Erectile dysfunction is a condition that occurs when a man can't achieve or maintain an erection. Even though the condition is more common among older men, erectile dysfunction can affect men of all ages and may be a temporary or long-term problem. Erectile dysfunction can interfere with a man's ability to engage in sexual intercourse and have negative effects on personal relationships and self-confidence. Treatments for erectile dysfunction often work well in correcting the condition and have given many men desirable outcomes.
Erectile Dysfunction Causes
The condition can be caused by physical and psychological problems. Muscle and blood circulation abnormalities are among the leading contributing factors of erectile dysfunction. A traumatic injury to the groin region can further hinder a man's ability to achieve an erection. The condition is seen more often in men who are overweight, engage in drug or alcohol abuse, or use certain medications. Erectile dysfunction is also common among men with low testosterone and older men who have enlarged prostates. Stress, anxiety, and past psychological trauma are among the mental health problems that can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction is the result of an underlying medical problem that needs to be treated for the condition to improve. Some of the more serious health problems that can also cause erectile dysfunction include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Prostate cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Sleep disorders
Treatments
Oral medications, such as Viagra and Stendra, are often prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction and may correct the condition successfully without any additional treatments necessary. Penis pumps can help men achieve erections by increasing blood flow to the penis. An implant may also be surgically implanted into the penis and is generally only recommended when other treatments have failed.
Testosterone is a hormone that is needed by men for sexual functioning. When low testosterone is the likely cause of erectile dysfunction, testosterone hormone replacement therapy can often be an effective treatment. Low T treatments are administered through injections and designed to replenish testosterone to normal levels.
Preventative Measures
Erectile dysfunction may be prevented with certain lifestyle improvements. One of the best ways to prevent the condition is to stop using tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. With weight loss and regular exercise, men can lower their chances of erectile dysfunction by maintaining better blood flow and muscle functioning. Men are also advised to visit their doctors regularly to have any medical conditions that are linked to erectile dysfunction diagnosed and treated. By reducing stress and having any mental health conditions treated, men can achieve and maintain erections easier.
Men who have erectile dysfunction can often be treated successfully and restore full sexual functioning. Doctors who offer ED treatments can often diagnose the exact cause of erectile dysfunction so that the right treatments can be prescribed to achieve the best results.
For more information on erectile dysfunction, contact a doctor near you.
