Erectile Dysfunction
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (or impotence) is more common in older men, but it can happen at any age.
It can occur in varying degrees too. Some men cannot achieve an erection at all, or they may only be able to maintain the erection for a short while.
For most men, not being able to "get it up"can be traumatic to their ego and manhood. How do you know if you have erectile dysfunction for sure and what can you do about it?
It is in fact quite common not to be able to achieve or sustain an erection every now and then, and is no cause for alarm.
However, when it becomes a recurring problem for more than two months, you should consider seeking medical advice. These days, medical help is advanced and readily at hand for most of such conditions.
What Are the Causes?
There are many possible causes of erectile dysfunction. Some of them include:
Health Factors
You are at higher risk of having erectile dysfunction if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, or other chronic diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries or veins.
Age
Growing older can compromise the tissues and muscles that cause erections. Older men are also more likely to develop diseases that contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Substance Abuse
Smoking, alcohol consumption and drugs can decrease sex drive and lead to erectile dysfunction.
Medication
Certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilisers and those used to treat high blood pressure and prostate cancer, can have erectile dysfunction as a side effect.
Low Testosterone
As testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, those with low testosterone levels can experience erectile dysfunction.
Surgery or Trauma
Any damage to the spinal cord or nerves that produce erections, or surgery for bladder, rectal or prostate cancer, can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Psychological Factors
The mind is very powerful. Stress, anxiety, depression, guilt or resentment towards your partner can cause erectile dysfunction.
What Can I Do?
You don't have to suffer in silence. Erectile dysfunction can be treated. Don't feel embarrassed about approaching your doctor. Depending on the cause of your condition, the treatment may vary accordingly:
Medication
There are a few oral medications on the market to treat erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. All of them work to increase blood flow to the penis and lead to an erection with sexual stimulation. However, they may not be suitable for those who have other diseases.
Hormone Therapy
If low testosterone levels are the cause, testosterone replacement therapy may be the answer.
Counselling
Where psychological factors are the cause of erectile dysfunction, professional counselling may be helpful. It may also be more beneficial for couples to attend counselling sessions together.
Surgery
Surgery is often the last resort when all else fails. A penile implant can be inserted into the penis to produce erections when desired. Vascular surgery may be done for men who have suffered injuries to the penis or pelvis, or to repair vascular blockages.
A Healthy Lifestyle
Erectile dysfunction is not a reflection on your masculinity or virility.
Sometimes, all it takes to decrease the occurrences of erectile dysfunction is a change in lifestyle. Here’s what you can do:
- Stop smoking and drinking
- Exercise regularly and lose excess weight
- Get enough rest
- Reduce stress levels
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and state of mind can work wonders towards correcting the imbalances in our bodies. Work at it and adopt a positive attitude -- success is on your side!
