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Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence or impotency, is a form of penile condition affecting the ability to achieve or sustain an erection firm enough for intercourse.
Emotions play a significant role in achieving and maintaining an erection, and being relaxed, confident, and sexually aroused is very important. However, problems with erection are sometimes normal and may arise due to feelings of anxiety, nervousness, frustration, or fatigue. In addition, alcohol consumption, substance use, underlying health conditions, certain medicines, or cancer treatments might contribute to erection issues.
If you’re experiencing trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. In most cases, ED could be an early sign of an underlying health issue, such as heart disease. Therefore, you should talk to a doctor if you develop any problem with erection.
ED is classified into different categories such as:
Erectile dysfunction is a known sexual health concern among men and persons assigned male at birth (AMAB). It’s estimated that over 50% of males aged between 40 and 70 experience ED. However, the actual percentage could be higher, as many individuals avoid seeking medical assistance because of embarrassment.
Symptoms of ED can occur in various ways, including:
Many factors can lead to erectile dysfunction, including health conditions affecting:
Other factors that may contribute to ED include:
Injuries or trauma to the penis and the adjacent regions could also lead to ED. These include:
Most prescription drugs list ED as a possible side effect. The most common medications include:
Potentially addictive substances can lead to ED. Examples are:
Apart from affecting and suppressing the central nervous system, these substances might also result in blood vessel damage that could cause permanent ED.
Your risk of developing erectile dysfunction is higher if you:
Your doctor can diagnose erectile dysfunction and examine the underlying cause by performing a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. You will also be asked some questions regarding your personal and sex history. While discussing these topics might feel awkward, being open and honest helps the provider determine the cause more quickly.
Common questions you may be asked are:
Your healthcare provider might also want to speak with your sexual partner, as they may provide more insights into the possible causes. Tests may also be ordered to detect and determine the underlying reason for your erectile dysfunction.
The type of tests ordered depends on the suspected cause of your ED. In most cases, these may include:
Before proceeding with any test, the doctor will explain the process and address any concerns. You can always choose not to undergo the test if you feel uncomfortable.
The most effective treatment for ED depends on its underlying cause. Your doctor can guide you in choosing the best approach.
Common treatment options involve:
Engaging in vigorous cardiovascular workouts for about 45 minutes thrice a week can help reverse mild cases of ED. Examples of these exercises are brisk walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, or jumping rope.
For those with mild erectile dysfunction, quitting smoking may result in significant improvement after some months.
Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®), and avanafil (Stendra®) boost blood supply to the penis and are usually effective after an hour.
This uses sound waves to increase blood flow. Results may be observed within two months.
Medications such as papaverine (Papacon®), alprostadil (Caverject®), and phentolamine (Regitine®) or even a combination of many drugs are injected directly into the penis to trigger an erection. Results will be noticed within 10 minutes.
Available in the form of gels, patches, injections, or pellets, this treatment starts working within 4 weeks.
These penis pumps are effective, and the results are almost immediate.
This surgical procedure involves placing a device inside the penis to achieve firmness. Implants do not affect feeling, urination, or orgasm.
In most cases, ED does not resolve on its own without treatment or lifestyle changes.
Some lifestyle changes may reduce the possibility of developing ED. These include:
The erectile dysfunction outlook is positive, as it’s a highly treatable problem. While some causes may not be curable, several effective treatment options are available to help achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.
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