Erectile Dysfunction Basics

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is the inability to get or keep an erection. It’s a common condition that affects men of all ages, but it’s more common in older men. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 5 percent of 40-year-olds and 15 to 25 percent of 65-year-olds have ED.

Define erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a type of sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity. ED can have psychological consequences as it can be tied to relationship difficulties and self-image.

The causes of ED are varied, but often involve an impaired supply of blood to the penis as well as nerve damage. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, medications or surgery may be necessary.

Identify causes of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s sometimes referred to as impotence, although this term is now used less often.

Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. Often, erectile dysfunction is a sign of an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or low testosterone.

If you have ED, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are many treatment options available that can help you get and maintain an erection.

CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction can have many causes, both physical and psychological. Physical causes include:
-Heart disease
-High cholesterol
-High blood pressure
-Obesity
-Diabetes
-Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
-Parkinson’s disease
-Multiple sclerosis
-Pelvic surgery, including prostatectomy and radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Psychological causes of ED can include:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other factors

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS FOR ERECTILE DYFUNCTION

To find out if you have ED, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. They may give you a physical exam and order tests to check things like your blood circulation and nerves. Depending on the cause of your ED, tests may include:

-Ultrasound of your penis to check for blood flow problems
-Doppler ultrasound to check for venous leaks (leaking veins that return blood from your penis back into your body instead of staying in the penis)

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection. It can be caused by physical problems, psychological issues, or a combination of both. While there is no cure for ED, there are treatments that can help. In this article, we’ll go over three ways to beat erectile dysfunction.

Prescription medications

One of the most common treatments for erectile dysfunction is drugs known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These include tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and sildenafil citrate (Viagra). These are effective for about 75% of men with erectile dysfunction. They are taken by mouth.

PDE5 inhibitors improve on normal erectile responses helping blood flow into the penis. Sexual stimulation is still needed to produce an erection. PDE5 inhibitors do not cause an erection without sexual stimulation.

Side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea, and back pain. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision are also possible. Rarely, PDE5 inhibitors can cause fainting or sudden death by decreasing blood pressure too much when they are taken with certain other medications or if a man has a heart condition or low blood pressure that is not being treated.

Natural remedies

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), defined as the consistent inability to attain and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, affects an estimated 30 million American men. Although popular culture often leads us to believe that ED is a problem that only affects older men, this is simply not the case; men of all ages can experience problems related to sexual dysfunction.

Fortunately, there are a number of different treatment options available for men suffering from ED. While some men opt for traditional methods such as medication or surgery, others prefer to explore more natural remedies. Below are three popular natural treatments for ED:

1. Herbal Supplements: There are a number of different herbal supplements that have been traditionally used to treat erectile dysfunction. These include ginseng, ginger, and saw palmetto. While there is some scientific evidence to support the use of these herbs in treating ED, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.

2. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a popular treatment method for a variety of different health conditions, and erectile dysfunction is no exception. Studies suggest that acupuncture can be effective in treating ED by improving blood flow to the penis and helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Making certain lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can also be helpful in treating erectile dysfunction. These changes can improve blood flow to the penis and overall energy levels, both of which are necessary for proper sexual functioning.

Surgery

If blood flow to your penis is restricted or blocked, surgery can be an option. This treatment involves placing a device inside your penis that will allow blood to flow more freely. Surgery is typically only recommended as a last resort.

Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence. While there are many possible causes of ED, it’s often due to a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Many men experience occasional episodes of ED. However, for some men, it can be a more ongoing problem. Here are three ways to prevent or reduce the risk of ED.

Lifestyle changes

You can often reverse erectile dysfunction with lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol. These lifestyle choices can help improve blood flow and reduce stress.

Stress management

One of the best ways to prevent erectile dysfunction is to manage stress. Stress can come from many sources, including work, finances, relationships, and other life stresses. When you are feeling stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including erectile dysfunction.

There are many ways to manage stress, including exercise, meditation, and journaling. Find the method that works best for you and stick with it. Also, be sure to take breaks when you feel overwhelmed and give yourself time to relax.

Relationship counseling

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by physical problems, psychological issues, or a combination of both. If you’re having trouble getting or maintaining an erection, relationship counseling may help.

Your partner may be frustrated and angry about your erectile dysfunction, which can lead to further difficulties in the relationship. If you’re unable to communicate effectively about the problem, it may cause tension and conflict.

Relationship counseling can help you and your partner:
-Learn to communicate better about ED and other issues in the relationship
-Work through anger, hurt, frustration, or other emotions related to ED
-Build trust and intimacy
-Help your partner understand your ED and how it’s impacting your relationship