges. A decrease in sexual desire, or libido, is a common issue among women undergoing dialysis treatment.

The reasons behind this decline in sexual drive are multifaceted. First and foremost, the underlying health conditions that necessitate dialysis, such as diabetes or hypertension, can negatively impact sexual drive. Dialysis can also lead to hormonal imbalances, including decreased estrogen, which can further lower libido.

In addition to these physical factors, the psychological toll of living with kidney disease and undergoing dialysis can be substantial. The stress, fatigue, and anxiety often accompanying dialysis can dramatically affect a woman’s mental health, leading to depression in some cases. All of these factors can contribute to a decrease in sexual drive.

Furthermore, body image issues can arise due to changes in physical appearance related to kidney diseases or dialysis treatment, such as weight gain, skin problems, or surgical scars. These changes can significantly affect a woman’s self-esteem and, in turn, her sexual desire.

In conclusion, just like men, women on dialysis face significant sexual health challenges that often go unaddressed due to the focus on treating the primary disease.

The US FDA recently (June 2023) approved an Over-the-Counter solution to ED for men. The following was gleaned from various websites and is provided without attribution. Do a Google, and you can find out more about the subject on your own. I have included a video at the end that describes the product in more detail.

US FDA Grants for Over-the-Counter Marketing Authorization to Futura for Fast-Acting Topical Gel, MED3000, to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

June 12, 2023, 03:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GUILDFORD, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Futura Medical plc (AIM: FUM) (“Futura” or the “Company”), a pharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of innovative products based on its proprietary, transdermal DermaSys^® drug delivery technology currently focused on sexual health, today announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted over the counter sale (“OTC”) Marketing Authorisation for MED3000, the Company’s breakthrough, topical gel formulation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (“ED”) as a De Novo Medical Device.

MED3000 can now be legally marketed in the USA as the first topical treatment available OTC without needing a prescription. MED3000 is approved as an effective, clinically proven treatment for ED with a 10-minute onset of action. Oral medications (“PDE5i’s”) such as Cialis and Viagra require a doctor’s prescription in the USA and typically are required to be taken at least 30 minutes in advance. The US represents the largest ED market in the world.

The prevalence of ED disrupts the lives of at least 1 in 5 men globally^1, with around 22 million men suffering from ED in the US. There has been little innovation in ED treatments for over a decade, and many patients continue to suffer dissatisfaction with current therapies and have limited access to safe and effective treatments.

MED3000 has already been approved as the first pan-European clinically proven topical treatment for ED available OTC and is now available in Belgium and the UK, with multiple commercial agreements in key markets including the European Economic Area, UK, Switzerland, South Korea, Latin America, and the Middle East. Futura continues to establish and expand a network of licensing and distribution partners with strength in brand building, pharmaceutical credibility, regional infrastructure, and marketing expertise for the long-term distribution of MED3000 across the globe. Initial launches commenced under the brand name Eroxon® in March 2023, with further launches planned through 2023 and beyond.