It’s not easy for men to talk about Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – because they think it as a difficult topic to discuss, but nowadays ED is more common than you think.
According to the Urology Care Foundation, in the United States alone, the number of ED sufferers are approx. 30 million.
Chances are high that the guy sitting next to you might have Erectile Dysfunction, or that women in the room is wondering how to help her partner overcome this issue.
Men who fail to seek treatment for ED often thought that they are left alone on their suffering but that’s far from the truth.
According to the studies on sexual dysfunction, 40% of men experience erectile dysfunction when they reach their 40s, and its likelihood increases to 70% by age 70.
ED is incredibly common but a majority of men fail to learn the basics of this sexual issue like exactly what it is, what causes it, and what can be done!
But don’t panic!
ED can be caused by a number of factors, from medication side effects to high blood pressure, low testosterone levels, high cholesterol, performance anxiety, nerve damage, Peyronie’s disease, diabetes, heart disease and more.
In fact, many of these ED causes or risks are treatable with simple lifestyle changes and medication.
So in order to treat Erectile Dysfunction in the fastest and most effective way, it’s important to know the causes of ED.
Keep reading to learn more about erectile dysfunction, its symptoms, causes, and how you can stop it…
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sex.
Sometimes ED is also referred to as impotence. ED is very common and the majority of men experience it during times of stress.
Frequent ED can be an indication of several health issues that needs proper treatment. Further, it can also be a sign of relationship or emotional difficulties that may be addressed by a professional.
The studies suggest, not all male sexual problems are caused by Erectile Dysfunction, there’re some other types of male sexual dysfunction including…
- Lack Of Interest In Sex
- Absent Or Delayed Ejaculation
- Premature Ejaculation
Having trouble in erection from time to time isn’t a main topic of concern. However, if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, it can affect your self-confidence, cause stress, and contribute to relationship problems.
Trouble getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of serious health condition that needs to be cured.
So if you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction treatment, consult your doctor. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is sufficient to reverse ED. However, in other cases, medications might be needed.
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
The symptoms of erectile dysfunction mainly include…
- Lack of interest in sex
- Trouble keeping an erection during sex
- Trouble getting an erection
Other sexual illness related to ED include:
- Delayed ejaculation
- Premature ejaculation
- Anorgasmia (an inability to achieve orgasm after ample sexual stimulation)
Now, if you have any of these symptoms then it’s important for you to talk to your doctor, especially if your ejaculation lasted for two or more months. Your doctor can determine if your sexual disorder is caused by an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Erectile Dysfunction Causes
A pair of recent studies suggest that male sexual arousal involves the hormones, brain, blood vessels, nerves, emotions, and muscles. If any of these causes problems then it may result in erectile dysfunction. Likewise, mental health and stress can also cause ED.
Sometimes a combination of mental and physical issues cause erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition like obesity or injury slows your sexual response which might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting concern can lead to erectile dysfunction.
There are a number of causes for ED including both emotional and physical disorders.
Below are some of the common causes…
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Damage From Cancer Or Surgery
- Hypertension
- Injuries
- Increased Age
- Anxiety
- Obesity Or Being Overweight
- Alcohol Use
- Hyperlipidemia
- Stress
- Smoking
- Relationship Problems
- Drug Use
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by several factors or one of these factors. That’s why it’s very important for you to talk to your doctor so that they can give you the best treatment of any underlying medical conditions.
How Does Age Affect ED?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, up to 30 million American men are affected by erectile dysfunction. The studies suggest the incidence of ED increases with age.
Erection Dysfunction basically effects…
- 22% of men in their 60s
- 12% of men younger than 60
- 30% of men who are in their 70s or older
As said before, the risk of ED increases with age. As you age, it may be more difficult to keep and maintain an erection. But that doesn’t mean you’ll develop ED.
In general, if you’re healthy, your sexual function will be better.
Men who are young also suffer from ED. A study in 2013 found that one in four men (under the age of 40) looking for their first treatment for ED.
The researchers also found a strong connection between the illicit drug and smoking use and ED in men under 40 compared to older men. This means the lifestyle choices are the main contributing factor for ED in younger men.
A research analysis on Erectile Dysfunction in men under 40 found that smoking was an essential factor for ED among 41% of men under the age of 40.
The next common risk factor associated with ED was Diabetes. It was actually found in 27% of men under 40.
What Causes An Erection?
Basically an erection is the result of increased blood flow in the penile area. An erection begins with mental and sensory stimulation.
The blood flow is usually stimulated by either direct contact with your penis or sexual thoughts.
When a man gets sexually aroused, the brain sends signals to the nerve to the penis, stimulates muscles to relax.
This penis relaxation allows for improved blood flow straight through the penile arteries.
This blood fills corpora cavernosa, two chambers inside the penis. When all the chambers fill with blood, the penis size increases and becomes firm.
Usually, an erection ends when the muscles shrinks and the stored blood can easily flow out through the penile veins.
Erectile Dysfunction can also occur because of the problems you get at the stage of the erection process. It may happen when the penile arteries are damaged to open properly and allows the blood to fill in.
What Erectile Dysfunction Treatments Are Available?
Treatment for ED will depend on the underlying cause. You may also need to use a combination of treatments, including medication, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
ED medications
In order to help manage your symptoms of ED, your doctor may prescribe medication. And to find the one that works, you need to try several medications.
Although these medications may cause side effects. If you’re experiencing any harmful effects, talk to your doctor as they may be able to recommend a different medication.
Natural Remedies For ED
Research suggests, natural remedies or herbs really help treat ED. Consult your doctor before trying an herb or new erection pill.
You should pay attention when buying herbs and supplements to treat ED. Many supplements may contain additional ingredients that are not listed on the labels. Talk to your doctor to recommend trusted and reputed brands of supplements.
The following herbs have been shown to cure ED:
- L-arginine
- Ginseng
- Asparagus racemosus
- Talk therapy
Here’re some psychological factors that may cause ED, including:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You may get benefited from Talk Therapy if you’re experiencing psychological ED. This therapy can help you a lot in managing your mental health.
In fact, you’re likely to work with your therapist for long sessions and they will identify things like anxiety factors, stress that could be affecting your sexual health.
Moreover, if erectile dysfunction is affecting your sexual relationship then you should consider speaking with a relationship counselor, who can help you establish an emotional connection with your partner, which may help cure ED.
Conclusion
In most of the cases, a man can improve Erectile Dysfunction symptoms. Several treatments and medications are available to cure ED. Moreover, a pair of certain devices like erectile dysfunction pumps may help temporarily manage ED symptoms so that you can enjoy your sex life.
Erectile Dysfunction is very common among men and it has a number of causes listed in this blog. Consult your doctor and discuss your symptoms so that they can rule out underlying causes and begin the treatment.
