What is Erectile Dysfunction?

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough in order to engage in sexual intercourse. Another common name is impotence. Many men experience erectile dysfunction when stressed and/or in an unhealthy relationship. While occasional erectile dysfunction is very normal, frequent occurrences can be a sign of health problems that may need to be treated by a professional.

Other common male sexual dysfunctions include:

• low sex-drive
• premature ejaculation
• delayed or complete inability to ejaculate

 Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

How do you know if you may have erectile dysfunction? If you regularly experience symptoms such as trouble getting an erection and/or keeping an erection throughout the duration of sexual intercourse, you could have erectile dysfunction. Oftentimes, a low-sex drive can go hand in hand with other symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

If any of your symptoms have lasted longer than two months, you should consider seeing a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems that could require treatment.

 Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are a many different causes for erectile dysfunction, including health problems as well as emotional/physical disorders.

Some common causes are:

• diabetes
• cardiovascular disease
• obesity
• stress
• anxiety
• drug/alcohol use
• smoking
• increased age (men aged 50+ are more likely to experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction)

Because erectile dysfunction can be caused by more than one thing, it’s important to talk to your doctor in order to rule out/treat any underlying health conditions.

 Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

There are many options for treating your erectile dysfunction. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to help manage the symptoms such as Viagra, Stendra or Caverject. These medications stimulate blood flow to the penis which in turn treats erectile dysfunction.

You can also find a few over-the-counter medications, which not only stimulates blood flow but also increases sensitivity. Some medicine is also available without a prescription on online pharmacies.

 Alternative Treatments/Therapies

For those interested in natural remedies, many herbs and supplements have been used to varying degrees of success in treating erectile dysfunction. These include L-arginine (an amino acid supplement), ginseng (a root renowned for treating a wide variety of ailments) and DHEA (a hormone naturally produced by the human body).

Another common treatment for erectile dysfunction is traditional “talk therapy”. Because psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD are common causes for erectile dysfunction, many patients benefit from talking to a therapist.

If stress is deemed the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction, consider yoga or massage as a treatment option. Some patients also find acupuncture to help relieve symptoms of erectile dysfunction, although studies are largely inconclusive.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Permanent?

In many cases of erectile dysfunction, symptoms can be mostly if not entirely reversed. Sometimes a simple lifestyle change, such as adding healthier foods and moderate exercise to your daily routine, can be enough to eliminate the issue. Many medications and treatments are available, so don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about any symptoms of erectile dysfunction you are experiencing.