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Erectile dysfunction is also known as impotence. It is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Having erection trouble from time to time is not necessarily a cause for concern. Erectile dysfunction can cause the sufferer stress and affect his or her self-confidence and relationships if it is an ongoing problem.
You should seek help if you are having difficulties getting or maintaining an erection as it may indicate an underlying health condition that needs to be treated. It can also be a risk factor for heart disease. Erectile dysfunction can be reversed by treating an underlying condition. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Seek medical help if:
- You have concerns about your erections or your experience premature or delayed ejaculation
- You have diabetes, heart disease, and other condition that affects your erection
- You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Arousal of the male sexual organs entails many factors, including the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. Typical causes of erectile dysfunction are:
Physical Causes
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Alcoholism
- Obesity
- Clogged blood vessels
- Metabolic syndrome
- Sleep disorders
- Low testosterone
Psychological Causes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication, or other concerns
The Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction
- Medical conditions. particularly diabetes or heart conditions
- It leads to chronic health conditions, which can lead to erectile dysfunction if tobacco use is continued.
- Being overweight especially if you’re obese
- Certain medical treatments such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
- Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
- Treatment for high blood pressure, pain, and prostate conditions with medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and antibiotics
- Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety, or depression
- Use of drugs and alcohol, especially if you have been using drugs or drinking heavily for a long time
How to Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction?
In diagnosing erectile dysfunction, a physical exam and assessment of medical history can be done by the doctor. Other methods include:
- Physical exam. Check nerves for sensations and examine your penis and testicles carefully.
- Blood tests. A sample of your blood might be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels, and other health conditions.
- Urinalysis. Tests of the urine can help detect diabetes and underlying health conditions, just as blood tests do.
- Ultrasound. This test is usually performed by a specialist to see if you have blood flow problems.
- Psychological exam. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by depression and other psychological factors.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions, you might have various treatment options. This include:
