Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

by Johnson Vargas [MD]
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Erection problems or erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual health problems reported by men. Sometimes, the issue is also referred to as impotence, a non-medical term. 

Every man could face the struggle to keep the erection firm during copulation at some point. But, the difference between a healthy and ED patient is that the issue is occasional for healthy men, while ED patients face it regularly.

Hence, the frequent ED condition asks for an immediate visit to a doctor. So, before you commence the treatment, you should know the details related to erectile dysfunction to understand the condition better. 

Contents

What Is Erectile Dysfucntion?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man fails to get or keep an erection for copulation. The man may face difficulties having sexual intercourse with his female counterpart in this medical condition. 

The paper says that erectile dysfunction could mainly occur at an older age, i.e., after 75 years (on average), but some men face the issue early.

But, ED couldn’t be considered normal for men of any age as it may be a sign of several other underlying problems related to sexual intercourse.

An ED patient may be failing to get a firm erection due to a lack of interest or desire, not getting enough orgasm, or problems with ejaculation.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

It is good to know the erectile dysfunction problem early, as it would help you begin the treatment quickly. 

Many experts have stated that there are several natural, lifestyle, and medicinal treatments that could cure erectile dysfunction in males.

Hence, you should start cooperating with a healthcare professional to counter this sexual health condition effectively. 

  • Oral Medications

    Some oral medicines like sildenafil (viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), and Avanafil (Stendra) could be beneficial in stabilizing erectile dysfunction.

    These medicines would help relax the smooth muscles and increase blood flow to the penis. Oral medications could create a response to the sexual stimulation in the body.

    But, you should avoid ED medicines if you are consuming nitrates for heart problems.

  • Injectable Medicines

    The injectable medicines trigger an automatic erection without sexual stimulation; hence, effective treatment for severe conditions.

    Alprostadil is a medicine injected into the patient to fill the penis with blood and cause an erection immediately.

  • Change Medicines For Other Health Conditions

    Some medicines you consume for other health conditions could negatively impact the penis erection. Hence, immediately stop taking those medicines, and consult the doctor to change the medication.

  • By Changing Lifestyle

    Lifestyle and habits could have a direct impact on sexual intercourse. Some practices like regular smoking, drinking, lack of physical activity, etc., could be a potential cause of erectile dysfunction.

    So, healthcare professionals may ask you to quit the bad habits and increase physical activity.

  • Visit A Counselor

    Stress, anxiety, and depression could be other causes of low sexual desire in males. Hence, visiting a counselor would help you counter the psychological and emotional barriers.

    As he could suggest you different ways to lower your anxiety and stress levels. Moreover, a counselor is an expert in dealing with depression, hence, it is an excellent option to treat erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Causes

Several reasons could cause erectile dysfunction in males. The problems may be habitual, psychological, or other health issues that could lead to impotence in males. 

  • Diabetes

    Type 2 diabetes could cause erectile dysfunction, as the health condition damages the nerve and blood vessels. The damage could be due to the long-term low blood sugar level.

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

    Hypertension could be another major cause of ED as it damages the blood vessel linings and narrows the arteries that restrict the blood flow.

  • Hormonal Imbalance or Low Testosterone Level

    The drop in testosterone level may make it difficult to keep or get a firm erection. The lower testosterone may decrease sexual arousal, which could lead to ED.

  • Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

    Due to stress, and anxiety, you would experience a scarcity of blood flow stimulating chemicals in the brain.

    In the case of depression, the blood flow stimulating chemicals may get out of balance, leading to low sexual desires. Hence, these conditions could play a role in causing erectile dysfunction.

  • Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Usage

    Tobacco smoking could be the most significant cause of erectile dysfunction in males. Moreover, drinking alcohol could interfere with the brain’s messenger cells, which could impact the filling of blood in the penis.

    Drugs could be responsible for impaired desire, orgasm, and arousal.

  • Increasing Age

    An increase in age could decline the testosterone levels in the body, which could cause ED. Moreover, with increasing age, people may acquire several health conditions that require medicines that could impact erection.

  • Some Medicines

    Several prescribed medicines may increase the chances of ED in men. Especially medications for high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease that contain nitrate could be a significant cause of ED.

