ED & Premature Ejaculation FAQs
What causes ED?
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Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of issues such as psychological distress, medical conditions, or medications. Situational anxiety and stress tend to be the leading causes in younger men and may restrict blood flow to the penis at the wrong moment. As you age, ED may become persistent due to underlying problems with nerves, blood vessels or hormone production.
Our online medical assessment can help establish the cause and treat your ED.
How do ED medications work?
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Get the party started; the pills will do the rest. When sexually aroused, the body releases a substance called nitric oxide which works to relax the blood vessels in the penis. When the blood vessels relax, the blood rushes to the penis, leaving it hard and ready for penetration. When sexual intercourse is complete, an enzyme called PDE5 shuts this process off. ED pills work by blocking PDE5, which makes it easier for your erection to go longer and stronger.
What is the safest medication for ED?
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All medications go through extensive clinical trials and quality checks before getting approved by Health Canada. The safety and effectiveness of erectile dysfunction medications is well established, which is why it is an excellent treatment option for most men. Our online questionnaire will take into account your personal medical history and determine if these pills are right for you!
What is the most effective medication for ED?
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While both Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis) are equally effective, there are a few differences. Sildenafil (Viagra) can take between 30-60 mins to work after ingestion, but sometimes can be delayed up to 2 hours with its effects lasting an average of 4 hours; food affects its effects. Tadalafil (Cialis), on the other hand, may act faster, last longer and it works regardless of when you had your last meal. With enough information, Rocky can help you find an ED medication and dosage that is right for you. Our platform provides ongoing care from our healthcare providers.
What are the side effects of ED medications?
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In general, ED treatment is well tolerated. However, if side effects occur, they are usually mild and temporary. This includes headaches, flushed skin, a runny nose and upset stomach. ED medications can very rarely cause serious side effects such as priapism (a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours after stimulation has ended) which can result in permanent damage to your penis if not treated immediately. Other rare events include sudden loss of vision or loss of hearing.
Which ED medication is best for me?
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There is no particular medication that is superior to the other; they are equally effective. However, one option vs another may have a particular advantage that is best suited for your needs. Our medical experts can help find the best treatment for each case.
Are ED medications available OTC?
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In Canada, erectile dysfunction medications are not available over-the-counter (OTC) and can only be obtained with a prescription. ED medications sold without a prescription are illegal and could potentially result in harm; ED medication in the counterfeit market does not undergo the correct production, testing, and approval and thus is not safe.
Rocky provides access to a licensed health care team so you can be certain that you are getting safe and effective care. Through our online platform, you will be guided through a series of medical questions which are then reviewed by a licensed Canadian physician. Once the medical questionnaire is reviewed, you will be notified if you have been approved, and if so, the appropriate treatment is delivered to your doorstep.
How can I improve my ED?
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There are multiple factors that promote your sexual health. There are certainly ways in which you can improve your erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle changes that promote overall health are a great place to start. Eating a healthy diet that promotes heart vitality, regularly exercising and cutting down on health-harming behavior, such as cigarette smoking and recreational drug usage, can have an impactful change.
Of course, there is also your mental well-being and intimate relationships that you should take into consideration. Therapy may be useful in these instances to help identify the root cause of any psychological difficulties you may be experiencing.
Lastly, we have to mention alcohol. Its widely enjoyed and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the fun, but if you notice that it may be hampering your experience in the bedroom, maybe give it a miss or reduce your consumption next time.
Hair Loss FAQs
What are the common causes of hair loss?
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The most common cause tends to be hereditary which becomes evident as you age, typically starting in your 20’s. Another name for this type of hair loss is male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. The first sign of male pattern hair loss may be a receding hairline or thinning around the temples or crown of the head.
Other causes of hair loss include iron deficiency, thyroid disease and autoimmune disease. In some instances, it could be a local scalp problem such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, fungal infections or psoriasis.
Here at Rocky, we focus on male pattern baldness and treat this using clinically proven/FDA approved medications consisting of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products.
What is DHT and how is it contributing to my hair loss?
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Testosterone is the hormone that contributes to the formation of male characteristics, like your beard growing and your voice getting deeper. Testosterone gets broken down into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and DHT seems to contribute to hair loss by shrinking hair follicles which makes it harder for hair to regrow.
How do I know what type of hair loss I have?
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Male pattern baldness is usually diagnosed by its characteristic features. This includes a slowly receding hairline or thinning at the crown and temples.
Hair loss that is sudden or accompanied by local symptoms, such as itching or appearance of a rash, generally indicates a different cause that requires discussion with a doctor. If you are feeling generally unwell and experiencing hair loss, this may require additional investigations.
What treatment exist for hair loss?
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The answer to this depends on the cause of your hair loss. When it comes to male pattern baldness, there are two FDA approved medications, Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia).
Minoxidil is a topical solution applied to the scalp, which improves blood flow to your hair follicles. This stimulates hair regrowth and is best used for new hair loss.
Finasteride is an oral medication that works by blocking the hormone DHT, which is the main cause behind androgenic alopecia. By doing so, it prevents hair loss from happening.
When used alone they are effective. However, using the two medications together provides a synergistic effect, leading to better results.
For men experiencing hair loss due to other conditions, treating the root cause may be necessary and best done with the help of a medical practitioner.
