What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? Symptoms and Treatments for ED
While erectile dysfunction isn’t uncommon, it is something that a lot of men feel hesitant to talk about or discuss until they may be experiencing it themselves. There are many times that even if you have a pre-existing condition, however, that erectile dysfunction may be preventable. In this article, we’ll take a look at the symptoms, causes, treatments and possible preventative measures for this condition.
Contents
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction otherwise referred to as impotence or the abbreviation ED is the inability to gain and maintain an erection rigid enough to have sex.
Having trouble gaining an erection occasionally isn't necessarily a problem. If erectile dysfunction is a continuing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and possibly lead to problems with sexual relationships. There may be other underlying health issues that may be contributing to problems getting or keeping an erection that should be investigated.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
The main symptoms of erectile dysfunction are the following:
- Difficulty gaining an erection
- Problems maintaining an erection
- The loss of sex drive or libido
As mentioned above, there are times when these may occur naturally for a brief amount of time and this can be perfectly normal. If this persists for a long period of time or you are concerned then you should start by seeing a doctor. Consider seeing a doctor especially if you have the following:
- You have heart disease, diabetes, or other known preexisting health conditions that may be linked to erectile dysfunction issues.
- You are worried about problems with your erections or you've been experiencing other sexual difficulties (e.g. premature or delayed ejaculation).
If you want to learn more about the general causes of ED, you can check out our other blog on how to try to prevent erectile dysfunction here.
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
If you visit a medical professional you may need to undergo several procedures to check whether you have erectile dysfunction issues in conjunction with any of the previous conditions. This may include physical exams, and blood and urine tests among others.
Once you have been diagnosed, depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction (especially when linked to any underlying health conditions), you may have various treatment options. This can include anything from oral medicines to something like a healthier diet and exercise in order to reduce blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Your doctor should be able to explain both the risks and benefits of the various treatments that may be on offer and should be able to take into consideration your thoughts.
Summary
It’s important to remember that ED is a much more common condition than you’d think, just that it’s not often. If you’re encountering symptoms of erectile dysfunction, you should visit a doctor and discuss these concerns as soon as possible. That way, they can help to rule out any underlying causes and advise how best to treat these symptoms.
