Many men across the world suffer from erectile dysfunction. No one likes to talk about it, but you need to inform yourself as well as possible. When you know the reason why ED happens, you will have an easier time preventing it. Here is everything you need to know about ED, and how you can free yourself from it.
All About Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is something that happens to many men across the world. Statistics show that, with each decade, the percentage of men experiencing some form of ED increases by ten percent. Approximately sixty percent of men over the age of sixty have ED at least in some form.
However, what exactly is erectile dysfunction? Male impotence or ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection. Of course, if it happens a couple of times, it is usually harmless and doesn’t mean that the person has a serious problem. Furthermore, some people have lower libido or sex drive, and that is a completely different thing. The inability to have sex and not being interested in sex are completely different. The former might be considered a problem, while the latter is perfectly fine as long as the person is okay with it.
There are three main symptoms of ED — a person has problems getting an erection as well as maintaining it, and they experience lower sexual desire. Lower libido can be a sign of ED, but it is possible to have a lower sex drive without ED.
What Causes the Condition?
There are many different reasons why a person might experience erectile dysfunction or ED. Usually, these causes can be divided into two categories. The first one is psychological, and the second one is physical.
Physical causes may involve injuries, specifically, injury to the penis or spinal cord. Furthermore, it can be a side effect of a treatment for prostate cancer. But ED can be a sign of a more serious disease as well. It can be related to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and others.
When it comes to psychological causes, one of the most common problems is sexual anxiety. A person is not able to perform due to anxiety, and it is often related to concerns about body image. Moreover, wondering whether you will be able to satisfy your partner, or if your dimensions are enough can only lead to more pressure and inability to have an erection.
Other problems include stress, depression, alcoholism, smoking, drug abuse, fatigue, and so on. However, regardless of your age, if you have problems with ED, you should talk to your doctor. It might be a warning sign of some underlying condition. Even if that’s not the case, they might suggest some kind of ED treatment that will help you improve not only your sex life but your overall health as well.
Possible Treatments for the Condition
There are several possible treatment options, and they are mostly based on the root of the problem. Treating ED usually means fixing the problem that causes it, and it can differ from case to case. For some, ED can be treated by focusing on a healthy lifestyle. This includes diets, exercise, and reducing harmful substances like tobacco or alcohol. Of course, if there is a serious medical condition that causes the ED, your doctor will focus on it instead. Based on the condition, you might need to use different medications and prioritize improving your health.
If the problem is related to low testosterone levels, a person will need to go to a testosterone replacement therapy. It is quite safe, and one of the easiest ways to return the hormone levels to normal.
Aside from medication and change in habits, there are other options that are a bit less popular. The first one includes sex toys like vacuum pumps. These pumps are designed to improve blood flow and “force” it into the penis. You can find these devices at your local pharmacy.
Finally, some men opt for penile implants as a way of treating ED. We mentioned before that almost half of all older men have some form of erectile dysfunction, but complete impotence is not that frequent. Penile implants or prosthetics are among the most effective methods available, but most people will consider them only as a last resort.
Lowering the Risks of Erectile Dysfunction
If you fall into the younger men category, you might want to focus on avoiding risk factors or treating the problem before it appears. Fortunately, there are many different ways to lower the risks of ED. Everyone will agree that preventing the problem is so much easier than treating it. Here’s what you can do to increase your chances of avoiding such problems.
Firstly, if you are a smoker, you should quit. You probably heard it time and again how smoking is harmful, but it can also increase the odds of erectile dysfunction. So it is just one of the many benefits that you will notice if you decide to quit this dangerous habit.
Furthermore, while you are improving your general health, eating properly should be your next concern. This means that you should avoid foods with high levels of fat and sodium. Instead, choose whole-grain food, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. It will help you avoid ED, as well as keep your blood pressure under control. Needless to say, alcohol is another thing you should avoid at all costs.
Changing your lifestyle is similar to the treatment methods we mentioned, and it involves being physically active. So go to the gym, exercise, keep your weight in check, and avoid stress. We all know that the last thing is easier said than done, but you need to keep your mind healthy as well. Stress and anxiety can lead to many problems besides ED, and you should find a way to relax as much as you can.