Erectile Dysfunctioning - Overview & Treatment

Erectile dysfunctioning (ED) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection to have sexual intercourse. It is a common problem among men all over the world. Statistics show that nearly one in ten men in the world today have erectile problems. In this article, we discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the treatment options available for this problem.

Causes

The most common causes of an erectile disorder include:

• Cardiovascular diseases • Diabetes • High blood pressure • Multiple sclerosis • Hormonal imbalance • Spinal cord injury • Penis injury • Side effects of antihistamines, antidepressants, appetite suppressants, and blood pressure drugs • Depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental problems • Smoking and excessive alcoholism

Symptoms

The symptoms of ED depend on the severity of the problem. In some cases, the person will be able to achieve an erection but will not be able to maintain it long enough to have sexual intercourse. This usually indicates the presence of an erectile problem. In some cases, the person will not be able to achieve an erection at all, despite attempting numerous times. This usually indicates that the problem has worsened considerably.

Decreased sexual drive, slow and weak ejaculation, weak and soft erections, and lack of stamina are some of the common symptoms associated with erectile dysfunctioning.

Diagnosis

In most cases, ED can be diagnosed with the help of a complete physical examination. If the results are not conclusive, laboratory tests may be needed. Standard lab tests for ED include blood counts, lipid profile, urinalysis, tests to measure the amount of liver enzymes and creatinine, and tests to measure the amount of free testosterone in the blood. In some cases, a psychosocial examination may also be needed.

Treatment

Doctors usually suggest oral medications to treat an erectile disorder. PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis can be particularly effective. These drugs, however, have side effects. Moreover, they cannot be taken if the person is already on nitrate medications or alpha blockers.

Injecting certain medications like EDEX directly into the penis can help a person achieve an erection. However, it can sometimes lead to priapism, a condition of prolonged erection that could damage the tissues in the penis. So, it is not considered the best treatment option for erectile dysfunctioning by many.

Surgery is an alternative to drugs and injections. An inflatable penile implant can be surgically implanted into the penis to help the person achieve an erection whenever he wants. A surgery may also be required to remove the obstructions in arteries that block the flow of blood to the penis.

Natural treatment for erectile disorder is also becoming rapidly popular among men these days. Natural remedies that contain powerful herbs, in particular, are preferred by many as they are both safe and effective. These remedies alleviate stress and anxiety, calm the mind, increase the flow of blood, and regulate the process of ejaculation. They improve the sexual health of a person and make him more confident in bed.

Prevention

Erectile problems can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. A well balanced diet, regular physical exercise, and a good work-life balance can help people avoid erectile issues to a great extent. Avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of erectile problems greatly. People with chronic health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure can avoid erectile dysfunctioning by working with their physician and managing their health problems effectively.