Erectile Dysfunction Causes, Signs, and What You Can Do
The ABCs of ED
Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain a firm erection firm enough to have sex.
It is common for most men to experience occasional difficulty with their penis staying hard or firm. However, when men experience persistent trouble getting an erection, performance anxiety, unsatisfactory sex life, low self-esteem, stress, and relationship problems may result in performance anxiety.
ED generally affects men over 40 years old. Roughly 5% of men in their 40s experience ED, but this number rises with aging.
The good news is that erectile dysfunction is a treatable medical condition. Here, we will talk about the causes and symptoms to have a better understanding of how to treat ED.
Erectile Dysfunction Causes and Symptoms
Men who have ED experience symptoms such as trouble getting or keeping an erection and reduced sexual desire.
In a simple sense, ED happens when there is too little blood flow into the penis, and too much blood flows out.
However, male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, nerves, hormones, blood vessels, and emotions. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these mechanisms.
Sometimes ED can be a combination of physical and psychological issues. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response.
Physical conditions that may increase the likelihood of erectile dysfunction are:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lack of exercise
- Tobacco use
- Sleep DIsorders
- Alcohol Misuse
- Certain medications
- Low Testosterone
Since the brain plays a vital role in stimulating and triggering physical events, some psychological factors may cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Men with erectile dysfunction may also be experiencing:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Other mental health issues
- Relationship problems
RELATED: Performance Anxiety ED: How to Overcome Fear Of Sex
Treatment Options for ED
The treatment of ED may depend on its causes. The following are some lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can treat erectile dysfunction.
Natural Ways to Manage ED
Making healthy lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to treat erectile dysfunction and lower the risk of having an ED.
Here are some of the remedies for ED that you can do:
- Lose excess weight if you are overweight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stop smoking
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Stop taking illegal drugs
- Take Panax Ginseng (Korean Red Ginseng) supplement
- Learn to manage your stress
Talk Therapy or Counseling
In cases where anxiety, depression, or stress in your relationships cause ED, psychological counseling may help you and your partner.
Some issues you may expect to discuss with the therapist include:
- Causes of stress and anxiety
- Subconscious thoughts about intimacy
- Post-traumatic Disorder
- Feelings about sex
- Conflicts in your relationship
Medications
Besides lifestyle changes and home remedies, you may work on the existing risk factors such as diabetes and obesity. Your doctor may suggest some of the following options treat ED depending on the diagnosis and severity:
- Oral Medications such as Viagra and Stendra
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Self-Injection Therapy
- Penis pumps, surgery, and implants
If the cause of your ED is low testosterone levels, a doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT is one of the most known ways to treat low testosterone levels among men. Research has shown TRT benefits, such as libido and energy level increase, improvement in bone density, increased strength and muscle mass, and cardioprotective effects.
ED is a medical condition that may have complex causes. Several treatments are available, but it may depend on the root cause. With a healthy lifestyle and medications, you can perform at the top of your game.
If you are concerned about erectile dysfunction, feel free to consult us. Opt Health helps reconnect men with life, sexual vitality, and wellness. At Opt Health, doctors can diagnose you with ED online, then prescribe ED medications. Get personalized support and insight from top-tier physicians, available for you 24/7. Contact us today or leave a comment below.
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