What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly known as impotence, is the persistent inability to achieve an erection that is strong enough to be penetrated.
An erection that does not persist long enough to complete sexual activity is another sign. The sex lives of a guy and his spouse can be significantly impacted by ED.
Many men experience erectile dysfunction on and off, especially under stressful circumstances. But if it keeps happening, it can be a sign of a deeper psychological or physiological problem. A healthcare provider needs to handle this.
Signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction:
ED symptoms include:
- Not always being able to have an erection when you want to have sex
- Getting an erection that doesn’t stay long enough for sexual activity
- Being completely unable to get an erection
Causes of erectile dysfunction:
Although it is more likely to occur as you age, erectile dysfunction is not a direct result of getting older. Erectile dysfunction can be brought on by a variety of circumstances, including those that impact your endocrine, vascular, and neurological systems.
Among the many risk factors for erectile dysfunction in older men are the following:
Depression:
Erectile dysfunction is just one of the many sexual side effects of depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are prescribed to treat depression, can have an impact on sex desire, erectile function, and orgasmic ability.
Diabetes:
Male patients with type 2 diabetes typically experience the onset of erectile dysfunction earlier than non-diabetic patients. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, encourages the synthesis of substances that can affect erectile function.
Hypertension:
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is linked to ED and is more common in older men. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that drugs used to treat hypertension, such as beta blockers and thiazide diuretics, adversely affect erectile performance.
Absence of exercise:
Both testosterone levels and erectile function can be negatively impacted by a sedentary lifestyle.
Smoking:
Individuals who smoke are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than individuals who do not smoke. Smoking impedes the flow of blood to the penis and damages blood circulation.
Testosterone shortage:
The level of testosterone in men’s bodies gradually decreases with age. Although a direct cause-and-effect connection between low testosterone and erectile dysfunction has not been established, clinical studies have shown that patients with ED had lower testosterone levels.
ED can also result from:
- Artery stiffening, or atherosclerosis
- Stress, worry, or sadness
- Usage of cigarettes or alcohol
- Some prescribed drugs
- Tiredness
- Harm to the spinal cord or brain
- Reduced testosterone
- A number of sclerosis
- Parkinson’s condition
- Testicular radiation treatment
- Stroke
- Various prostate or bladder surgeries
Erectile dysfunction may be a sign of a more serious issue. Even though it could be uncomfortable, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about it. You can address the root of the issue with the help of your doctor by seeking ED treatment.
Erectile dysfunction might have psychological origins as well:
- Having fear about having sex because of a negative experience or because of erectile failure
- feeling pressured by additional things, such as job or family obligations
- feeling down or overburdened
- Concerned with your appearance or performance
- You believe your partner is becoming hostile toward you.
Diagnosing erectile dysfunction:
The majority of men with erectile dysfunction can be diagnosed and treated by their doctor with just a physical examination and answers to inquiries about their medical history.
But you might need more testing or to see a specialist if your doctor thinks you might have an underlying issue. A few examples of tests for underlying conditions are:
Physical examination:
Your doctor will check for any abnormalities and feel your testicles and penis.
Blood tests:
Blood tests can reveal whether you have diabetes, low testosterone, heart disease, or other conditions.
Urinalysis is performed to screen for indications of diabetes and other illnesses.
An ultrasound:
To check for problems with blood flow, a professionally trained technician will pass a wand-like instrument (transducer) over the blood arteries supplying the penis.
An evaluation of your mental health:
Your doctor may want to check you for depression or other mental conditions that could contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction therapies:
The source of your erectile dysfunction will determine the course of treatment.
Vascular and heart health:
Your doctor might offer advice on how to enhance all aspects of your health, including the condition of your heart and circulation system.
This general wellbeing can be improved by increasing your exercise, eating healthy, and making sure you obtain enough vitamins and minerals. Reducing or quitting your use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances may also be advised. Losing weight may also be advised by your physician.
Psychiatric wellness:
To lessen the effect of stress, depression, or anxiety on your ED, your doctor could advise pursuing some mental health support. A mental health expert can assist in treating erectile dysfunction.
Additional erectile dysfunction therapies:
There are numerous additional ways to cure erectile dysfunction, including prescription drugs, surgery, injections, and vacuum devices:
- For ED, men’s health oral medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra) are frequently recommended.
- Testosterone therapy (if low testosterone is detected by blood tests)
- (ICI, intracavernosal Alprostadil) Penile injections
- Alprostadil is an intraurethral medicine (IU).
- Devices for Vacuum Erection
- Sperm implants
- Some younger men with a history of severe pelvic injuries may need surgery to bypass damaged penile arteries (this operation is not advised for older men with hardened arteries).
Combining these therapies can provide relief for many men. Your doctor will advise you on the quickest and most effective way to treat your erectile dysfunction.
Is impotence a typical aspect of aging?
For older men, erectile dysfunction is a relatively frequent condition, but is it a typical aspect of aging? Even though it’s a touchy subject.
It’s crucial to discuss any erectile dysfunction symptoms with your doctor, especially since it’s sometimes the first indication of serious underlying medical disorders like cardiovascular issues.
Erectile dysfunction, usually referred to as ED or impotence, is the inability to keep a penile erection strong enough to engage in successful sexual activity.
The brain, hormones, nerves, muscles, and blood flow are all involved in the intricate process of getting an erection. Erectile dysfunction may occur if this process is hampered in any way.