What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED): See Its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Erectile dysfunction is also known as impotence. It is a type of sexual dysfunction that is basically characterized by an inability to maintain the erection of the penis during sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction is also known as impotence. It is a type of sexual dysfunction that is basically characterized by an inability to maintain the erection of the penis during sexual intercourse.

Since the 1990s, erectile dysfunction has been recognized as a common issue in many men. More than 30 million men in the United States have erectile dysfunction (ED).

If ED is an issue, it may affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Hence, it's very important to open up about the issue with the specialist and get effective treatment in time.

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile Dysfunction is simply characterized by repeated and consistent problem sustaining an erection during sexual activity.

However, ED is only considered a concern if the person feels unable to show satisfactory sexual performance on a number of occasions for sometimes.

Impotence is very common, especially in men over 40. There's nothing to worry about the issue, however, if it's too frequent, visit the specialist and get better treatment in time.

Signs and Symptoms

You may have ED if you face the following issues regularly:

• Difficulty getting an erection
• Trouble maintaining an erection during sexual activities
• Reduced interest in sex

Some other sexual disorders associated with ED include:

• Premature ejaculation
• Delayed ejaculation, and 
• Anorgasmia (the inability to achieve orgasm after ample stimulation)

If you people face any of the above-mentioned symptoms lasting two or more months you should necessarily visit a doctor.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

There are many causes behind ED that involved the brain, hormones, blood vessels, muscles, and emotions.

ED can be a result of physical and phycological issues. 

Moreover, ED can be the result of any of the causes mentioned below:

Physical Causes of ED

In many cases, ED is caused by some physical causes. Some of them are:

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Clogged blood vessel (atherosclerosis)
• Metabolic disturbance
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sleep disorders
• Injuries and surgeries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord

Psychological Causes 

The brain plays an important role in activating a series of physical events that cause feelings of sexual excitement. A number of psychological causes include:

• Stress
• Depression, anxiety and other mental issues.
• Relationship issues and poor communication

What Causes an Erection?

Erection is the result of increased blood flow into the penis. Blood flow in the genital region is stimulated by sexual thoughts or physical contact.

When a person becomes sexually excited, muscles in the penis relax. The condition allows increased blood flow through the penile arteries.

When the two chambers called the corpora cavernosa gets filled with blood, the penis grows rigid, thus erection occurs. Erection ends when the muscle contract and the accumulated blood flows back through the penile veins.

ED can happen because of issues at any stage of erection process. It can be caused due to damaged penile arteries to open properly and let the blood in.

Treatment and Precautions

Treatment for ED basically depends on the underlying cause. The combination of treatment methods including medication, lifestyle change, and therapies can play an effective role.

Your doctor may suggest and prescribe different medications depending on the conditions and symptoms observed. 

The medications mentioned below can have certain side effects. Hence, consult a doctor if you experience some side effects of medications.

Some medications stimulating blood flow to your penis are:

• Alprostadil (Caverject)
• Avanafil (Stendra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Testosterone (Androderm)
• Vardenafil (Levitra)
• Sildenafil (Viagra)

For some, natural remedies may help to treat ED. The following herbs and supplements have been proven successful supplements for the treatment of ED:

• L-arginine
• DHEA
• Ginseng
• Yohimbe
• Asparagus racemosus

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices. For the existing psychological causes of ED, you can get therapies that can help you manage your mental health.

You can avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or use of illegal drugs. Visit your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.

For better result perform yogas and regular exercise in the morning. Maintain good relationship and communication with your sexual partner for your sexual well-being.