Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to get and keep an erection firm enough to have physical intercourse.
Having erection issue from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. If it is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, will affect your self-confidence and a major contribu tor to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and one of the risk factor for heart disease.
If you're concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor — even if you're embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.
Symptoms of ED
Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:
- Issue getting an erection
- Holding an erection
- Reduction in sexual desire
- When you need to see a doctor
A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erectile problems. See your doctor if:
- You have concerns about your erections or you're experiencing other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation
- You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction
- You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction issue.
Causes for ED
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. Also, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen your erectile dysfunction.
Sometimes it is a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For example, 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.
Following are the physical causes of erectile dysfunction
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels
- High cholesterol level
- High blood pressure level
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome — a condition which involves increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol levels.
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription on medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abus
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries which affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
The human brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things 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 between partners or other concerns
- Risk factors
- As you get older, erections might take longer to develop and might not be as firm. You might need more direct touch to your penis to get and keep an erection for sometime.
- Other conditions which inclide.
- Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions
- Use of tobacco which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, over time can cause chronic health conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction
- Being overweight is an issue, especially if you're obese
- Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
- Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
- Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions
- Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression
- Drug and alcohol use, especially if you're a long-term drug user or heavy drinker
- Complications
Complications resulting from erectile dysfunction can include:
- An unsatisfactory sex life
- Stress or anxiety
- Embarrassment or low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- The inability to get your partner pregnant or satisfied with sex.
- Prevention
- The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions. Do this without fail.
- Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions.
- See your doctor for regular body checkups and medical screening tests.
- Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and never use illegal drugs.
- Do exercise regularly.
- Take steps to reduce stress levels.
- Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns then and there.
