Erectile Dysfunction
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection enough to have sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include persistent:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire/decreased libido
- Inability to ejaculate
- Premature ejaculation
Causes
There are many potential causes to erectile dysfunction, and the exact reason and cause will vary from person to person. The cause of ED can be physical, emotional, or a combination of the two.
Common causes of erectile dysfunction include:
Physical:
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney disease
- Increased age
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Certain prescription medications
- Tabacco usage
- Sleep disorders
- Low testosterone
- Alcoholism and/or other substance abuse
Emotional:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems
Treatments
Treatments for erectile dysfunction will vary depending on the cause., and the person experiencing it. Common treatment methods are medications, therapy, diet changes, or even certain exercises; in some cases, a combination of treatment methods may be necessary.
When to See a Medical Doctor
Occasional trouble getting or staying hard isn’t uncommon, but persistent and chronic ED is definitely worth speaking to a doctor about. Left untreated, ED can have negative effects psychologically, and on romantic relationships.
A medical professional can diagnose the cause of the ED, so that the proper treatment plan can be made and followed. Everyone is different, so creating a plan with a medical professional that can recommend the best treatment options will be vital to overcoming ED.