What are the causes of erectile dysfunction: Many men do experience having trouble getting an erection, which can happen for a number of reasons, including excessive alcohol use, stress, marital issues, or simply being overly fatigued.
Less than 20% of the time not getting an erection is not rare and usually doesn’t require therapy. A issue exists, though, and treatment is usually required if an erection isn’t obtained more than 50% of the time. Ageing need not be associated with ED. Older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sexual activity, even though some may need more stimulation.
In this article- ‘What are the causes of erectile dysfunction’, you will learn what exactly erectile dysfunction is, what are its types, causes, symptoms, treatments and tips to prevent erectile dysfunction.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
The inability to obtain and maintain a firm enough erection for sex is referred to as erectile dysfunction. Erection problems aren’t always a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction persists, it can cause stress, lower self-esteem, and contribute to relationship problems.
Problems obtaining or maintaining an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires treatment, as well as a risk factor for heart disease.
Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about erectile dysfunction, even if you’re embarrassed. Treating an underlying condition can sometimes be enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. Medication or other direct treatments may be required in other cases.
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Types of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
1) Organic Erectile Dysfunction
What is the main cause of erectile dysfunction? The most frequent cause of erectile dysfunction, particularly in older men, is organic erectile dysfunction, which involves anomalies in the penile arteries, veins, or both. Arteriosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is typically the cause of arterial problems, though trauma to the arteries may also be to blame.
Being overweight, not exercising, having high cholesterol, having high blood pressure, and smoking are all preventable risk factors for arteriosclerosis that frequently first damage the erectile function before moving on to the heart.
2) Premature Ejaculation
Male sexual dysfunction known as premature ejaculation is defined by:
- Ejaculation, which always or almost always takes place just before or shortly after vaginal penetration.
- Inability to delay ejaculation on all or virtually all vaginal penetrations; adverse personal effects, including distress, inconvenience, frustration, and/or avoiding sexual intimacy.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
ED symptoms include:
- Having an erection on occasion but not every time you want to have sex
- Having an erection but not having it last long enough for sex
- Not being able to obtain an erection at any time
What are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Several factors, including the following, can cause to erectile dysfunction:
- Vascular disease: Ailments like atherosclerosis, which affect blood vessels, can cause the blood flow to the penis to become obstructed or constrained (hardening of the arteries).
- Trauma: An injury may aggravate ED symptoms.
- Neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis): Strokes, diabetes, and other conditions can affect the nerves that send signals to the penis.
Erectile dysfunction can also be caused on by Peyronie’s disease, certain drugs, and long-term illness. Additionally, treatments for bladder, colon, and prostate cancer may have contributed.
What are the Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
10% to 20% of all erectile dysfunction, or ED, cases are caused on by psychological causes. It frequently occurs as a secondary effect of an underlying physical reason. In some instances, sexual trauma or childhood abuse may be the root cause of the psychological repercussions of ED.
However, the following are the most typical psychological causes of ED:
- Depression: A significant contributor to ED, depression has both physical and psychological effects on a person. Even when a man feels entirely at ease in a sexual scenario, depression can nevertheless result in ED. ED may also be brought on by antidepressant medications.
- Low self-esteem: This may be brought on by previous ED episodes (resulting in a sense of inadequacy) or by other problems unrelated to sexual performance.
- Indifference: This may be brought on by ageing and a resulting decline in sex interest, by drugs, or by issues in a couple’s relationship.
- Stress: Among other things, stress can be brought on by issues in the marital relationship, the job, or money.
- Anxiety: After having an ED episode, a guy could feel too concerned that the issue will recur. This frequently results in ED and can cause “performance anxiety” or a dread of sexual failure.
Every man will experience erectile dysfunction at some point. You should only be concerned and think about getting medical counsel and treatment if the issue persists, occurs more frequently than 50% of the time, or causes you or your spouse discomfort. Therapy may be necessary in addition to medical care for men whose erectile dysfunction is caused on by psychological issues.
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What are the physical causes of erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is also sometimes caused by a physical disorder. Causes include:
- Certain prescription medicines.
- Consuming tobacco.
- Development of scar tissue inside the penis is a symptom of Peyronie’s disease.
- Alcoholism and other drug abuse behaviours.
- Sleep problems.
- Treatments for enlarged or cancerous prostates.
- Damage to the spine or the pelvis that require surgery.
- Low testosterone.
- Heart disease
- Blood vessel occlusion (atherosclerosis).
- High cholesterol levels.
- Blood pressure is high.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Parkinson’s disease (PD).
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterised by high blood pressure, high insulin levels, abdominal fat, and high cholesterol.
Other substances or drugs that cause erectile dysfunction:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- Barbiturates
Risk factors of Erectile Dysfunction
Erections may take longer to form and be less firm as you age. To obtain and maintain an erection, you may require more direct contact with your penis.
Several risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:
- Being overweight, particularly if obese
- Certain medical procedures, such as prostate surgery or cancer radiation treatment.
- Injuries, especially if they cause nerve or artery damage that controls erections.
- Antidepressants, antihistamines, and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain, and prostate conditions are examples of medications.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression are all examples of psychological conditions.
- Drug and alcohol abuse, especially if you’ve been using drugs or drinking heavily for a long time.
- Diabetes and heart disease are two common medical conditions.
- Tobacco use, which reduces blood flow to veins and arteries, can lead to chronic health conditions such as erectile dysfunction over time.
How do you fix erectile dysfunction?
Your doctor will check to see if you are receiving the proper care for any medical illnesses that could be contributing to or worsening your erectile dysfunction.
You may have a variety of therapy choices depending on the root cause, the degree of your erectile dysfunction, and any underlying medical concerns. Your doctor will take your preferences into account and can go over the advantages and hazards of each course of therapy. Your treatment decisions may also be influenced by your partner’s preferences.
Medical treatments:
- Sildenafil
A prescription drug used orally to treat erectile dysfunction. The optimum way to take this prescription is on an empty stomach, and many men report experiencing erection symptoms 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. For sildenafil citrate to work best, sexual excitement is necessary.
- Vardenafil
The chemical composition and mode of action of this medication are comparable to those of sildenafil citrate.
- Tadalafil
Tadalafil citrate is believed to stay in the body longer than other drugs in its class, according to studies. The majority of men who use this drug discover that an erection happens 4 to 5 hours after taking the tablet (slow absorption), and that the effects can last up to 24 to 36 hours.
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How to prevent Erectile Dysfunction?
Steps can be made to try to prevent erectile dysfunction in persons who are at risk of getting it as a result of personal lifestyle. However, other causes may not be preventable.
A lot of studies have now suggested a connection between erectile dysfunction and diabetes, heart disease, excessive cholesterol, obesity, and other diseases. The following suggestions might help on how to prevent erectile dysfunction or treat it if it already exists:
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Men with ED can benefit from a diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular exercise is essential. Regular exercise may lower the risk of developing ED. Choose exercises that you enjoy and will incorporate into your daily routine. Exercise can help you manage stress in addition to lowering your risk of ED. Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your doctor.
- Lower your cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can cause the arteries leading to the penis to harden, narrow, or block (atherosclerosis). Men can reduce their cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication.