Erectile Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction is also known as the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Having erection trouble from time to time is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if this condition is a continuing issue, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment as it can be a risk factor for heart disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
- Reduced sexual desire
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Trouble getting an erection
- Depression
- Low Self- Esteem
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
This condition is a complex process that involves the hormones, brain, nerves, emotions, muscles, and blood vessels. Likewise, mental health and stress concerns can cause or worsen this condition. Sometimes it is due to a combination of physical and psychological issues. 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.
Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
In many cases, ED is caused by some physical factors. Common causes include:
- Clogged blood vessel
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- Certain prescription medications
- Multiple sclerosis
- Peyronie’s disease development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Tobacco use
- Sleep disorders
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- 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 excitement. Several things can interfere with sexual feelings that worsen ED. These includes:
- Relationship problems due to stress
- Poor communication with your partner or other concerns
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Chronic stress
Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction
Achieving an erection might take longer as you get older. It takes a longer period to develop and might not be as firm. You might need more direct touch to your penis to get and keep an erection. Various risk factors include:
- Certain medical treatments such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
- Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions
- Tobacco use, restricts blood flow to veins and arteries
- Obesity or being overweight
- Certain medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain, or prostate conditions
- Injuries that damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
- Drug and alcohol use especially for the long-term drug users or heavy drinkers
- Psychological conditions including stress, anxiety, or depression
Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction
- The best way to prevent this condition is to make healthy lifestyle choices and manage any existing health conditions. For instance:
- See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.
- Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t use illegal drugs.
- Get help for anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.
- Take steps to reduce stress.
- Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions.
- Exercise regularly and incorporate a healthy diet
Treatment, Management, and Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction
The first thing your doctor will do is to provide treatment that focuses on alleviating other health conditions that cause ED. Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, your doctor will recommend several treatment methods. Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of each medication and treatment method.
Oral Medications Used for Erectile Dysfunction
- Sildenafil. It is a combination of Sildenafil plus Dapoxetine. The purpose of this medication is for the treatment of ED and Dapoxetine is used to fight premature ejaculation.
- Levitra. It inhibits the action of the PDE5 enzyme, thereby allowing the synthesis of cGMP and allowing increased blood supply to the penile arteries. You can now order Vardenafil medicine online without any hassles.