Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to obtain or maintain an erection that is strong enough for sexual intercourse. This is sometimes referred to as impotence, but it is less commonly used today.

Temporary ED is not uncommon. Many men experience this during times of stress. However, frequent ED can be a sign of a health problem that needs treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship problems that professionals may need to address.

Symptoms of Erectile dysfunction

Periodically, you may have ED if:

• Erection problems
• Difficult to maintain an erection during sexual activity
• Decreased interest in sex

Other sexual disorders associated with ED include:

• Premature ejaculation
• Delayed ejaculation
• Unable to reach orgasm after orgasm or intense irritation

Talk to your doctor if any of these symptoms, especially if he lasts more than 3 months. They help determine if your condition is caused by an underlying disorder that requires treatment.

What Causes an Erection?

ED can occur due to problems at any stage of the erection process. An erection is the result of increased blood flow to the penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated by sexual thinking and direct contact with the penis.

When a man is sexually aroused, the muscles of the penis relax. This fills his two chambers inside the penis and increases blood flow through the arteries of the penis. When the chamber is filled with blood, the penis becomes stiff.

The erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood is drained from the veins of the penis.

Erectile dysfunction causes

Male sexual arousal is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can be the result of any of these problems. Similarly, stress and mental health problems can cause or exacerbate erectile dysfunction.

Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological problems causes erectile dysfunction. For example, mild illness with a slow sexual response can cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or exacerbate erectile dysfunction.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

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

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

Normal sex needs the mind and body to work together. Emotional or relationship problems can cause or worsen ED.

Some emotional issues that can cause ED are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship conflicts
• Stress at home or work
• Stress from social, cultural, or religious conflicts
• Worry about sex performance

Risk factor

As you get older, your erection may take longer and become unstable. You may need to touch your penis more directly to get and maintain an erection.

Various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:

Illnesses, especially diabetes and heart disease.

Tobacco use restricts blood flow to veins and arteries and can cause chronic illnesses that lead to erectile dysfunction over time.

Overweight, especially if you are obese

Specific treatments such as prostate surgery and radiation therapy for cancer.

Injuries, especially if the nerves or arteries that control the erection are damaged.

Drugs that include antidepressants, antihistamines, drugs to treat high blood pressure, pain, or prostate conditions.

Psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Use of drugs or alcohol, especially if you use the drug for a long time or take a large amount.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction

Treatment of ED depends on the underlying cause. It may be necessary to use a combination of treatments such as medication and conversation.

Medicine

Your doctor may prescribe medications that help manage your ED symptoms. You may need to try a few drugs until you find one that works. The following oral medications stimulate blood flow to the penis to treat ED.

• Avanafil (Stendra)
• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxin)

Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex,) is another drug that can be used to treat ED. It can be administered in two ways: as a penis suppository or as a self-injection into the base or sides of the penis.

Conversation therapy

Many psychological factors can cause ED, including:

• stress
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• depression

Speaking therapy can help if you have psychological ED. In the course of some sessions, you and your therapist will discuss:

• The main factors of stress and anxiety
• Your feelings for sex
• Subconscious conflicts that can affect your sexual well-being

If your ED is affecting your relationship, consider consulting with your relationship counselor. Relationship counseling helps you and your partner emotionally reunite and helps with ED. Investigate the effects of stress and anxiety on ED.

Vacuum pump

This procedure creates a vacuum to stimulate the erection. Blood is drawn into the penis and an erection occurs while using the device.

Vacuum pumping equipment consists of several different components.

• Plastic tube you put on your penis
• A pump that evacuates air from a plastic tube to create a vacuum.
• An elastic ring that moves to the base of the penis when the plastic tube is removed.

Best Foods for Erectile dysfunction

ED is often associated with blood flow problems. Maintaining vascular health helps both prevent and treat ED. This can be achieved by choosing a particular lifestyle, such as eating a healthy diet.

Follow these simple steps to reduce your risk of developing ED.

• Focus on whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
• Limit intake of lean meats, fatty dairy products, and processed sugars.
• Drink alcohol moderately.
• Several foods, from cocoa to watermelon, can help with ED. See other products you can add to your cart.

Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction

Natural remedies help some men treat ED.

Herbs and supplements

Several reliable herbs and supplements have been shown to have varying degrees of success in treating ED.

• Asparagus Racemosus
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• Ginseng such as ginseng
• L-Arginine
• L-carnitine
• Yohimbe
• Horny goat weeds and zinc can also help.

Talk to your doctor before buying herbs or supplements and proceed with caution. Many are unregulated. That is, it may contain additional ingredients not listed on the label.

In addition, some supplements, such as yohimbe, are associated with potentially dangerous side effects.