Erectile Dysfunction(ED) - Causes, Treatment, Symptoms & More

You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

September 16, 2021 Aum Kanani

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

-Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.

-Though it’s not rare for a man to have some problems with erections from time to time, ED that is progressive or happens routinely with sex is not normal, and it should be treated.

–Erectile dysfunction is the most common sex problem that men report to their doctor. It affects as many as 30 million men.

ED can happen:

Most often when blood flow in the penis is limited or nerves are harmed
With stress or emotional reasons
As an early warning of a more serious illness, like: atherosclerosis (hardening or blocked arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar from Diabetes

How Erections Work:-

During sexual arousal, nerves release chemicals that increase blood flow into the penis. Blood flows into two erection chambers in the penis, made of spongy muscle tissue. The corpus cavernosum chambers are not hollow.

Symptoms:

Low self-esteem
Depression
Distress for the man and his partner
Trouble getting an erection
Trouble keeping an erection

Causes:

In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:

Heart disease
Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Certain prescription medications
Tobacco use
Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
Sleep disorders
Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Low testosterone

Prevention:

Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions.
See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.
Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t use illegal drugs.
Exercise regularly.
Take steps to reduce stress.
Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.

Treatment:

The first thing your doctor will do is to make sure you’re getting the right treatment for any health conditions that could be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction.

Oral medications