Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem which plagues many men of numerous different backgrounds and age groups.
It is a medical condition typified by the inability to keep or to maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
While trouble sustaining an erection from time to time is not necessarily a cause for concern, a recurrent, regular problem could be symptomatic of other, more concerning health problems – such as heart disease or ill-managed diabetes. In addition, erectile dysfunction can cause undue stress, a lack of self-confidence and problems with your relationship.
If treatment for other underlying conditions does not put an end to your erectile dysfunction, there are other treatments which might be used to target this condition.
What are the Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can lead to persistent:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
If you notice these symptoms in either you or your partner, it would be a good idea to consult your family practitioner. This is especially true if the person in question has known preexisting conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Sexual arousal in men involves the coordinated efforts of numerous different parts of your body including the nervous, muscular and circulatory systems, as well as the endocrine system, which sends chemical signals to communicate with all of these different systems. A problem with any of these systems can cause ED. Stress is also a primary cause of erectile dysfunction.
Sometimes ED might be the result of multiple different problems, both psychological and physical, and the anxiety and stress cause by one condition can be compounded to make ED even worse.
There are numerous different physical conditions which might be the cause of erectile dysfunction including:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Low testosterone
- Peyronie’s disease (the development of scar tissue inside the penis)
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
While all of these physical conditions can be the cause of erectile dysfunction, the problem might also be rooted in your mental state. Depression and anxiety are oftentimes the cause, as are stress and other existent problems occurring in your relationship.
If you find the symptoms of erectile dysfunction to be present, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your doctor. This way you can determine if your ED is the result of a psychological condition like stress or depression, or if the cause is a more concrete physical condition which needs to be treated.
For many men, there is a stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction. However, ED is a very common problem faced by millions of men.
If you or your partner are experiencing the symptoms of ED, it would be in your best interest to look into what might be the cause of this problem. This will only to explore the possibility of a physical condition in need of care, but also provide for a more gratifying and harmonious relationship.