Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s sometimes referred to as impotence, although this term is now used less often.
Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. Frequent ED, however, can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.
An erection is the result of increased blood flow into your penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated by either sexual thoughts or direct contact with your penis.
When a man is sexually excited, muscles in the penis relax. This allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers inside the penis. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid.
An erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood can flow out through the penile veins.
There are many possible causes of ED, and they can include both emotional and physical conditions. Common causes include:
ED can be caused by only one of these factors or by several of them. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor so that they can rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage the symptoms of ED. You may need to try several medications before you find one that works.
Testosterone therapy (TRT) may also be recommended if you have low levels of testosterone.
Medications used for other conditions may cause ED. Talk to your doctor about your medications and whether they could be causing your symptoms. There may be others that you can take instead. Never stop taking medications without first talking to your doctor.
Medications for ED can cause side effects. If you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication. Get more information on the medications used to treat ED.
You may have ED if you regularly have:
Other sexual disorders related to ED include:
Speak with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they’ve lasted for 3 or more months. They can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Testing for ED can involve a variety of steps, including a physical examination and taking your health and sexual history. Additional tests may be performed to determine if your symptoms are caused by an underlying condition.
You should expect a physical exam where your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs, check your blood pressure, and examine your testicles and penis. They may also recommend a rectal exam to check your prostate.
Your doctor will ask you questions or request that you fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, health history, and sexual history. The responses can help them evaluate the severity of your ED.
Some questions that you may be asked include:
Your doctor may perform additional testing to help diagnose your ED. Tests can include:
These tests can help your doctor guide your treatment as well as determine if an underlying condition may be causing your ED.
Certain exercises can also help with ED.
Kegel exercises are simple movements you can do to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Here’s how:
Moderate to vigorous exercise is not only good for your overall health, but also can increase blood flow, possibly helping with ED. Examples include running and swimming.
Yoga can help to relax your mind and body. Since stress or anxiety can cause or contribute to ED, practicing yoga may be an effective way to ease ED symptoms.
For some men, natural remedies may help treat ED.
Certain herbs and supplements have been shown to treat ED, with varying degrees of success, including:
Horny goat weed and zinc may help as well.
Speak with your doctor before buying herbs and supplements, and proceed with caution. Many aren’t regulated, which means they might contain additional ingredients not listed on their labels.
Additionally, some supplements, such as yohimbe, are associated with potentially dangerous side effects.
Your doctor may be able to recommend reputable brands as well. Avoid purchasing products online, unless your doctor confirms that they’re safe. Get more expert advice on herbs for ED.
Prostatic massage, a form of massage therapy, may be used for ED. Prostatic massage is often used in combination with other treatments.
During prostatic massage, a practitioner will massage the tissues in and around the groin to promote blood flow to your penis. You may need to undergo a massage several times a week. The length of massage treatment depends on your symptoms.
So far, there have only been limited studies on prostatic massage and its effectiveness. Get tips on finding a practitioner, and more, with the help of this short guide.
Multiple options exist for people looking for natural ways to treat their ED. Try one of the options above or even a combination of them. Remedies like acupuncture and massage can even be paired with other traditional medications. Find out more about the effect of lifestyle changes on ED.
In cases where medications aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. There are two types of procedures that may be used: implants and vascular surgery.
A penile implant, also referred to as a prosthesis, can be placed in the penis. There are two different types. An inflatable implant allows you to use a pump to make your penis larger, while a malleable implant allows you to adjust the position of your penis manually.
Vascular surgery repairs arteries that may be blocked. This can help to restore adequate blood flow to the penis. Younger men are typically better candidates for this type of procedure.
Every surgery has its benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to discuss these with your doctor if you decide to undergo surgery for ED. Check out this guide to penile implants, learn how they’re placed, and discover what recovery is like.
ED and diabetes can occur together. In fact, the risk of developing ED is approximately 50 percent in men who have diabetes. But why is this?
Diabetes affects how your body processes glucose. When glucose isn’t stored correctly, excess glucose can be found in your blood, leading to high blood sugar. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Having high amounts of sugar in your blood can lead to damage of the blood vessels and nerves. This damage can also affect the blood vessels and nerves located around the penis, leading to difficulties attaining or maintaining an erection.
If you have diabetes, it’s important that you work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under control. This can help to prevent damage that can lead to ED.
There are many risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing ED. These risk factors are often related to blood flow and circulation. Other risk factors can include injuries.
One important risk factor for ED is increasing age. As you get older, you may find that it’s more difficult to get or maintain an erection. You may also notice that you may require more direct stimulation to get an erection.
Additional risk factors for ED include:
There are several steps you can take to help prevent ED. Many of these steps involve making healthy lifestyle changes. Therefore, they’re not only good for preventing ED, but also for improving your overall health.
Follow the advice below to help prevent ED:
You should also be sure to keep up with your regular checkups. Your doctor will monitor important clinical measurements, such as your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can help with early identification and treatment of conditions that can potentially lead to ED. Find out more ways to prevent ED.
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