Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most prevalent sexual disorders among men worldwide. ED is an inability to get or maintain a strong enough erection for intercourse. There could be many possible causes for erectile dysfunction, such as conditions that distress blood vessels, a sedentary lifestyle, etc. Reaching out to a healthcare provider can help you treat ED with the right treatment. 

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is the acronym for erectile dysfunction, medically known as impotence, which is a sexual disorder in men wherein achieving and sustaining a strong enough erection for intercourse is difficult. ED can affect any man at any time without any prior intimation. However, ED seems to be more common in older people. Age is not the only cause of ED in men. Several physical and psychological factors can lead to the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression are some of the potential causes of ED in men. 

Impotence (ED) can even lower confidence levels and self-esteem and even disrupt one’s relationship with their partner. Whenever you encounter symptoms of erectile dysfunction, you should get a consultation with your doctor. There are several treatments available to address ED, such as medications, lifestyle changes, therapy, surgery, devices, etc. Don’t treat ED as a taboo, and get in touch with your doctor to know the right treatment for you. 

Types of Erectile Dysfunction

The following are the types of Erectile Dysfunction (ED): -

• Organic ED: Organic Erectile Dysfunction is the most common cause of ED, especially in older adults (men). It involves the abnormalities of the veins, penile arteries, or both.

• Premature Ejaculation (PE): Premature ejaculation is a type of ED in which a male sexual function problem is often characterized by the semen leaving the body early than the expected sex duration.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Male sexual stimulation is a complicated process that involves the functioning of the brain, emotions, hormones, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. Hence, any prolonged ailment, bodily disorder, or even stress may cause difficulty in getting an erection. Therefore, while talking about the relevant causes of ED (Erectile Dysfunction), there are two main sub-categories, namely physical causes and psychological causes.

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

• Heart disease

• High cholesterol level

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Parkinson’s disease

Side effects of certain medicines

• Excessive use of tobacco

• Alcoholism

• Treatments for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer

• Low testosterone

• Clogged blood vessels

• Hypertension

• Metabolic syndrome

• Multiple sclerosis

• Peyronie’s disease

• Sleep disorders

• Surgeries or injuries that affect the spinal cord or pelvic area

The above-listed points are the physical or exterior factors that might affect men’s sexual function problems.

Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

• Depression

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Mental health issues

Prolonged stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues or disorders might affect your intimate life. Therefore, it is way too essential to consult a medical professional.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Every disorder comes up with a set of early signs and symptoms. Hence, ensure never to ignore the signals your body has been constantly showing. This will enable you to take steps faster, which might result in variable treatment options. 

The following are the common symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED): -

• Sexual Dysfunction 

• Reduced sexual desire

• Difficulty getting an erection

• Difficulty keeping an erection

• Soft Erections 

• Anxiety

The person dealing with ED might even undergo some other symptoms as well. You can even research this or discuss it with your medical professional. 

Risk Factor:

There are several conditions that increase your chances of coming across erectile dysfunction. The following conditions are the risk factors for impotence in males. In case you are suffering from any of the below conditions, you are prone to ED: 

• Type 2 diabetes

• Depression and anxiety 

• Heart disease 

• Multiple sclerosis 

• Kidney disease 

• Cancer 

• Sedentary lifestyle 

• Aging 

• Obesity 

• Excessive smoking or alcohol consumption 

• Certain medication usage 

When do We need to Consult with the Doctor?

Make sure to consult your doctor if: -

• You have been experiencing low sexual desire and other sexual function problems.

• You have been experiencing delayed or premature ejaculation.

• If you have hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or any other underlying health condition that might be linked to Impotence or erectile dysfunction.

• You have been experiencing other signs along with ED.

Erectile Dysfunction Specialist

ED is one of the most undiscussed health issues among men. Around 30 million American men are affected by this condition every year. The majority of ED specialists are Urologists and doctors specializing in the urinary bladder, kidneys, urethra, adrenal glands, urinary bladder, and male reproductive organs. 

However, there is a very small percentage of Endocrinologists (doctors specializing in hormonal systems). They look into the root cause of impotence and suggest treatments and medications accordingly. 

