Erectile dysfunction is when a man has difficulty getting an erection or keeping one firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is also known as ED or impotence. ED can be an embarrassing topic for men to talk about. Reports show that half of the men that are between the ages of 40 to 70 years old experience erectile dysfunction. If you experience difficulty in getting or keeping an erection once in a while, it is not a cause for concern. When ED becomes ongoing, it is essential to talk to your doctor even if you might be embarrassed.

Erectile dysfunction is sometimes a symptom of an underlying condition like diabetes. Treatment of the underlying condition usually resolves erectile dysfunction. Other times, medications and lifestyle changes will be necessary to treat erectile dysfunction.

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

• Inability in getting an erection

• Inability to keep an erection

• Low Libido

CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Physical factors or psychological factors or both can cause erectile dysfunction. Physical factors cause erectile dysfunction when there is a disturbance in the system or organs that are responsible for male sexual arousal. These include the brain, the nerves, the penis, and blood vessels. Psychological factors are as a result of stress that can affect emotions, thoughts, processes, and social activities.

PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT CAUSE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Atherosclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis

• Alcoholism

• Smoking

• Tobacco

• Obesity

• Prostate cancer

• Enlarged prostate

• Surgeries that involve the spinal cord and pelvic region

• Low testosterone

• Injuries to the brain, nerves, penis, or blood vessels

• Some prescription medications

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS THAT CAUSE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Relationship problems

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

• Visit your doctor to treat any underlying health conditions that may be causing the erection. Treatment of underlying conditions might reverse erectile dysfunction.

• Your doctor might need to prescribe medicines that help treat ED. Use them as prescribed. In cases where oral medicines are not effective, your doctor might prescribe injections, penile urethral suppositories, pumps, or penile implants.

• Quit smoking and tobacco use.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Exercise regularly.

• Eat healthily and lose weight.

• Learn techniques on how to manage stress.

• See a specialist in counseling related to mental conditions used as anxiety, extreme stress, and depression.

It is important to visit a DOCTOR to know your treatment plan. There are no medicines yet that can cure erectile dysfunction. Do not fall for the advertisement of herbs and certain supplements that claim to cure erectile dysfunction. Some of them are dangerous and might interact with the other medicines you are using causing harm.

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