Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the frequent or consistent inability to get or sustain an erection of the penis that is satisfactory for engaging in sexual intercourse. While most men occasionally fail to get an erection, or lose one prematurely during sexual activity, some men suffer from these problems regularly.
When an ongoing issue, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. About half of men over 40 have frequent problems achieving or maintaining an erection. Number of men suffering from erectile dysfunction increases with age, but it is not considered a normal part of aging. The majority of cases can be successfully treated. Problems in getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
Symptoms:
Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Prevention:
1. Watch what you eat
A diet that's bad for a man's heart is also not good for erections. Research has shown that the same eating patterns that can cause heart attacks due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries can also decrease blood flow to and within the penis. Diets that include very few fruits and vegetables along with lots of fatty, fried and processed foods can contribute to decreased blood circulation throughout the body. Studies have shown that ED is relatively uncommon among men who eat Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy fats including nuts, olive oil and fish.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight can bring many health problems, including type 2 diabetes which can cause nerve damage throughout the body. If the diabetes affects the nerves that supply the penis, ED can result.
3. Avoid high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
High cholesterol or high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including those that bring blood to the penis. Get cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked at regular intervals. If cholesterol or blood pressure is high, it needs to be treated. Blood pressure medications can make erections poor but majority of cases blamed on these drugs are actually caused by arterial damage resulting from high blood pressure.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all
Chronic heavy drinking can cause liver damage, nerve damage, and alter normal balance of male sex hormone levels -- that can lead to ED.
5. Exercise regularly
There is strong evidence that links a sedentary lifestyle to erectile dysfunction. Running, swimming, and other forms of aerobic exercise prevent ED. Exercises that put excessive pressure on the area between the scrotum and anus should be avoided. Blood vessels as well as nerves that supply penis can be adversely affected from excessive pressure.
6. Kegel’s doesn’t help
Much touted Kegel exercises don’t help. Kegels can be helpful for men and women suffering from incontinence but there's no evidence that they prevent erectile dysfunction.
7. Look out for testosterone deficiency
Testosterone levels often start falling sharply in middle age. Low libido, easy irritability, early fatability suggest testosterone deficiency, as do poor quality erections.
8. Avoid anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids often abused by athletes and bodybuilders can stop endogenous testosterone production.
9. Stop smoking
Smoking can harm blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the penis.
10. Avoid unnatural positions
Penile injuries can cause erectile dysfunction. Taking time and avoiding certain positions during sex can help.
11. Curb stress
Psychological stress increases adrenaline levels and this makes blood vessels contract. Anything that relieve tension, be it meditation, hobby classes and make one feel better shall improve erection.
Causes:
Erection is a complex process that involves 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. Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
Common causes:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Tobacco use
- Heart disease
- Sleep disorders
- Atherosclerosis
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- High blood pressure
- Certain prescription medications
- Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Psycological causes:
Brain plays a key role in the onset of series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
- Stress
- Relationship problems
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
Risk factors:
A lot of factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:
- Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions
- Certain treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
- Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
- Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions
- Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression
- Drug and alcohol use, especially if you're a long-term drug user or heavy drinker
Alternative medicines
Some men respond well to certain alternative medicines taken by mouth. However, all natural medicines or supplements are not safe. Combinations of certain prescribed and supplements can cause major health problems. To ensure coordinated and safe care take supplements in discussion with your doctor.
Non-medication treatment
Common non-medication ways of treating erectile dysfunction include vacuum devices and penile implants.
Vacuum device :
Vacuum device causes an erection by pulling blood into the penis. The device has three parts:
- a plastic tube, which is put around penis
- a pump, which draws air out of the tube, creating a vacuum
- an elastic ring, which is moved from end of the tube to the base of penis as the tube is removed.
The elastic ring maintains erection by preventing blood from flowing back into your body. The elastic ring can be kept in place up to 30 minutes. Using a vacuum device may require some practice or adjustment.
Penile implant :
For most men, this is the last resort. Implanted device, known as prosthesis, can help many men with ED have an erection. Two types of implants are:
- inflatable implant, which makes penis longer and wider using a pump in the scrotum
- malleable implant, which are rods that allow one to manually adjust the position of penis
Once implanted, the device must be used to get an erection. Possible problems with implants include breaking and infection.