Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

erectile dysfunction icon

When achieving or maintaining an erection becomes challenging

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the ongoing difficulty to achieve or maintain an adequate erection during sexual intercourse. It is a common problem: according to research, 52% of men between 40 and 70 years old experience it1.

Read more about Erectile Dysfunction
Adverse event reporting and prescribing information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Let Innovation Elevate Confidence

Developed to provide an effective, safe and discreet alternative that is bioequivalent to conventional marketed branded film-coated tablets (FCTs).2

EFFECTIVE

Demonstrated bioequivalence to the conventional film-coated tablets (FCTs) and generally well tolerated.2,3

DISCREET

The films, measuring just a few centimetres, are enclosed in single sachets for discreet transport.4,5

RAPID DISSOLUTION

The film dissolves rapidly in the mouth.6

CONVENIENT

Administration does not require liquid intake.4

patients prefer orally dispersible dosage forms (ODF) compared with conventional solid forms7 in a study of patients taking antidepressants

SILANDYL®

Discreet, convenient, tailored
SILANDYL® orodispersible film, unlike other pharmaceutical formulations belonging in the same drug class, is not easily recognised as a drug. This unique and discreet presentation helps preserve intimacy.4
Available in a wide range of doses and packages, including the 75 mg dosing5,8

50 mg

75 mg

100 mg

The recommended dose is 50 mg taken as needed approximately one hour before sexual activity. Based on efficacy and tolerability, the dose may be increased up to 100 mg or maintained at 50 mg. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is 100 mg once per day.5

The safety profile of sildenafil is based on 9570 patients in 74 double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies among sildenafil treated patients were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea, hot flush, visual disturbance, cyanopsia and vision blurred. Adverse reactions from post-marketing surveillance has been gathered covering an estimated period >10 years. Because not all adverse reactions are reported to the Marketing Authorisation Holder and included in the safety database, the frequencies of these reactions cannot be reliably determined. Please review the full SMPC, AEs, and contraindications before prescribing Silandyl.

The condition and its symptoms

What is Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction refers to difficulty in getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity9.
The process of getting an erection is complex; it involves psychological factors , and is coordinated by the endocrine, nervous, and vascular systems that work together10.
For this reason, erectile dysfunction can result from various physical, psychological, and lifestyle conditions9. Common causes may include:

Depression

Depression or other mental health conditions9

cause of erectile dysfunction: Stress

Stress or significant life events9

multiline chart icon

Performance-related anxiety9

Cardiovascular conditions icon

Cardiovascular or circulatory conditions9

what causes erectile disfunction: Smoking

Smoking

Involving a patient's partner

Since erectile dysfunction can influence relationship dynamics, involving the partner may facilitate the management process and improve treatment outcomes.

Helping with diagnosis

Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be associated with relational factors. Involving a patient’s partner in medical consultations may help the clinician gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and tailor the treatment accordingly.

Man sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hand, representing despair, stress, or the psychological burden of a health condition

Checking how treatment works

A patient’s partner may notice changes in their symptoms or how well treatment is working.

Close-up of a couple sitting apart on a sofa with focus on the man's tense arm, symbolizing emotional distance and the impact of intimate health issues on relationships

Who experiences Erectile Dysfunction

Research has shown that erectile dysfunction is common worldwide1.

 

A study conducted in Massachusetts found that more than half of men aged 40 to 70 experience erectile dysfunction1. The percentage varies, and when there are no physical causes, it increases with age1.

 

Beyond the patient’s age, erectile dysfunction also is associated with other common risk factors.

Common risk factors of erectile dysfunction:

Obesity1

Diabetes1

Sedentary lifestyle1

Smoking1

High level of blood fats

The causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a complex issue with many possible causes, not always physical and not always easy to pin-point1.

Cause

Problems with blood flow or nerves

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart conditions
  • Smoking
  • History of stroke
  • Brain or spinal cord cancer
  • Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease

Cause

Physical changes to the penis

  • Birth defects of the urethra (the tube that carries urine)
  • Peyronie’s Disease
  • Penile cancer

Cause

Hormone imbalances

  • Thyroid problems
  • Too much or too little testosterone
  • Hormonal changes related to stress
  • Disorders involving other endocrine glands

Data about Erectile Dysfunction

A survey by the European Association of Urology studied how well people in Europe understand erectile dysfunction11.

Close-up of a woman comforting a man with a gentle touch on his arm, symbolizing emotional support, empathy, and partnership during health challenges

26%

Have never talked to anyone about the problem

34%

Give the wrong definition of erectile dysfunction

17%

Say they don’t know what erectile dysfunction is

Diagnosing the disease

Professional medical evaluation is essential for diagnosing erectile dysfunction.

During the consultation, a healthcare professional will collect a detailed medical and sexual history, including an assessment of lifestyle factors that may contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress levels. When appropriate, a partner may be invited to support the discussion.

 

A physical examination may be performed, which can include assessment of the genital area and cardiovascular health when appropriate. Laboratory tests may be requested in selected cases (e.g. hormone levels such as testosterone, blood glucose).

 

In fact, erectile dysfunction can occasionally represent an early indicator of an underlying health condition, which is why a comprehensive clinical evaluation is essential.

Smiling male doctor writing on a clipboard, representing professional medical support and patient care

Additional resources

Artistic metaphor of a man in a tuxedo stepping out of a painting frame, symbolizing the recovery of confidence and return to active life

Silandyl POM SmPC

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Artistic metaphor of a man in a tuxedo stepping out of a painting frame, symbolizing the recovery of confidence and return to active life

Silandyl 50, 75 and 100 PI

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The art of feeling

Comprehensive care for intimate well-being

At IBSA, we approach uro-gynaecological conditions with the sensitivity and expertise they deserve. Our solutions are grounded in rigorous research, designed for patient comfort, and supported by comprehensive education.

 

We don’t just treat symptoms. We help patients reclaim their ability to truly feel.

 

This is The Art of Feeling.

Explore The Art of Feeling

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Adverse events should also be reported to IBSA Pharma Ltd on 01923 233466 or medicalinformation.uk@ibsagroup.com.

References

  • 1 / Linee Guida EAU sulle Disfunzioni riproduttive e sessuali maschili, https://www.andrologia-urologia.it/andrurl/ghid-cont/uploads/2019/09/LG2018_Disfunzioni_riproduttive_sessuali.pdf
  • 2 / Radicioni M et al. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2017 Apr 11;11:1183-1192.
  • 3 / Efremov EA, Kasatonova EV, Melnik YI, Nikushina AA. Urologiia. 2017;(3):120-12
  • 4 / Sansone A, Cuzin B, Jannini EA. Sex Med. 2021 Oct 4;9(6):100437.
  • 5 / SILANDYL®: Summary of product characteristics.
  • 6 / Cupone IE et al. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Sep 22;14(10):2011.
  • 7 / Wade A et al. Patient Preference and Adherence 2012:6 201–206.
  • 8 / Jannini EA, Droupy S. Sex Med. 2019 Mar;7(1):1-10.
  • 9 / Leslie SW, Sooriyamoorthy T. Erectile Dysfunction. [Updated 2024 Jan 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
  • 10 / Wang CM, Wu BR, Xiang P, Xiao J, Hu XC. Management of male erectile dysfunction: From the past to the future. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Feb 27;14:1148834. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148834.
  • 11 / European survey shows alarmingly low awareness of erectile dysfunction, https://uroweb.org/news/european-survey-shows-alarmingly-low-awareness-of-erectile-dysfunction-majority-does-not-know-what-it-is

Glossary

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