One of the most common conditions men face is erectile dysfunction, or the inability for a man to produce and maintain an erect penis that can successfully perform sexual intercourse.
The condition sometimes surfaces when a man is not able to keep an erection during sexual activity, or it may begin as a simple lack of firmness in the erect penis. Although the semi-erect penis may be capable of penetration, over time the erection becomes less firm until it is no longer capable of entering a vagina during sexual intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction can be a short-term issue or a longer-term one. For less severe cases of erectile dysfunction, pills are available that help make the erection firmer and last longer. But there are issues to consider before deciding if these pills used for treatment of erectile dysfunction are appropriate for you.
How do you know if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, can present in several ways, depending on the severity of the condition and how advanced it is.
- The penis gets erect sometimes, but not every time a man wants to have sex.
- The penis gets erect, but it does not last long enough for satisfying sex.
- The penis does not get erect at any time.
These issues can surface in men of any age who are physically capable of achieving an erection, but they are more common in older men. As men age, it is not uncommon for them to achieve fewer erections. Their erections also may not be as firm as they were when they were younger.
ED can be diagnosed by health care professionals, including a primary care doctor and a specialist like a urologist. Although it is common, it’s not something that is associated with the normal process of aging. It is possible that ED could be a sign of some other more serious health condition, so it is important to discuss it with a doctor to determine if there is an underlying health issue that should be addressed.
It may be difficult, even embarrassing, for a man to talk to a healthcare professional about problems he is having with achieving a solid erection and maintaining it. But it is an important discussion that can affect a man’s quality of life, general health, and even his relationships. The fact that so many people now are aware of and discuss erectile dysfunction is making it easier for men to seek help for it.
How common is erectile dysfunction and who is more likely to suffer from it?
Erectile dysfunction, once referred to as male impotence, affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States. The impact of erectile dysfunction can lead to an unfulfilled sex life, the inability to get a partner pregnant, a deterioration of a relationship with a partner, and an increasingly withdrawn personality that can lead to depression and low self-esteem.
The condition can impact males capable of achieving an erection at any age, but there are some common traits of men who are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
- Older men, over 40
- Men with certain diseases or conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease
- Men who takecertain medications
- Men with certain psychological or emotional conditions
- Men who participate in certain lifestyle practices, such as smoking and excessive drinking
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
A number of factors may lead to or contribute to erectile dysfunction in men. There could be factors affecting a man’s vascular system, therefore impacting the flow of blood to the penis. There could be issues related to a man’s endocrine system that cause or contribute to ED. Erectile Dysfunction is often a symptom of a more serious health issue that should be treated by a medical professional.
One thing is clear: erectile dysfunction is not caused by aging, even if it becomes more pronounced as a man ages. This could be because as men age, they begin suffering from a number of medical issues that could lead to or contribute to ED, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Peyronie’s disease
- Response to or injuries from prostate cancer treatments, including radiation therapy and prostate surgery
- Trauma to the penis, prostate, bladder, pelvis, or spinal cord
- Bladder cancer surgery
Erectile dysfunction also can occur as a result of side effects of taking certain medicines. Many common medicines identify ED as a recognized side effect, including:
- Blood pressure medicines
- Antiandrogens, which are medicines used for prostate cancer therapy
- Antidepressants
- Tranquilizers or sedatives, which are prescription medicines to help patients remain calm or sleep
- Appetite suppressants, or medicines that reduce hunger in a man
- Ulcer medicines
Other causes of erectile dysfunction that are not physical
Beyond the physical causes of erectile dysfunction, there are certain psychological or emotional factors that also can contribute to the condition. In some cases, ED can be caused by:
- Psychological fear of sexual failure or disappointment
- General anxiety
- Depression
- Guilt associated with past sexual experiences, disappointments and performance
- General stress
- Stress specific to sexual performance
In addition, there are certain lifestyle behaviors that also can contribute to or exacerbate erectile dysfunction, including:
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking
- Illegal drug use
- Over eating, which leads to being overweight
- Inactive lifestyle, limited physical activity
Which oral treatment can help address ED?
Tadalafil, known as Cialis, is one oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, which can cause an erection. The drug also helps relax the blood vessels in the lungs in patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension, or high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs. Studies have shown that by itself, Cialis is safe for healthy men to take because it does not drop blood pressure to danger lows.