Erectile Dysfunction Pills

  1. Sildenafil (Viagra)

    Sildenafil (Viagra) is one of the most common pills to treat ED. The pills are available in different doses, i.e., 25mg, 50mg, and 100 mg depending on the patient’s need.

    It could start showing its effect within 30 minutes of intake. It has an impressive, long-lasting impact for up to 4 hours.

  2. Tadalafil (Cialis)

    Tadalafil could help by elevating the blood supply to the penis, hence, causing a firm erection during sexual activity. Tadalafil offers a long-lasting effect in men between 36-72 hours.

    Moreover, you could consume the pills regularly in small doses of 2.5-5 mg, as per the observational studies.

  3. Avanafil (Stendra)

    Avanafil is another ED pill that could increase blood flow effectively. The pill starts showing its effect within 15 minutes, making Avanafil a quick-reacting drug.

    Moreover, the studies have shown that with fast action, the pill lasts up to 6 hours.

  4. Vardenafil (Levitra)

    Vardenafil is similar to other ED pills in terms of action and function. Moreover, vardenafil could be an effective drug to treat erectile dysfunction.

    It is comparatively affordable and available in generic form at the stores.

Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms

The typical symptom of erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erected penis. But, the above sign could be seen in different situations like:

  • You get a firm erection irregularly, not every time you desire to do sexual activity. 
  • You get a regular erection, but you fail to keep it for long. 
  • You never get an erection, irrespective of desire and orgasm. 

Apart from the common symptoms, several other symptoms could indicate the issue. 

  • Premature ejaculation
  • Delay in ejaculation than the usual time required to ejaculate.
  • Anorgasmia: An issue in which you won’t be able to achieve orgasm even after getting enough stimulation. 

Erectile Dysfucntion Test

Healthcare specialists ask for several tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction in males. Some of the standard tests asked by the doctors are as follows:

  1. Physical Examination

    The physical examination includes examining the penis and testicles and nerves to measure pulse or blood pressure.

  2. Blood Test

    The blood test could be a determining test in ED diagnosis, as it helps to find out any heart disease, diabetes, testosterone level, and other health conditions.

  3. Urine Test

    A urine test could be beneficial in determining the uric acid concentration and sugar level.

  4. Ultrasound

    Ultrasound is another test to determine the blood flow to the penis. A transducer is held over the blood vessels flowing to the penis during the ultrasound.

    The test will help determine whether any problem related to penile blood flow exists or not.

  5. Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Test

    The test helps to check the quality of a nocturnal erection by using a battery-powered electrical gadget. The doctor ties the device to the patient’s thigh and monitors the erection quality.

  6. Injection Test

    Doctors inject medicine into the penis of the patient that erects the penis. Now, doctors observe the firmness and longevity of erections.

    For a better diagnosis, specialists could combine injection tests and ultrasound reports.

  7. Psychological Test

    It is a mandatory test for the patient, as doctors will identify if the patient has any stress, anxiety, or depression that may lead to erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Exercises

Exercises could have a positive impact on the human body. In the case of erectile dysfunction, some dedicated exercises may help improve the blood flow to the penis. 

  1. Kegel Exercises

    People trying to improve erectile dysfunction should focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises target an important muscle named bulbocavernosus muscle that helps men in multiple ways.

    The target muscle helps to fill blood in the penis during erection, smooth ejaculation, and proper urination.

    Hence, improving the strength of the bulbocavernosus muscle would help to have a long-lasting and satisfying erection.

  2. Yoga

    Yoga could be the best exercise to control the mind and increase flexibility. You could strengthen the pelvic muscle and fight against stress or anxiety by performing yoga regularly.

    Moreover, yoga could be beneficial for people struggling with depression. Hence, you could easily control ED symptoms with reduced stress and anxiety.

  3. Aerobic Exercises

    Aerobic exercises like boxing, rowing, cycling, etc., could be a great way to deal with erectile dysfunction. Aerobic exercises may potentially eliminate ED if done regularly for long.

    Moreover, aerobic exercises could benefit heart health, improve blood flow, and increase physical activity.

Conclusion

Erectile dysfunction could be a significant problem for men, but it could be improved with proper precaution, consultation, and medication.

So, in case you see any symptoms related to ED, feel free to discuss them with any specialists. The early talk would start the treatment early and may improve things quickly.