Quick overview
This blog explains erectile disorder, a condition where a man is unable to maintain erection during sex. It covers the causes, symptoms, risk factors, lifestyle changes and more that can help to cure erectile disorder.
What is Erectile Disorder?
Erectile disorder or erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse or other desired sexual activity. Erection occurs through complex interactions between brains, hormones, blood vessels, nerves, problems affecting any of these systems can contribute to the condition.
Erectile disorder is most common in males, commonly reported to healthcare providers as men age and develop other health issues. It affects over 50% of males aged between 40-70. And most of the male don’t seek treatment due to embarrassment or shame.
Symptoms
The symptoms are:
- Difficulty in achieving erection during sexual activity
- Reduced sexual desires
- Anxiety or stress related to sexual performance
- Only sometimes getting erection before sexual activity
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
There are many possible causes for erectile disorder that may cause the problem. Those are:
- Cardiovascular problems: Healthy blood vessels are important as the penis needs proper blood flow for erection. Conditions like high BP, cholesterol and heart problems may contribute to ED.
- Diabetes: Healthy blood flow and nerve function are important for erections. Diabetes can damage both and could be the major reason for the condition.
- Hormonal problems: Males with low testosterone, thyroid problems or other abnormalities might affect the sexual desires and erectile function.
- Medications: People do consume several medicines and sometimes its side effects could be the major reasons for ED.
- Lifestyle factors: Consumption of excessive alcohol or cigarettes may lead to the condition. Also, poor sleep and stress can negatively affect sexual health.
Types of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile disorder has been categorised into following categories:
- Vascular ED: It affects the blood vessels that send blood to tissues in the penis which helps in maintaining the erection.
- Neurogenic ED: It is associated with nerve problems which sends signals from the brain to the penis to create an erection.
- Psychogenic ED: It involves psychological conditions such as behaviour, thoughts, etc which may contribute to ED.
- Hormonal ED: It happens as a result of testosterone deficiency or thyroid issues.
Are Erectile Dysfunction And Infertility Same?
No, erectile dysfunction and infertility are not the same. Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to maintain or get an erection in sexual activity, whereas infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Diagnosis
Doctors will review your medical conditions and ask some questions like sexual history, morning erections, when did the problem start, lifestyle and more. Upon this, doctors may suggest tests like:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Blood test
- Diabetes test
- Cholesterol testing
- Hormone testing
Treatment
Treatment of erectile disorder depends on identifying the cause of it. Based on that, doctors recommend several ways and medications which help in the treatment. The treatment may include:
- Lifestyle: Improving lifestyle can help in the treatment. These changes include:
- Quitting smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Regular exercise
- Get proper sleep
- Manage stress
- Oral medications: Doctors suggest several medicines to the patients after reviewing the problem which helps in improving the blood flow to the penis when sexual stimulation occurs.
- Counselling: Counselling or sex therapy might play a major role in improvement. Talking about it with someone you trust or the therapists might help a lot.
When To See A Doctor
You should consult a doctor if you are facing erection problems continuously from the last several weeks and are affecting your personal and professional life both. And also if you notice some unusual changes in your sexual desire.
Questions To Ask To Doctor
- How to know if I have erectile dysfunction?
- Can I still get orgasm if I have erectile disorder?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- How much time can it take to cure it?
- What is causing my erectile dysfunction?
Additional Common Questions
How does it feel when you don’t get an erection?
It can cause you several emotions at once. It might lead you to embarrassment, shame, frustration, guilt and even more. But the good point is that it is treatable and you don’t have to live with these feelings. ED is very common in males and it does not reflect your worth as a person.
What if my partner has erectile disorder?
ED is a sensitive topic for many. Some of the tips might help your partner overcome this:
- Open communication: Tell how you feel about them and their well-being. Find proper time to talk and make sure that they are not insecure about this.
- Encourage healthy habits: Focus on the benefits of regular exercise, balanced diet, meditation and more.
- Express your feelings: There are more ways that enhance intimacy such as kissing, physical touches, good listening, spending time with them and more.
People can consult the doctors at the best IVF centre in Karnal, where every patient is treated properly and without judging. The hospitality behaviour is what is seen at the centres, where patients talk about their problems without hesitating.
Myth vs facts
Myth: Erectile disorder only affects older men.
Fact: It affects people of all age groups. It generally increases the risk with age.
Myth: Erectile dysfunction means a man is infertile.
Fact: Infertility and erectile dysfunction are both different. ED affects erections, while infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy.
Myth: ED is caused by lack of sexual desires.
Fact: A man can have sexual desires but still might have problems in maintaining erection.
Myth: Herbal or natural medicines are always safe for treatment.
Fact: Some supplements include undisclosed ingredients. It’s better to seek medical advice before use.
Conclusion
Erectile disorder is a common and treatable condition. Assessing it at an early stage could help in treating faster with lifestyle changes, medical treatment, balanced diet, regular exercise and more. Occasional erection difficulties are normal, but it should not be ignored if it is regular. Men experiencing erection difficulties should consult doctors instead of depending on unverified supplements and self-medication.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
- What is erectile disorder?
It is the inability to maintain or get an erection for sexual intercourse.
2. What are the common causes of ED?
High BP, cholesterol, stress, anxiety, excessive alcohol consumption and more could be the major causes.
3. Can Erectile dysfunction be treated?
Yes. Change in the lifestyle, medical treatments, counseling can help in treating the condition.
4. Are erectile dysfunction medicines for everyone?
No, ED medicines are not suitable for everyone. One should always consult doctors before consuming any medicine.
