Erectile Dysfunction
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly referred to as impotence in men. This condition can be explained as the incapability of a man’s penis to achieve an erection or to maintain an erection long enough to last through sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can be of two types – occasional erectile dysfunction and frequent erectile dysfunction.
Occasional Erectile Dysfunction
A number of men, occasionally, or at least once in their life face this kind of erectile dysfunction.The causes for this are stress, mental pressure, or exhaustion.
Frequent Erectile Dysfunction
This kind of erectile dysfunction is more alarming for a man,which is why it needs to be addressed promptly and properly with the help of a medical professional. Underlying health issues are a common cause for erectile dysfunction. While another trigger for erectile dysfunction may be relationship complexity leading to serious psychological and mental impact.
What Are The Symptoms Of Erectile Dysfunction?
The most common signs that you can use to identify erectile dysfunction in a man are:
- Decline in sexual desire or sexual arousal
- Difficulty in achieving an erection
- Trouble in sustaining an erection throughout sexual intercourse
What Causes An Erection?
In medical terms, getting an erection is the condition of sexual arousal where the penis gets swollen due to enhanced blood flow in its blood vessels. The stimulant in action behind this increased blood flow can be some sexual thoughts or directly touching the penis, making it sexually excited.
What Are The Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be caused due to a problem arising at any stage of the erection process. Either emotional or physical, or both, can be possible reasons behind erectile dysfunction.Some of the common causes of erectile dysfunction are:
- smoking or tobacco consumption
- use of recreational drugs
- excessive consumption of alcohol
- anxiety
- high levels of stress
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- hypertension and high blood pressure
- damage from cancer
- old age leading to a decline in sexual function
- hyperlipidemia
- injuriesto the pelvic region
- damage of nerves and blood vessels due tosurgery in the pelvic region
- being overweight or obese
- relationship issues and emotional state
How Can It Be Treated?
Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the root cause of the issue. If the problem is emotional, then you might need to visit a therapist. However, if the problem is an illness, then you need to consult a doctor. In some cases, you might also receive a combination of treatments, including medication, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
Physical and General Health
Focus on curing or at least controlling underlying factors and health concerns such as heart disease and diabetes, which might be causing erectile dysfunction.
Mental and Psychological Health
Consider the options of therapy, counseling, and support groups to help reduce stress levels, anxiety, depression, and other such issues.
Lifestyle and Other Factors
Move towards a healthier lifestyle by doing regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing smoking, quitting the use of recreational drugs, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet. While eating a healthy diet does not directly solve the issue of erectile dysfunction, it does help to control the underlying factors that are causing it.
If you need more information about male sexual health or want to learn more about the treatment options available for erectile dysfunction, then call us on (805) 308-9800, visit us at the Counselling Center for Sexual Health (CCSH), Suite 720, Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village, CA.