What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is failing to get and maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Estimates suggest that one in 10 men will suffer from erectile dysfunction in their lifetime. It's important to understand that in most cases, erectile dysfunction is a symptom of another underlying problem. Erectile dysfunction is not considered normal at any age and can associate with other problems that interfere with sex, such as lack of desire and problems with orgasm and ejaculation.
- About one in 10 adult men will suffer from long-term erectile dysfunction.
- Many men sometimes experience erection problems, which can occur for a variety of reasons, such as heavy drinking, stress, relationship issues, or extreme fatigue.
- Not having an erection less than 20% of the time is not unusual and rarely requires treatment. However, not getting an erection over 50% of the time means there is a problem, and treatment is needed.
- ED doesn't have to be part of aging. Although some older men need more stimulation, they should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Inability to maintain an erection during sexual activity
- Reduced sexual desire or libido
- Erection that is soft or not firm enough for intercourse
- Anxiety about sexual performance
- Decreased confidence or self-esteem related to sexual activity
- Premature ejaculation or delayed ejaculation (sometimes associated with ED)
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Erectile Dysfunction
- Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.
- Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
- Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Physical Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is caused by something physical. Common causes include:
- Heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie's disease
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Low testosterone
Psychological Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual arousal. Several factors can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:
- Depression , anxiety , or other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication, or other concerns
Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
Examination of health and sexual history : This may reveal conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction. It can also help your healthcare professional tell the difference between problems with erection, ejaculation, orgasm, or sexual desire.
Physical exam : To look for an underlying problem, such as:
- A problem in the nervous system: This can involve if your penis does not respond as expected to certain contacts.
- Secondary Sexual Characteristics: Items such as hair configuration can indicate hormonal issues, which involve the endocrine system.
- Abnormal characteristics of the penis itself: These could suggest the cause of erectile dysfunction.
Lab tests : These may include blood counts, urine tests, cholesterol tests, and measurements of creatinine and liver enzymes. When low sexual desire is a symptom, checking for testosterone in the blood can reveal problems with the endocrine system.
Penile ultrasound : It is used to measure the blood flow in the penis.
Psychosocial Examination : This is done to help find psychological factors that can affect your performance. Your sexual partner can also be questioned.
An erectile dysfunction test can also be conducted to help identify the underlying causes of ED and guide appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Treatment for erectile dysfunction will depend on the underlying cause. You may need to use a combination of treatments, including medications or talk therapy.
Drugs :
- Your doctor may prescribe medications to help you manage the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. You may need to try several medications before you find one that works. The following oral medications stimulate blood flow to your penis to help treat erectile dysfunction:
- Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) is another medicine that can treat erectile dysfunction. It can be administered in two ways: as a penile suppository or as a self-injection at the base or side of the penis.
- Testosterone therapy (TRT) may also recommend it if you have low levels of testosterone.
- Medicines used for other conditions can cause erectile dysfunction. Talk to your doctor about your medications and if they might cause your symptoms. There may be others you can take instead. Never stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first.
- Medicines for erectile dysfunction can cause side effects. If you experience any unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a different medication. Learn more about the drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Talk therapy :
Several psychological factors can cause erectile dysfunction, including:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
If you have psychological erectile dysfunction, you may benefit from talk therapy. Over several sessions, you will discuss with your therapist:
- Major stress or anxiety factors
- Your feelings about sex
- Subconscious conflicts that could affect your sexual well-being
If erectile dysfunction is affecting your relationship, consider speaking to a relationship counselor as well. Relationship counseling can help you and your partner reconnect emotionally, which can also help your ED. Explore the effects of stress and anxiety on erectile dysfunction.
Vacuum pumps :
- This treatment uses the creation of a vacuum to stimulate an erection. Blood is drawn into the penis when the device is in use, resulting in an erection.
- A vacuum pump device comprises a few different components:
- A plastic tube that you place over your penis
- A pump that works to create a vacuum by sucking the air out of the plastic tube
- An elastic ring which you will move around the base of your penis when you remove the plastic tube
The elastic ring is used to maintain the erection, to retain blood in the penis, and to prevent it from returning to circulation. It can be left in place for 30 minutes.
When to see a Doctor?
A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erection problems. See your doctor if:
- You have concerns about your erections or have other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation
- You have diabetes, heart disease, or another known health problem that may be related to erectile dysfunction
- You have other symptoms with erectile dysfunction
If you're searching for erectile dysfunction doctors near you, consulting a specialist can help provide targeted treatment and care tailored to your needs.
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
To improve erectile function, consider these strategies:
- Start Walking: Just 30 minutes of walking daily can lower the risk of erectile dysfunction by 41%. Exercise may also help restore sexual performance in obese middle-aged men.
- Eat Well: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, while limiting red meat and processed foods, reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction.
- Pay Attention to Vascular Health: Managing high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides helps protect arteries and reduce erectile dysfunction risk.
- Stay Fit: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction, which is linked to obesity, vascular disease, and diabetes.
- Strengthen the Pelvic Floor: Kegel exercises can improve erections by strengthening pelvic muscles, preventing blood from leaving the penis, and enhancing erection stiffness.
Permanent Cure for Erectile Dysfunction
Here are some points for managing and potentially resolving erectile dysfunction (ED):
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking.
- Medications: PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) for temporary relief.
- Penile Implants: Surgical option for a long-term solution.
- Vacuum Devices: Non-invasive device to improve blood flow.
- Testosterone Therapy: For ED caused by low testosterone levels.
- Psychological Counseling: To address stress, anxiety, or emotional factors.
- Emerging Treatments: Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy showing promising results.
- Consulting a Specialist: To tailor the best treatment plan for individual needs.
