Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a condition in which a man fails to get an erection or achieves one which is not firm enough to allow for sexual intercourse. However, among them, erectile dysfunction affects older men more readily. Regardless of age, this disorder of impotence should never be allowed to be termed as “part of aging.” Instead, its existence is often tied to the presence of some underlying physical or psychological factors. Here is an overview of ED symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and lifestyle changes to help understand and manage this condition.
What Happens When I Have Erectile Dysfunction?
The most common symptom of ED is the inability to attain or maintain an erection. It may be occasional or frequent, with potentially devastating effects on an individual’s self-esteem and sexual life. ED can lead to psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
All men will suffer from ED at some point in their life from either a physical cause or a psychological cause (or sometimes both).
Common causes of ED include:
- Drinking to much alcohol
- tension
- fatigue
- anxiety
ED can strike younger guys with penises. But it’s more common for those who are middle-aged or older. Researchers think stress Trusted Source plays a significant role in age-related ED.
One of the most common causes of ED among ages is atherosclerosis. It is caused by the deposition of plaques in the arteries, which encourages reduced blood flow to all parts of the body. Reduced blood flow to the penis would lead to ED.
Therefore, ED could be considered one of the first signs of atherosclerosis among those whose penis they are carrying.
Some other medical causes of ED as one grows older include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Thyroid disease
- Diseases of the kidney
- Sleep related disorders
- Disease and damage to blood vessels
- Damage to nerves
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- Disease of the major arteries in which cholesterol lodges, creating congestion and possible rupture of the vessel
- Testosterone at low levels
- Physical trauma to the pelvis or spinal cord or surgery
- Tobacco use
- Alcoholism
- Certain prescription medications, including certain antidepressants and diuretics
Some psychological conditions lead to ED in midlife and older men who have penises, these include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Relationship problems
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?
If you have erectile dysfunction, see your doctor. He may start by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. Here are some questions to bring up during your visit:
Discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your physician because these can affect ED; also, talk to your physician about any medications you are currently taking and any new medicines that you may have started recently because these may have caused ED symptoms.
During your physical examination, your physician may examine your penis for any lesions or traumatic changes that could also cause erectile dysfunction.
Tests Including Blood Tests and Other Tests. If your physician seems to suspect the presence of a more likely medical condition, he or she can recommend that you take the following tests:
- Blood Tests: These will measure your testosterone levels, lipid profiles, or glucose level that may indicate the presence of diabetes.
- ECG: Heart conditions.
- Ultrasound: Observe the flow of blood in the penis.
- Urine Test: To diagnose the blood sugar level to identify diabetic conditions.
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction by Medication
Once a cause of ED is identified, the next step is to establish the best treatment. For many, treating the underlying condition will improve their symptoms, though additional interventions are often needed. Here’s an overview of options available for
Medical Treatments for Erectile dysfunction
Common drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction include a compound that actually occurs in nature under the name of
Sildenafil “Viagra”
tadalafil Cialis;
these drugs enhance blood flow to the penis, thereby assisting in achieving and maintaining an erection. These drugs are taken beforehand. They work well for most patients.
These medications must be kept in mind and viewed from the fact that these medicines may not be safe for all, particularly for individuals with heart diseases or those on certain types of medicines. These should then be consulted with your doctor in order to assess if they are suitable for you.
Alternative Treatments
- Mechanical Devices
- Penile Implant
Lifestyle Changes That Support Erectile dysfunction Treatment
Here are a variety of lifestyle changes that help improve ED and overall health:
- Quit Smoking
- Reduce or Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Narcotic Use
- Exercise Daily
- Eat a Healthy Diet
- Manage Stress and Anxiety
Outlook
Erectile dysfunction is the more common pathology that plagues the lives of many, but thankfully, it can still be managed. You can work to improve your sexual health and quality of life by confronting the underlying causes, adopting helpful lifestyle changes, and consulting your healthcare provider.
If you do experience new or worsening ED symptoms, especially following changes in your lifestyle or other medical conditions, do not hesitate to see a health care provider.