Can hair loss be cured?
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The simple answer is no. But there are effective medications, which may stop hair loss and restore new hair. There are also procedures available such as hair transplants which may a suitable option for you.
Can certain hairstyles cause hair loss?
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Yes – this type of hair loss if known as “traction alopecia” which results due to constant pulling your hair. It may result from wearing your hair in a bun, dreadlocks/braids or any other type of hairstyle that puts stress on your hair follicles. Avoiding these hairstyles may help prevent or stop this type of hair loss.
Is hair restoration treatment better than hair loss medication?
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The honest answer is, it depends. They each have their own advantages and it comes down to what is right for you.
The great thing about hair transplantation is that it is generally a permanent solution. However it requires time off for recovery, can cause permanent scarring and is expensive.
In comparison, hair loss medication is unlikely to cause any long-lasting side effects, is more affordable and not time consuming. However, the effects fade away once treatment is stopped.
Mental Health FAQs
What is anxiety?
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Anxiety is your body's response to stress. It's a common experience, but if you find yourself dealing with persistent, overwhelming worry or fear that disrupts your daily life, you might have an anxiety disorder.
Do I need anxiety treatment?
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If your anxiety feels uncontrollable, persistent, or hinders your ability to function, seeking treatment can be beneficial. Frequent panic attacks or intense worry may also indicate the need for treatment. Consult a healthcare provider to discuss anxiety treatment options.
What anxiety treatments are available?
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We provide various Health Canada approved medications prescribed by licensed Canadian healthcare professionals. These daily medications are intended for managing long-term anxiety. We also provide a hub where you can find self-help resources.
What is depression?
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Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, presents with a range of symptoms. These can include prolonged feelings of sadness, disinterest in daily activities, disrupted sleep patterns, and emotions such as guilt or a sense of purposelessness.
How can depression be addressed?
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Depression can be treated through various approaches. This includes, but not limited to, medications, therapy or speaking to a licensed specialist. Our experts will guide you down the right path.
What kinds of depression treatments are available?
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Every person is treated with a personalized plan to match their needs. We provide different treatment options to guide you after your assessment.
We provide various Health Canada approved medications prescribed by licensed Canadian healthcare professionals. These daily medications are intended for managing long-term depression. We also provide a hub where you can find self-help resources.
Does health insurance cover my treatment?
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Treatment coverage varies among plans and provinces, with specific eligibility criteria. To make the most of available coverage, we can provide you with an invoice post-purchase to submit for an insurance claim. Your insurance provider will then reimburse you according to your plan.
Weight Loss FAQs
How much does the Weight Loss Program cost?
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The Weight Loss Program consists of an initial medication consultation fee of $99. Follow up consults/new prescriptions cost $40. The cost of medication depends on what you are prescribed and the dose. For more information regarding medication costs please email [email protected]
Do you accept insurance?
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To determine insurance coverage for weight loss medication (Ozempic, Mounjaro®, etc.), you will need to contact your insurance provider directly. Most insurances in Canada do not cover Ozempic or Mounjaro® for weight loss as this is off-label use. The cost of all GLP-1 medications on Rocky is separate from the initial consultation cost of $99. We can provide you with a detailed invoice upon request, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement purposes.
What if my insurance doesn’t cover the medication?
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If your insurance does not cover the medication, you have the option to pay for it out of pocket, typically ranging from $200 to $400 per month, depending on the specific medication. For your convenience, you can cancel your subscription at any time with no penalty.
What can I expect after I sign up?
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Upon completing the initial online consultation, a Rocky healthcare provider will assess your information and contact you to determine if treatment is suitable. If appropriate, a metabolic test is requested to understand your current metabolic status, and the results are considered prior to initiating your personalized treatment plan.
Why do I need a metabolic lab test?
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The metabolic lab test is crucial for understanding your body's biology, especially concerning weight loss. It examines hormones and metabolism to determine the suitability of GLP-1 medication.
What are the side effects of GLP-1s?
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GLP-1 medications may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. More severe side effects are rare but can include thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, low blood sugar, kidney disease, severe allergies, vision problems, rapid heartbeat, and suicidal thoughts. Detailed safety information is available in the Patient Information Leaflet for specific medications.
How do I schedule a call with my provider?
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After the initial consultation, you will be able to schedule a call with a licensed Canadian prescriber. To schedule a follow-up call with your Rocky healthcare provider, simply send a message to your prescriber via our messaging portal. We will then send you a link to schedule a visit at your convenience.
What is the refund policy?
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Subscription cancellations are accepted at any time to avoid future charges. However, previously incurred monthly fees are nonrefundable.
How do weight loss injections work?
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Weight loss injections available through Rocky belong to the GLP-1 class of medications, mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. They regulate blood sugar, appetite, and promote a feeling of fullness, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
How can I get a weight loss medication prescription at Rocky?
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After a health consult and metabolic lab test, Rocky healthcare providers can prescribe weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro®, compounded Semaglutide, etc. The prescription process includes 1-year’s worth of repeats and close follow-up for dosage adjustment if needed.
What type of weight loss medications does Rocky offer?
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Rocky provides prescriptions for several GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro®, specifically approved for weight loss. Ozempic, approved for type 2 diabetes, may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. The prescription choice is based on the healthcare provider’s discretion and patient suitability.