Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a Sexual Dysfunction that affects millions of men around the globe.
It is the inability to attain or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
This article below will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction.
By understanding this condition and its management, individuals can seek appropriate medical assistance to regain their sexual health.
Erectile Dysfunction causes
ED can stem from various causes, encompassing physical and psychological factors.
Physical causes often involve issues with blood flow, nerve function, or hormonal imbalances.
Health issues such as cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Obesity, and high blood pressure can hinder the blood flow toward the penis, making it difficult to attain and maintain an erection.
Additionally, hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels, can contribute to ED.
On the psychological front, stress, Anxiety and Depression, relationship problems, Performance Anxiety can all impact sexual function.
It’s important to remember that ED is a complex condition, and identifying the underlying cause is crucial for appropriate treatment.
To know more about the various causes of Erectile Dysfunction, read our article “Erectile Dysfunction- What Causes the Disorder“.
Want to know more about ED in young people? Read our article “What Are The Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in 20s“.
Erectile Dysfunction symptoms
ED manifests through various symptoms related to the inability of a man to stay hard before or during sex.
Common symptoms of ED include difficulty getting an erection, reduced sexual desire, Premature or Delayed Ejaculation, and reduced penile sensitivity.
It’s important to note that occasional instances of difficulty with erections are normal, but persistent or recurring symptoms need attention.
Recognizing these symptoms can prompt individuals to seek medical advice and explore appropriate treatment options to address the underlying causes of ED.
While the illness is treatable, it is critical to identify the signs of ED to seek proper medical attention.
Difficulty getting an erection
It is one of the most prevalent ED symptoms.
Men may have difficulty attaining a hard enough erection for sexual intercourse.
Many reasons can contribute to this difficulty in obtaining an erection, including
Physical factors
Certain ailments, such as Hypertension, Diabetes, heart disease, and Obesity, can result in ED.
Therapies such as Radiation Therapy, for example, make it difficult to achieve an erection.
Psychological factors
Psychological ailments such as Anxiety, stress, Depression, and relationship issues have been identified as potential contributors to ED.
Reduced sexual desire
Reduced sexual drive or libido is one of the symptoms of ED. Physical, psychological, and environmental factors can influence a person’s sex drive.
Given below are several factors that contribute to a reduction in sexual desire
Hormonal imbalance
Testosterone is the main hormone influencing sexual desire in both men and women.
A decrease in testosterone levels may result in a lack of sexual desire.
Medications
Medicine, including antidepressants and antihypertensive medications, can potentially decrease sexual desire.
Stress and Anxiety
Psychological factors like stress and Anxiety and Depression can cause ED. These factors have been found to impact an individual’s libido and sexual desire.
Know more about ED symptoms through our article, read Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms: Know These Signs.
Erectile Dysfunction treatment
Typically, the treatment for ED is dependent upon its root cause. At times, doctors may recommend a blend of therapies.
The primary treatments available for ED include oral pills, psychological therapies, vacuum pumps, surgery and food.
The appropriate course of treatment depends upon the severity and the cause of a person’s condition.
Let’s take a look a deeper look into these therapies
Erectile Dysfunction pills
Your doctor will prescribe certain medications to assist you in controlling your ED symptoms.
You may need to test numerous medicines before finding one pill that works for you.
The following ED medications can be quite beneficial in treating your symptoms
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil (Viagra) is a popular men’s ED medication. After FDA approval, Viagra went on sale in 1998. Viagra is only sold as an oral tablet.
Viagra should be taken once a day as prescribed by a doctor.
It works best after 30 minutes. It’s best taken an hour before intercourse.
Clear all your doubts about the similarities and differences between Sildenafil and Viagra. Read: “Sildenafil vs Viagra: Is Sildenafil as Good as Viagra?“.
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
Vardenafil is another well-known ED pill available in the market.
Although it is recommended that you must have it one hour before having sex, some people claim that taking it 30 minutes before sex also works.
