When our bodies don’t work the best way we would like them to, it’s hard to speak about it. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no exception. However the frustration, embarrassment, and stress it may cause will not be things you may have to place up with – because erectile dysfunction is highly treatable.
Read on for an entire definition of erectile dysfunction, a proof of the assorted causes and contributing aspects, and an summary of erectile dysfunction treatment options.
Understanding the symptoms of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is not limited to the full inability to get an erection. Although it is one type of dysfunction, erectile dysfunction symptoms may include:
- Inconsistent ability to get an erection when you wish to have sex.
- Erections don’t last long enough for sex to be satisfying.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
There are lots of physical and psychological aspects that may cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction, generally by doing one among the next:
- It affects the blood flow to the penis
- It affects the signals between the brain and the penis
- Nerve damage within the penis
Health conditions that may cause erectile dysfunction
As a result of the various ways through which erectile dysfunction is caused, there are numerous conditions which might be related to it.
For instance, problems corresponding to blood vessel and heart disease, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis can affect blood flow. And nerve problems may result from diseases corresponding to diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and some pelvic cancer treatments.
Other health conditions that may contribute to erectile dysfunction include:
- Peyron’s disease
- Low testosterone levels
- Injury to the penis, other pelvic organs or the spinal cord
Drugs that may cause erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction generally is a side effect of some medications. Essentially the most common examples are blood pressure medications, particularly diuretics (corresponding to chlorothiazide and furosemide) and beta-blockers (corresponding to metoprolol and atenolol), which might reduce blood flow to the penis.
Antidepressants are also often related to erectile dysfunction, as they will make it harder to each get an erection and reach orgasm. Also they are generally related to a decreased sex drive. All antidepressants may cause erectile dysfunction, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) corresponding to Lexapro, Prozac and Zoloft are the most definitely.
Other medications which will contribute to erectile dysfunction include:
- Antihistamines and H2 blockers – Along with allergic reactions and acid reflux disorder, histamine plays a job in erection.
- Opioids – Long-term use of opioids is related to low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction.
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
Sex requires the cooperation of body and mind. Thus, negative emotions corresponding to stress, fear, or guilt could make it difficult to get and maintain an erection, even without other health problems. The identical goes for mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Worrying about sexual performance is a standard example of a negative feeling that may contribute to erectile dysfunction. And if that worry comes from noticing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, it may cause added stress or anxiety. But it’s essential to do not forget that negative feelings do not have to be related to sex with a view to interfere with it. For instance, if you happen to work in a really stressful job, it may be harder to get and maintain the correct mood.
Lifestyle aspects that may contribute to erectile dysfunction
Some lifestyle aspects are related to erectile dysfunction for reasons just like some medical conditions. For instance, smoking cigarettes negatively affects blood circulation throughout the body. And being obese or inactive means you are at greater risk for problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Finally, research has shown that chronic alcohol or drug use has a negative impact on sexual function in each men and women.
The treatment of erectile dysfunction consists of two parts:
Treating underlying health aspects
Step one your doctor will absorb treating erectile dysfunction is to handle any underlying aspects which may be involved.
- Health conditions Many health conditions that may contribute to erectile dysfunction, corresponding to those related to blood flow and diabetes, may be improved through lifestyle changes corresponding to regular exercise and weight reduction. But treatment is dependent upon the condition. For instance, if you may have low testosterone levels, testosterone substitute therapy could also be beneficial.
- Medicines – In case you are taking a drugs which will contribute to erectile dysfunction, your doctor may advise you to alter your dose or switch to a different medicine. At all times confer with your doctor before doing any of those.
- Psychological aspects – If an emotional problem or mental health condition seems to play a job in your ED, your doctor may recommend seeing a counselor or taking other steps to support your mental health.
- Lifestyle aspects – If obligatory, your doctor will encourage you to cut back or quit smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs. It is important to be honest together with your doctor about your substance use as it helps complete the image of your overall health.
Making it easier to get or keep an erection
In some cases, mastering the underlying health aspects is enough to treat erectile dysfunction. But if you happen to’re still experiencing erectile dysfunction symptoms, there are additional treatments which will help, corresponding to:
- Oral medications – Drugs corresponding to Viagra and Cialis increase blood flow to the penis and help it respond normally to sexual stimulation.
- Alprostadil – Alprostadil and other similar drugs may cause automatic erections. Alprostadil is either injected into the bottom or side of the penis or is taken as a penile suppository using a special application tool.
- Penis pumps – If medications will not be effective, your doctor may recommend a penis pump. Also often known as vacuum erection devices, penis pumps manually draw blood into the penis. A tension ring can then be placed across the base of the penis to take care of the erection.
- Penile implants Surgical implants could also be an option for some people if medications will not be effective. These implants are rod-shaped devices which might be placed on either side of the penis. They may be inflatable or firm but flexible.
Take back control
Erectile dysfunction has many possible causes and is often the results of a mixture of things. But with the correct combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments, you may remove that stress — and the stress related to it — out of your day by day life.
In case you feel you could be experiencing erectile dysfunction, confer with your GP. They’ll make an initial assessment and refer you to a sexual health expert or urologist if needed.