Erectile Dysfunction Therapy: Questions You Were Afraid to Ask

Trouble achieving or maintaining a hard enough erection for intercourse is referred to as erectile dysfunction, and the recommended treatment that might help you is erectile dysfunction therapy. Men most frequently disclose erectile dysfunction, or ED, to their doctor when they have sex-related issues. Some studies say erectile dysfunction can impact up to 30 million men.

Even though it’s common for men to experience occasional erection issues, ED that progresses or frequently occurs during sexual activity is abnormal and has to be addressed. It can most often happen when the penis’ blood supply is restricted, or its nerves are damaged, under stress, or for emotional reasons. It can also be an early sign of a more severe condition like atherosclerosis (hardening or blocking the arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Your general health and your ED treatment will benefit from determining the cause(s) of the condition. Generally speaking, whatever is healthy for your heart is also excellent for your sexual health.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Impotence sometimes referred to as erectile dysfunction, is characterized by difficulties obtaining and maintaining an erection. It might be awkward to bring up the subject. According to reports, more than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 deal with ED in some capacity. So, console yourself in the knowledge that you are not alone.

Nerves release substances that boost blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Two erection chambers of the penis, which are formed of spongy muscular tissue, receive blood flow (the corpus cavernosum). The chambers of the corpus cavernosum are solid.

Erection results from the penis being stiff due to the blood pressure in the chambers. The spongy tissues loosen up and trap blood during an erection. The second set of nerves reaches the penis during an orgasm and forces the penis’ muscular tissues to contract, releasing blood back into the circulatory system and causing the erection to disappear.

The penis is soft and limp when not sexually stimulated. Men may see that their penis changes in size in response to heat, cold, or stress; this is typical and represents the balance of blood entering and exiting the penis.

Symptoms & Causes

Erectile dysfunction can result from a variety of causes, such as:

• Vascular disease: Vascular diseases like atherosclerosis can cause the blood flow to the penis to become restricted or constrained (hardening of the arteries).
• Neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis): Strokes, diabetes, and other conditions can affect the nerves that transmit signals to the penis.
• Psychological conditions: These include worries about performing, tension, sadness, and a lack of brain stimulation.
• Trauma: An injury may make ED symptoms worse.

ED may also be brought on by chronic sickness and certain drugs, including a disorder known as Peyronie’s disease. Additionally, bladder, colon, and prostate cancer treatments may have contributed.

Various pharmaceutical medications frequently have adverse effects on erectile dysfunction (ED). While these drugs may treat an illness or condition, they can also negatively affect a man’s hormones, nervous system, or blood flow, leading to ED or increasing the risk of ED. Do not stop taking medicine if you have ED and suspect it may be related to the drugs you are taking. Contact your doctor if the issue continues; they might be able to recommend an alternative medicine.

ED & Depression

For certain men, erectile dysfunction can coexist with depression (ED). Men with ED frequently experience emotions like rage, frustration, sadness, self-doubt, and even a loss of “manliness.” That could result in low self-esteem and, in extreme circumstances, depression.

The associated depression with ED is curable. Being honest with yourself, your spouse, and your doctor is the first step in addressing your worries about ED-related sadness. Coping with depression will be simpler and less demanding if it is publicly acknowledged.

Your doctor will assess your medical history and complete a physical examination before recommending any testing. You will also be “interviewed” by the doctor on your personal and sexual background. Some of these inquiries could seem invasive since they are so unique. You must provide honest responses to these queries, though. 

Psychosocial History

Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and sexual history or may ask you to complete a questionnaire. Your comments may aid their assessment of the severity of your ED.

Some questions they could ask include:

• When did you first start having ED? Did it start slowly or suddenly?
• Are you having any issues with orgasm, ejaculation, or sexual desire?
• When was the last time you had sex? Has this frequency lately changed?
• How solidly do your erection? Is this influenced by certain circumstances or forms of stimulation?
• Do you have erections during the night or in the morning?
• How is your existing union doing? What goals do you and your partner have for the relationship? Has anything changed recently?
• Have you been under a lot of stress lately?
• What prescription drugs do you now take? Do you use non-prescription medications, alcohol, or tobacco?
• Do you suffer from any underlying illnesses? Have you ever had surgery on your pelvis?

In Final Words

There is growing evidence that ED is associated with obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Steps may be taken to avoid the development of ED in those at risk owing to personal conduct. Other factors, however, might not be prevented.

The suggestions below might aid in preventing ED or treating it if it already exists:

• Adopt a balanced diet. Men with ED can benefit from eating a diet low in saturated fat and high in healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Lower your cholesterol. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and medicine can decrease cholesterol in men. The arteries leading to the penis might stiffen, constrict, or become blocked due to high cholesterol (atherosclerosis).
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Regular exercise Regular physical activity may lower the risk of ED. Exercise lowers your risk of ED and aids in stress management. Choose workouts that you will make a normal part of your day and that you love. Before commencing any workout regimen, consult your doctor.

Curious to start your journey?

Stiff: Solutions for Erectile Dysfunction On-Demand Webinar

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