The recommended dosage for Vardenafil is one pill per day. It lasts somewhere around 5 to 7 hours.
Want to know the difference between Sildenafil and Vardenafil? Read: “Vardenafil vs Sildenafil: Choose The Right Pill“.
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil, or the brand name Cialis, is among the most commonly used ED pills.
For best results, Tadalafil is taken 30 minutes before having sexual intercourse.
Your doctor might recommend taking a lower dose of Tadalafil once every 24 hours. Tadalafil remains in your system for up to 36 hours.
If you are confused about which medicine to pick between Sildenafil and Tadalafil, Read: Tadalafil vs Sildenafil: How to Choose
Avanafil (Stendra)
Avanafil is an oral medicine belonging to the PDE-5 Inhibitor class of medicines, just like other ED medicines.
It is recommended that you take it 15 minutes before having intercourse.
For a know-all guide about ED pills, read: Your Guide to Erectile Dysfunction Pills
Psychological therapies
Sometimes ED is caused by psychological issues.
Some known psychological causes of ED include stress, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Depression.
If you have psychological ED, talk therapy may be a beneficial option.
You and your therapist can discuss the following subjects
- Stress and Anxiety factors
- Subconscious conflicts may be affecting your sexual well-being
- Your feelings related to sex
If your ED interferes with your relationship, talk to a counselor.
Relationship counseling helps you and your partner reconnect emotionally. This can also help in treating your ED.
Vacuum pumps
It produces a vacuum to trigger an erection. Vacuum pump employs a contraption that aids in increasing blood flow toward the penis, resulting in an erection.
A vacuum pump device is composed of various components, including
- A plastic tube wrapped around your penis
- To create a vacuum, the pump sucks the air out of the plastic tube
- You attach an elastic ring at the base of your penis while you remove the plastic tube
The elastic ring helps in the maintenance of an erection by keeping blood in the penis.
It also stops it from returning to the circulation. You can keep the ring on for 30 minutes.
Also Read: What is the best vacuum device for Erectile Dysfunction
Surgery
Medication is usually the first line of treatment for ED. If these do not work, a doctor may suggest further treatments such as ED injections or penis pumps.
If these therapies do not produce the desired results, a doctor may begin to consider surgical possibilities.
A penile implant is the most common ED surgery. The majority of the devices used for this surgery are intended to inflate for erection and deflate for flaccidity.
Another surgical alternative is vascular reconstruction surgery, however it is rarely used.
Food items
Source: fpwing_from_Getty_ImagesFood items like cocoa, watermelon, pistachios, etc can naturally help naturally improve erectile function.
Thus, it’s important to incorporate healthy and nutritious food that help treat ED items in your everyday meal for ED.
Now, let’s delve in deep to know these food items.
Cocoa
Eating foods high in flavonoids and antioxidants may help reduce the risk of ED.
According to a 2018 study, guys aged between 18 and 40 who took 50 mg of flavonoids daily were 32% less likely to have ED.
Flavonoids increase vascular circulation and Nitric oxide levels in the blood, which help in attaining and maintaining an erection.
Incorporating certain Vitamins in the diet can also help you fight ED. Read: Supplements and Vitamins for Erectile Strength
Watermelon
Watermelon contains lycopene, a compound known for its various health advantages.
According to a study conducted in 2012 on rats with Diabetes.
Lycopene was found to be effective in the treatment of ED.
As a result of this observation, researchers concluded that it may help treat ED.
There are certain food items that act natural Viagra. Read: What are Natural Viagra Foods to Help Sexual Function
Pistachios
In 2011, a study included 17 men with ED who were given a daily dose of 100 grams pistachios for three weeks.
At the end of the investigation, researchers noticed an improvement in sexual performance, cholesterol levels, and systolic blood pressure.
To know what food items can affect your erectile function, read Worst Food for Erectile Dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction at a young age
When it comes to the occurrence of ED in young individuals, it cannot be linked to a single factor. Instead, it could be a mixture of various factors.