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

The following are the available treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction:-

• Oral Medications: Oral medications are the first and foremost effective treatment options for Impotence. There are a lot of ED medicines available in the market, such as generic viagra, Levitra generic, generic Cialis (tadalafil), etc. But make sure to consult a doctor and follow the instructions before taking any medicine. You can even buy generic Viagra online from Day Night Drugs and enjoy the deals and delivery.

• Penis Pumps: A penis pump is a vacuum erection device with a battery-powered or hand-powered pump. It is placed over the penis, and the pump is used for sucking the air out, thus, creating a vacuum for pulling the blood into the penis. 

• Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Erectile Dysfunction may also be caused due to low testosterone levels or hormonal disbalance. Hence, your doctor might suggest you undergo testosterone replacement therapy combined with other therapies.  

• Penile Implants: Penile implant is a surgical method for treating ED. It is being prescribed after all other treatment options fail to work. In this process, either inflatable or bendable rods are placed on both sides of the penis. 

Medicines for Erectile Dysfunction

There are a lot of Erectile Dysfunction pills readily available in the market. Some of the common ones are mentioned below: -

• Generic Viagra: Generic Viagra treats Impotence or erectile dysfunction in men. It aids in relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels and thus raises the blood flow to some particular areas of the body. The medication will not work without any sexual stimulation. Make sure to shop the generic Viagra online from a reliable drugstore for authenticity and better quality.

• Generic Levitra: Generic Levitra is another well-known ED drug. It helps relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels and raises the flow of blood to particular areas of the body.

• Generic Cialis: Cialis or Tadalafil is also used for treating male sexual function problems, commonly known as ED or Impotence. Cialis increases blood flow to the penis, thus helping a man get and keep up an erection. It is also used for treating symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia- BPH, also known as enlarged prostate. It aids in relieving symptoms of BPH, such as weak stream, difficulty in beginning the flow of urination, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently. The drug relaxes and smoothens the muscles of the prostate and bladder.

Before trying out any medications, make sure to consult a doctor.

Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction

Here are the following ways how to prevent erectile dysfunction

• Quit Smoking: - Smoking reduces sperm count and also affects one’s sexual health. Hence, if you are a smoker, quit smoking to maintain a healthy intimate life.

• Lead an Active Life: A physically active life has a lot to do with your sexual health. Regular exercise makes the heart contracts faster, thus increasing the rate at which blood circulates through the body. Good circulation can increase sensation, thus boosting libido.

• Eat Clean: - Following a routine healthy diet is said to help prevent erectile dysfunction. Apart from that, make sure to avoid the consumption of saturated fat, packaged food, and added sugar as much as possible.

• Avoid Alcoholism: - A large amount of alcohol intake can make it hard for men to get and keep up an erection. It interferes with the messengers in the brain that informs the penis to fill with blood. Alcohol also decreases testosterone production, which causes a low sex drive. 

• Healthy Body Weight: An unhealthy body weight can even stand responsible for ED. Excessive body weight can cause a decline in the testosterone level, thus resulting in Impotence in men. Likewise, malnutrition can also result in the same issue. Hence, to maintain a healthy and long-lasting sex life, try and retain the right body weight.

FAQs For Erectile Dysfunction

Q1. ED Curable or Not?

ED is curable depending on its cause.

Q2. Can I combine erectile dysfunction treatments?

Your doctor shall guide you with the treatment process and let you know if you can combine erectile dysfunction treatments. 

Q3. How do I know my ED is physical and not mental?

 You can do an erection self-test to ensure if the cause is physical or mental.

 Q4. Are Viagra and Sildenafil the same?

 Viagra is a ‘brand-name’ medication, and Sildenafil is its ‘Generic Equivalent’.

Q5. What is the fastest way to cure ED? 

The fastest way to cure ED is to maintain a healthy lifestyle in combination with a guided treatment plan as suggested by your medical professional.

Q6. Can stress and lack of sleep cause erectile dysfunction? 

Stress and sleep deprivation are two major risk factors for erectile dysfunction. The long-term persistence of stress can disrupt certain hormones and several processes in the body, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can disturb testosterone levels and many more issues, making you prone to ED symptoms. 

Q7. What are the medications that cause erectile dysfunction in men?

There are certain medications that may lead to erectile dysfunction. If you are under the treatment of the following medicines, you may possibly encounter ED as a side effect: 

• Antidepressant 

• Anti-ulcer drugs 

• Tranquilizers

• Diuretics