Unfortunately, many men are hesitant to report erectile dysfunction (ED) to their partner or physician due to social stigmas associated with bedroom performance. The inability to maintain an erection, also known as ED, is far more common than the general public realizes and has a significant impact on men’s health. According to a Johns Hopkins study, nearly 18 million males over the age of 20 in the United States have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a type of male sexual dysfunction marked by the inability to maintain a firm enough erection for sexual intercourse.
While most men will occasionally struggle to maintain a healthy erection during sexual intercourse, ED is only considered a plausible medical cause for these symptoms if erection difficulties have been bothering a man for a long time. When blood flow to the two chambers of the penis, known as the corpora cavernosa, is interrupted or restricted for whatever reason, ED can occur.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION CAUSES
Men all over the world suffer from erectile dysfunction due to a variety of factors, including physical, psychological, and emotional factors. Many of them are looking for a long-term natural ED cure.
What is the origin of ED? Impotence can be caused by a variety of physiological and psychosocial factors. Age is frequently a factor in the development of erectile dysfunction; however, your chronological age is not entirely responsible for the development of ED. ED is most commonly experienced by men over the age of 40 due to a lack of blood supply to the penis caused by blood vessel narrowing.
This can occur for a number of reasons, including:
INADEQUATE CIRCULATION
The most common cause of ED is a lack of blood supply to the erectile tissue. Plaque and damaged arteries can severely restrict circulation, impairing function. Symptoms typically begin with difficulty maintaining an erection before progressing to an inability to obtain one entirely.
HORMONE IMBALANCES
The natural decline in testosterone and another hormone synthesis with age may interfere with erections. Kidney failure and liver disease may, in rare cases, disrupt the hormonal balance required for healthy erection and intercourse. In most cases, testosterone replacement therapy can return hormone levels to normal.
OBESITY OR LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
An active lifestyle can help with weight control, stress, anxiety, and depression, which can all help with other conditions and reduce the likelihood of developing ED. Fat accumulation in the body may cause a decrease in active testosterone levels. Furthermore, being overweight can lead to cardiovascular problems, which have been linked to ED.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
More than two drinks per day are thought to increase the risk of ED. Alcohol can lower testosterone levels, reduce blood flow to the penis, and cause nerve and chemical abnormalities. Low testosterone levels caused by alcohol or drug use can also affect your libido and performance, potentially leading to additional psychological ED issues.
SMOKING
Tobacco use may cause artery hardening, limiting blood flow to the penis. Another risk factor for erectile dysfunction is smoking, which causes oxidative stress. Fortunately, quitting smoking has been shown to reduce many of the ED risks associated with the habit.
CYCLING AND HORSEBACK RIDING
The pressure applied to the pelvic floor during these exercises has the potential to cause nerve and vascular damage, leading to erection problems.
APNEA WITH SLEEVING
According to a German study, 69% of males with sleep apnea also had ED. Breathing interruptions during sleep reduce blood oxygen levels, making it difficult to generate an erection. Sleep deprivation also disrupts hormone production.
DIFFICULTIES PHYSICAL
Both in and out of the bedroom, stress can make it difficult for a man to achieve an erection. Depression, anxiety, and the medications used to treat them can all aggravate impotence.
LITTLE CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol can cause damage to the linings of blood vessels all over the body, including the penis. High cholesterol blockages or plaques that obstruct blood flow can prevent erectile tissue from filling with blood. A healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as regular exercise, can help to manage these levels and lower the risk of developing ED. Doctors may also prescribe medications to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
METABOLIC SYNDROME is a metabolic condition (METS)
MetS refers to a group of diseases that can result in ED. MetS is distinguished by five symptoms: hypertension, elevated fasting glucose levels, elevated triglycerides, central obesity, and low HDL cholesterol levels. MetS causes inflammation and hormonal imbalances, both of which can lead to ED. Dietary changes, testosterone replacement, medications, and bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, are all options for MetS treatment.
HYPERTENSION
ED affects 30-50% of hypertensive males. Hypertension can impair erectile tissue function. Several medications for the disease can also cause ED. However, there is evidence that ED becomes less likely if proper blood pressure management is regained, particularly in individuals on medication.
DIABETES
35-90% of diabetic males suffer from ED. Hyperglycemia can impair several aspects of erectile function. Diabetes complications and changes can put macrovascular and microvascular tissues, the nervous system, and blood vessel linings at risk.
EXERCISE AND A HEALTHY DIET REDUCE THE RISK
According to one study, strict glycemic control may reduce the risk of ED in diabetic men.
As a result, a number of erectile dysfunction therapies with varying efficacy and side effects have been developed.
EDUCATION MEDICATIONS
Pharmaceuticals are among the most commonly used erectile dysfunction treatment options. Vidalista 20 (Tadalafil) and Cenforce 150 (Sildenafil) are well-known and have an 80% success rate. These drugs are classified as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5) because they temporarily enable an erection but are not suitable for long-term erection maintenance.
Prescriptions are heavily relied upon and must be taken anywhere from 15 minutes to 36 hours before sexual activity begins, reducing spontaneity and often promoting reliance.
This approach is usually not recommended for men who use nitrate pharmaceuticals or alpha-blockers, and all medications, including over-the-counter herbs and vitamins, should be discussed with your doctor to avoid negative interactions. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors include headache, flushing, runny nose, stomach discomfort, back pain, indigestion, visual abnormalities, and dizziness.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction does not have to be difficult.