ED can occur due to various factors such as cardiovascular disorders, psychological stress, depressive symptoms, or pornography.
Identifying the root cause of one’s ED can aid in selecting an appropriate treatment for the individual.
Listed below are some well-known causes of ED among young men
Diabetes
Diabetes damages the blood vessels and hinders the circulation of blood.
Diabetes makes it difficult to circulate blood toward the spongy tissue of the penis.
This obstructs the nervous system surrounding the penis, causing ED.
Smoking
Source: Rattankun_Thongbun_from_Getty_ImagesA 2015 research states that cigarette smokers have a greater risk of ED than non-smokers.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products can affect erectile health and sexual performance.
Cigarette smoking can be harmful to your cardiovascular system.
Tobacco products include heart-damaging compounds that raise the risk of Hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders, which are frequently connected to ED.
Smoking nicotine may cause your arteries to shrink, limiting the blood flow.
This reduced blood flow is not good for your sexual performance and erections.
If you are wondering about the connection between smoking weed and ED, read: Can Smoking Weed Everyday Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Obesity
According to research, Obesity is a major cause of ED.
Those with cardiovascular illness are more prone to ED compared to others.
Evidence shows that losing weight can enhance sexual performance and help you treat ED.
An Italian study found that overweight and obese men who lost an average of 33 pounds over two years had improved erectile function.
High blood pressure and Obesity are directly associated with a decrease in testosterone levels, which is important for getting an erection.
If want to learn more about the connection between Obesity and Erectile Dysfunction, read: Obesity and Erectile Dysfunction: Common Solutions and Connection
Performance pressure ED
Performance pressure or Sexual Performance Anxiety is another common cause of ED.
This makes you question your physical appearance or sexual performance before and during sex.
Performance Anxiety is known for affecting both men and women of all ages.
Conclusion
ED is a sexual condition where a man cannot stay hard before or during sex.
It can happen for various reasons, including physical and psychological issues.
Physical causes may involve problems with blood flow, nerve function, or hormonal imbalances.
The psychological causes include stress, Anxiety, Depression, and relationship problems.
Common symptoms of ED include difficulty getting an erection, reduced sexual desire, premature or delayed ejaculation, and reduced penile sensitivity.
Erectile Dysfunction treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Oral pills such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are commonly prescribed and can effectively treat ED.
Psychological therapies, such as talk therapy or relationship counseling, can help address psychological factors contributing to ED.
Vacuum pumps are devices that create a vacuum to induce an erection.
Certain foods like cocoa, watermelon, and pistachios may also have potential therapeutic effects in managing ED.
In younger individuals, ED can be caused by cardiovascular disorders, psychological stress, depressive symptoms, or pornography.
Identifying the root cause is important for selecting the appropriate treatment.
Common causes among young men include Diabetes, smoking, Obesity, and performance pressure or sexual performance anxiety.
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, individuals can seek appropriate medical assistance to address their ED and regain their sexual health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction or ED is the inability of a man to attain or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
Is Erectile Dysfunction permanent?
No, Erectile Dysfunction is not permanent. Your doctor can provide you with the best treatment that can treat your ED.
How can I improve my Erectile Dysfunction?
There are several pills like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil available in the market that can treat ED.
You can also go for Vacuum pump if the doctor advises.
If your ED is based on some psychological issue such as Anxiety, stress and Depression then you can go for talk therapy.
How to know if you have Erectile Dysfunction?
If you are having trouble in attaining or maintaining your erection during sex then you might be down with ED. The best way to know is to consult a doctor.
At what age does Erectile Dysfunction start?
According to reports, a majority of men aged 40 to 70 struggle with some type of ED. ED is becoming frequent in younger men as well.
Erectile Dysfunction in young adults might occur due to stress, worry, and smoking
When referencing outside resources, GoodrxMedicine always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our Content Information Policy.
