Erectile Dysfunction Causes and Cure
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has trouble in getting or maintaining an erection. This problem is more common among older men, but even the younger lot is not entirely safe from it, thanks to performance anxiety, relationship issues, stress, depression, medical complications, and so on. The temporary cure for ED may lie in simply popping pills prescribed by a sexologist, but for a more permanent and long term solution – lifestyle modifications are a must.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very sensitive subject, which many men find difficult to disclose. The condition makes men feel incomplete or not man enough and, for some individuals, the condition hurts their ego, as such they avoid seeking medical assistance and would rather to suffer in silence. Not seeking proper treatment can lead to relationship problems with partner and even end up in divorce.
Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the inability of the male to get and or maintain his erection to achieve satisfactory intercourse.
The causes of Erectile Dysfunction range from the Psychological to Physical and Mixed.
Causes like guilt, performance anxiety, relationship trouble and stress, mentioned earlier, fall under the psychological causes for ED.
Physical causes include: Smoking, Diabetes mellitus, Obesity, Medications – drugs for hypertension. Psychotic drugs such as those for arteriosclerosis and hormonal imbalance can also cause ED in some unfortunate cases.
Typically, a decrease in testosterone can reduce the libido, as can hyperthyroidism – which involves negative effects from hormonal imbalances.
Other conditions such as pelvic trauma, Peyronie’s disease, alcoholism, and any serious physical illness – liver diseases, kidney diseases, cardiac diseases are also high risk situations for ED.
Who is at risk of ED?
- The elderly
- People with cardiovascular diseases
- People with diabetes mellitus
- High cholesterol patients
- Frequent smokers
- Recreational drug users
- Those suffering from depression or other psychiatric disorders
Treating Erectile Dysfunction:
ED treatment due to vascular causes include medications like PDE5 inhibitors – (Sildenafil, Tadalafil & Vardenafil etc – Prescription Medicines – Should be used only after assessment and prescription by a Sexual Medicine trained and registered medical practitioner), and intra cavernosal injections (eg inj Papaverine). ED treatment also includes treatment of other Physical problems and Sex therapy. Sex therapy is a unique and specialized form of professional counseling designed to help couples by Sensate focusing or PLISSIT method.
What can people do on their own to combat Erectile Dysfunction?
To prevent and fight ED, men should attempt the following:
- Quit smoking,
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce excess weight
- Reduce excessive alcohol consumption,
- Control hypertension
- Control blood glucose level
Importance of screening for ED: Screening for erectile dysfunction due to arteriosclerosis can predict the coronary artery disease (Heart Attack) and is a must for people suffering from ED.
Click to view article about ED in Times of India
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