Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms and Medications

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sex problems in men. It has affected around 30 million men. Erectile dysfunction is defined as the trouble in getting or keeping an erection firm, which is enough for sex. Although it is not rare that men have some problems with erections, it’s quite common from time to time. However, in the ED, the problem continues for a long time. Also, erectile dysfunction can happen: If the blood flow in the penis is limited or the nerves are harmed. Because of some stress or emotional reasons.

It can be an early warning of some more serious illnesses like high blood pressure, high sugar because of diabetes, or atherosclerosis.

Finding the exact cause of ED will help you treat the problem. Also, there is a rule that whatever is good for your health is definitely good for your sexual health.

How erection works

During sexual arousal, men’s nerves release some chemical that improves the blood flow into the penis. The blood flows in the two erection chambers in the penis, which is made up of the spongy muscle tissue called the corpus cavernosum. During the erection, the spongy tissues help to relax and trap the blood, and the blood pressure in the chambers makes the penis firm leading to the erection.

During an orgasm, a second set of nerve signals reach the penis, which causes the muscular tissues present in the penis to contract, the blood is released back into circulation, and the erection comes out. Men have generally noticed that when they are not sexually active or involved, their penis soften and limp. Also, the size of the penis varies with warmth, cold, or in stressful situations. It is completely normal and reflects the balance of blood coming into and leaving the penis.

Symptoms

Erectile Dysfunction is a situation where it is difficult to get or keep a firm erection suitable for sexual activity. If ED becomes a persistent and troublesome issue, your healthcare expert, physician, or Urologist can provide assistance. Erectile Dysfunction can be an early indicator of cardiovascular problems, as it may suggest the presence of blockages in a man’s vascular system. Research has shown that men with ED are at a heightened risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or circulatory issues in the legs.

Additionally, ED can lead to other complications in men’s like:

• Depression
• Low self-confidence
• Distress for a partner

Remember, if ED is impacting you and your relationship, you must seek medical help and get some proper treatment.

Causes

Erectile dysfunction can result in health problems, emotional issues, or because of both. Some of the most common risky factors are:

• Being 50 or older
• Having high blood sugar (Diabetes)
• Having high blood pressure
• Having heart disease
• Having high cholesterol
• Smoking
• Substance abuse or excessive alcohol use
• Being overweight
• Lack of physical activity

ED is common as men age, and erections become slow, but this does not mean that growing old is always going to cause ED. It is seen that some men are too much sexually active in their 80s. However, ED can be an early sign of some of the most serious health illnesses, and finding the correct treatment is the very first step toward the cure.

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Here are some listed physical causes of the Erectile dysfunction:

Lack of enough blood flow into the penis: Because of so many health issues, including heart-related illness, high blood sugar, and smoking, the flow of blood into the penis is reduced.

The penis cannot trap the blood during an erection: This is just a part of body function. If blood cannot stay in the penis, a man cannot maintain an erection, and it can naturally happen at any age.

The nerve signals from the CNS do not reach the penis: Because some injury, disease, or surgery near the pelvis region can harm the nerves of the penis. Because of diabetes, some small vessels, or due to nerve damage to the penis.

Cancer treatment near the pelvis: The treatment of cancer includes surgery and radiation in the lower abdomen or pelvis, which results in erectile dysfunction. Men who have undergone treatment for prostate, colon-rectal, or bladder cancer may experience erectile dysfunction. Cancer survivors should consult a Urologist for issues related to their sexual health.

Drugs used to treat other health illnesses: You must discuss with your healthcare expert the side effects of the drugs.

Emotional cause of Erectile Dysfunction

For normal sex, the coordination of the body and brain is required. If you have a healthy relationship, your sexual relationship will go smoothly, but because of emotional or other relationship problems, erectile dysfunction can be caused and worsen.

Some of the most emotional causes that result in erectile dysfunction are:

• Anxiety and Depression
• Work or home-related stress
• Stress because of any social, religious, or cultural conflicts
• Relationship conflicts
• Worry about sex performance.

Prevention

Yes, preventing the erectile dysfunction is in your hands. You need to work on some factors to prevent ED.

• Improving your cholesterol levels.
• Engaging in more physical activity, particularly cardiovascular exercises like running, jogging, or cycling.
• Maintaining a healthy weight for your body.
• Obtaining high-quality sleep.
• Consuming nutritious foods low in saturated fats, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Quitting smoking.
• Decreasing or stopping alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis

Determining the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction (ED) will guide the appropriate treatment approach. The diagnostic process typically involves your healthcare provider asking questions about your cardiovascular health and the nature of your erection issues, as well as conducting a physical examination, ordering lab tests, or referring you to a urologist for further evaluation.

Health and erectile dysfunction history

Your healthcare expert will inquire about your medical history and daily habits. Sharing information about any medications, smoking, or alcohol consumption is highly valuable. They will also ask about recent stressors in your life. Communicating openly with your provider and will enable them to suggest the most suitable treatment options for you.

Physical exam

A physical exam determines your overall health. The examination and focus on the genitals, that is penis and testicles, is done to check the erection. Also, based on your age and certain other risk factors, the exam may focus on your cardiovascular system, such as your heart, peripheral pulses, and blood pressure. Depending on your age and family history, your doctor may perform a rectal exam to examine the prostate. These tests are not painful. Most people suffering from ED do not require extensive testing before starting treatment.

Lab tests              

In some cases, your physician may suggest blood tests and collect a urine sample to examine the condition.

Treatment/ medications

The treatment of ED starts when you start to take care of your heart and vascular health. In such a situation, you may asked to change some specific habits, foods, smoking, increased workout, or to stop consuming alcohol and drugs. Your physician may also suggest some other ways to treat your emotional problems. These may stem from relationship issues, stressful life, anxiety, etc.

Oral Drugs (PDE5 inhibitors)

Oral medications called PDE type-5 inhibitors enhance penile blood flow and are the only FDA-approved oral treatments for erectile dysfunction in the United States. These include Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Levitra (vardenafil HCl), Cialis (tadalafil), and Stendra (avanafil).                

Let’s discuss them separately:

Viagra: Viagra is primarily used for the cure of erectile dysfunction in men. It functions by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and helping to improve the blood flow in particular areas of the body. It is also useful in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension and helps to improve exercise capacity in both genders (men and women).

Levitra: It belongs to the class of drugs called PDE inhibitors. Vardenafil works by relaxing the muscles found in the walls of the blood vessels and improving the flow of blood near pelvic areas. Levitra enhances blood circulation to the penis during sexual arousal, which can lead to an erection. Also, you must know that Levitra does not cure ED or increase sexual desire, as well as the drug does not prevent pregnancy and STDs like HIV.

Cialis: It also works as Viagra by improving the blood flow. It is used to cure impotence and the signs of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Stendra: It also works the same as the above medicine, but you must remember that a woman or a child should not consume Stendra. For the best response, use these drugs an hour before or two hours before performing the sex. Also, always consult with an expert before using any of these drugs and take them exactly as prescribed.

Conclusion                   

Erectile dysfunction is not anyone’s choice, but if you are someone suffering from ED, you must take some essential steps to find a better cure. Your sex life is a kind of relaxation for you, and if it does not work properly, it will impact your overall mood. Poor sexual performance can create so many problems, including bad relationships. You must consult with an expert about it and find the best treatment for yourself.