Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough to participate in sexual intercourse. It can be occasional or frequent.
Symptoms of Erectile dysfunction are:
- Unable to get an erection every time for sexual intimacy
- Unable to maintain an erection long enough for sexual intimacy
- Unable to get an erection at all
Causes:
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 problems can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes Erectile dysfunction.
Risk Factors:
Multiple risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, those include:
- Health conditions (diabetes or heart conditions)
- Tobacco use (smoking) restricts blood flow that leads to erectile dysfunction
- Being obese
- Prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
- Injuries (damage to nerves or arteries that control erections)
- Medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, and medications to treat high blood pressure)
- Psychological conditions (stress, anxiety, or depression)
- Drug and alcohol use
Diagnosis:
As Erectile dysfunction could result from any underlying condition, your doctor will first evaluate the cause to treat the condition effectively.
Your medical history is reviewed first, and a thorough physical examination is performed.
Your doctor will also ask some questions about your sexual life, and then your doctor will order the following laboratory tests:
- Complete blood picture
- Liver and kidney function test
- Lipid profile
- Thyroid function test
- Urine analysis
- Blood hormone studies
- Ultrasound
Along with these tests, your doctor might recommend other tests if needed.
Treatment:
The treatment for Erectile dysfunction depends on the underlying condition; based on that; your doctor will prescribe a combination of treatments, including medications and talk therapy.
- Medications: To help you deal with the symptoms of ED
- Talk therapy: If the cause of your ED is psychological, then talk therapy would benefit you. This includes talking and discussing with your doctor fears, anxiety, etc., related to sex.
- Vacuum pumps: This device helps the blood draw up into the penis to get and maintain the erection.
- Surgery: when the above strategies are not working for you, surgery is recommended (implants and vascular surgery).
Exercises to deal with erectile dysfunction:
- Kegels exercise: These are simple movements that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
- Aerobic exercise: Moderate to vigorous exercise (swimming or running) is good for your overall health. It also can increase blood flow dealing with ED.
- Yoga: Helps manage the stress and anxiety that might cause Erectile dysfunction.
Prevention:
The below measures not only help you prevent Erectile dysfunction but also helps to improve your overall health:
- Manage your health conditions (heart disease and diabetes)
- Exercise regularly
- Manage your weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce or manage stress
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Quit smoking if you smoke
Visiting your doctor regularly helps monitor health conditions, early identification and treatment of conditions that lead to Erectile dysfunction.
