Some men are not sure if they have erectile dysfunction (ED). There are tons of questions that are running inside their mind. Some of them are afraid to ask about it. However, there will be no answers if people will have no courage to ask. Here are some common questions that most men asks:
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
This condition is only considered a concern if satisfactory sexual performance has been impossible on a persistent number of occasions for some time. Most men have occasionally experienced some difficulty with their penis becoming hard or staying firm, but this is not normally causing for a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction is a condition where a man can’t maintain an erection. It is also the inability to keep an erection firm to have sexual intercourse. Sometimes, ED is also referred to as impotence. Now and then erectile dysfunction is common.
Lots of men experience it especially during times of stress. But, if a man is experiencing an ED frequently it can be a sign of health problems and worst it needs treatment. Regularly experiencing ED can also be a sign of relationship inefficiency or emotional difficulty that may be in need of a professional’s help.
What are the Symptoms?
Erectile Dysfunction symptoms can include the following:
- Experiencing trouble in keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
- Frequently having trouble getting an erection
When is the Right Time to See a Doctor?
Visiting the family doctor is the best place to start when having erection problems. Immediately contact the doctor if:
- There is a concern about the erection
- If experiencing other problems like delayed ejaculation or premature
- When a man has heart disease, diabetes or other health conditions that that may have any connection to ED
- Experiencing other symptoms together with erectile dysfunction
What are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
- Medical Conditions
- Serious health condition like heart disease can be the main cause of a man’s erectile dysfunction. The causes of erectile dysfunction and heart disease are very similar. Erectile Dysfunction can occur earlier compared to heart disease because of a cardiovascular issue such as atherosclerosis.
- Some of the known health conditions that can put men at risk of having erectile dysfunction are chronic diseases, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and Peyronie’s disease.
- Consumption habits
A lifestyle of a man can also affect his health in general. Excessive intake of alcohol is the main cause of erectile dysfunction. Substance abusers and smokers also have a high risk of having ED. However, there is a less recognized lifestyle that can trigger sexual function.
Food that is high in sugar or fat can lead to weight gain that is also a common cause of Erectile Dysfunction. Doctors and health experts highly recommend eating food that is high in flavonoids like blueberries because if decrease, the possibility of affected men will be high.
Medications
Antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure medications may infuriate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction if the man takes the medication regularly for a long period. The following drugs can affect the nerves, blood circulation, and hormones which contribute to the increase of risk of having erectile dysfunction.
Physical Injury
Exercise is always great for everyone’s health. However, men should be cautious in performing any physical activity that can injure their lower half. Injuries in the lower half of the body can be a great cause of erectile dysfunction. There are lots of speculations that cycling can be dangerous to men because it causes ED. However, according to a study published in Men’s Health, there is no underlying relationship between ED and cycling.
Relationship Problems
Never undervalue the impact of emotional stress on a person’s physical activity. If there are recent fights between couples or men are recently under a dark cloud then it can be a reason for difficulty in performing. Addressing the causes of the emotional stress can be a good cure for erectile dysfunction.
What are the treatments?
Counseling
If anxiety, stress or depression is the main cause of ED, then having a talk with a therapist can be a big help.
Everyday stress and life-shaking problems can trigger erectile dysfunction. Having someone to speak of the things that bother the person can help in easing any sexual anxiety. It could also help a man feel confident in their relationship. Mostly, at least three session is enough.
Counselling aims to help you overcome and deal with issues that are making you feel uncomfortable or causing emotional pain.
The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. They won’t usually give advice, but will help you find your own insights into and understanding of your problems. It can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings.
Medications
Erectile Dysfunction medicines can be drugs or pills injected into the penis or inserted into the tip of the penis. These can be available from urocarelondon.com.
Usually, the things that doctor prescribe to men that suffer erectile dysfunction are drugs and pills like
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Male Enhancement Pills (omgbrah.com male supplements)
Fifteen minutes to 36 hours before having sex, men should take medicine. However, men shouldn’t use the drug more than once each day. Except for Staxyn, the other medications needs to be swallowed.
The medication works to at least 80% of men that takes them. However, if the erection lasts for more than four hours, seek medical help. Side effects may include:
- Stuffy Nose
- Headache
- Muscle Ache
For some cases, men can temporarily see a blue-green shading in their vision. Men that takes nitrate drugs for the heart should not take the pills because it can cause a drop in blood pressure. It is important to tell the doctors about the popular herbs or supplements taken.
Injections and Suppositories
If the pills aren’t safe for men to take or it doesn’t work, the doctor can prescribe a drug called alprostadil. Alprostadil will help in boosting the blood flow to the penis. Also, it can trigger erection within minutes.
The injectable form causes an erection firm enough for sex in more than 80% of men with erectile dysfunction regardless of their age or the cause of their ED.
It produces an erection in about 30%-40% of men with ED. The suppository form is not as effective.
There are two ways of giving alprostadil:
- Injection: The drug is put in the penis using a needle. It increases the risk for scarring and dangerously extended erections.
- Suppositories: The pellets are inserted inside the penis. Men may know the procedure as Medicated Urethral System for Erections or MUSE. It is a procedure that is less successful compared to injections.
Vacuum Devices
There are vacuum devices that help in improving the firmness of the penis. It boosts the blood flow to the penis. Around 80% of men that uses the device in a correct manner gives an erection that is hard enough for sex.
Be sure that devices bought without a prescription contain a “quick release” feature, as there have been reports of penile injuries due to devices that did not release its vacuum-on-demand or released it too slowly.
The vacuum devices are usually for penile rehabilitation, frequently used after prostate surgery. The doctor will put the patient on a regimen to restore the normal blood flow to the penis. It also allows men to get constant erections. However, it may take several months to see the results of this medication.
Surgery
If all the other erectile dysfunction treatments failed, the doctor would usually recommend surgery.
Before 1960, ED was considered chiefly a psychiatric disorder, and urological treatments for the condition were rare. Surgery specifically to treat ED has only been commonly accepted for a little over a half-century.
The common operations are:
- Implant placing in the prosthesis or penis
- Vascular reconstruction surgery, which helps improve the blood flow to and reduce any blood leakage that surrounds the penis and structure. But, the procedure only works on very few cases like implants, or prostheses. It helps restore the firmness for men with ED.
Takeaway
There is an in dire need of knowledge for men to fully understand the dangers that Erectile Dysfunction gives to them. Also, each man must know that there are actions that can avoid and prevent any complications.
If you’re worried or have some problem that you think is about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor — even if you’re embarrassed. Because sometimes, treating an unrevealed condition is enough to switch erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.
Author Bio
Harry Beckett loves to explore different topics. He is a freelance writer that has articles which talk about men’s health, environmental issues and men’s lifestyle. Also, during his free time, Harry spends his time in a campsite, fishing. As a full-time freelance writer, Harry loves to share his ideas about men’s wellness, men’s right, and the latest researches about the male reproductive system.