Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Erectile Dysfunction 1

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.

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