Erectile Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Erectile dysfunction and erectile dissatisfaction are frustrating, but take solace in knowing these conditions are not uncommon. Erectile dysfunction affects more than 30 million American men and many don’t understand how or why it happens.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction symptoms typically include persistent:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble sustaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Sexual arousal in men is a complex process and involves several moving parts like the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. If any one of these is compromised, it could mean trouble in the bedroom. A combination of physical and physiological issues can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Common physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Low Testosterone
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription medications
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Peyronie’s disease (scar tissue inside the penis)
- Substance abuse
- Sleep apnea
- Certain surgeries or injuries
- Treatments for prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate
Common physiological causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship issues
At one time or another all men will experience erectile dysfunction. If the problem becomes persistent, or becomes a source of distress for you or your partner, it’s important to seek medical advice and treatment.
Treatment options for erectile dysfunction
If you believe you have erectile dysfunction talk to your doctor. Your treatment may vary depending on what’s causing it. For example, there may be an underlying condition that’s causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will need to perform certain tests (e.g., physical exam, blood test, urine test, ultrasound and physiological exam) to identify the exact cause. Here are possible treatment options:
- Oral Medications
Oral medications like Viagra, Adcirca, Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn or Stendra may be used to treat erectile dysfunction. These medications work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes the muscles in your penis. - Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
It is natural for a man’s testosterone levels to decline with age, but it can be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can involve intramuscular testosterone injections, testosterone patches or a topical testosterone gel. - Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment
Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment is a nonsurgical solution that uses high-frequency acoustic waves to open existing blood vessels, stimulate growth of new blood vessels and decrease miscro-plaques. - Surgery
If other treatment options aren’t effective or appropriate for you, your doctor may recommend surgery and/or penile implants. These options are only recommended as a last resort.
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