It is estimated that between 18 and 30 million men in the United States are affected by Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence. Aging and concomitant other medical problems such as atherosclerotic vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, and cigarette smoking are associated with a higher prevalence of ED. It’s important to talk openly to a doctor about any problems you have with sexual functioning. Even if you don’t want to have sex, erectile dysfunction might be a symptom of a medical condition, so it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. For many, this is a sensitive issue to discuss, but you won’t be the first patient to appear in a doctor’s rooms needing help with erection problems.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man cannot get or keep an erection. The condition prevents the man from having sex or finishing sex. This condition used to be called impotence. ED can occur at any age, but it is more common in men older than 75 years of age. ED doesn’t have to be a part of getting older. As a man ages, he may need more stimulation (stroking and touching) to get an erection. He might also need more time between erections. Older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex. It is important to understand that in most cases, ED is a symptom of another, underlying problem. ED is not considered normal at any age, and may be associated with other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as lack of desire and problems with orgasm and ejaculation.
What Are The Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction?
Many things can affect your ability to get and keep an erection. When erectile dysfunction happens, there might be several contributing issues, and it’s usually a combination of physical and psychological factors. Sometimes, there’s no clear reason for erectile dysfunction. However, in most cases there’s a physical problem behind it. While the causes of ED are varied, it’s always best to contact your doctor as there are plenty of treatment options available, depending on what is causing your ED. Causes include:
- Urological problems, such as Peyronie’s disease and pelvic trauma.
- Use of drugs, alcohol and some medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, and prostate cancer.
- Reduced blood-flow, sometimes resulting from a narrowing of the arteries
- Psychosocial problems, such as performance anxiety, stress, mental health issues, and relationship problems
- Interference with nerve function caused by spinal cord trauma, multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, pelvic surgery, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease
- Problems with blood vessel function, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and sleep apnoea
- Hypogonadism, such as Klinefelter syndrome, which is a condition where the testes are not able to make enough testosterone or sperm
- Additional problems that can cause erectile dysfunction include thyroid disease, growth hormone conditions, and an excess of cortisone.
What Are The Alternatives of Viagra That Many Doctors Are Recommending?
Although Viagra is considered to be the most common medication for ED, there are quite a few on the market. They all work by improving blood flow to the penis so that you can get and maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Other prescription medications used to treat ED include:
- Vardenafil (Staxyn): Staxyn differs from the other ED drugs in that you don’t swallow it with water. The tablet is placed on your tongue and allowed to dissolve. You should do this about an hour before sexual activity. You shouldn’t crush or split the tablet. It can be taken with or without meals, but not with liquids. The tablets contain 10 mg of medication that shouldn’t be taken more than once a day.
- Tadalafil (Cialis): Cialis is an oral tablet that starts to work about half an hour after you take it. It can improve erectile function for up to 36 hours. The starting dose is 10 milligrams (mg), but it can be increased or decreased as necessary. You take it as needed, but never more than once a day. Cialis can be taken with or without food. There’s also a once-a-day version. These 2.5-mg tablets must be taken at the same time every day.
- Vardenafil (Levitra): You should take Levitra about one hour before sexual activity. The starting dose is usually 10 mg. You shouldn’t take it more than one in a day. These oral tablets can be taken with or without food.
- Avanafil (Stendra): Stendra comes in 50, 100, and 200-mg tablets. You take it about 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity, but never more than once a day. It can be taken with or without food.
- Penile self-injections: Certain medications, such as alprostadil (Caverject), papaverine, and phentolamine (Regitine), can be injected directly into the side or base of the penis. These can help achieve or maintain an erection for up to 40 minutes. They work by expanding the blood vessels.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): DHEA is a hormone made by the human body. It’s a building block for testosterone. According to a study published in Urology, this supplement may be able to help men whose ED is related to having low testosterone.
- L-arginine and yohimbine hydrochloride: Yohimbine hydrochloride, also known as yohimbine, is an approved treatment for ED. The combination of L-arginine and yohimbine hydrochloride found the treatment shows some promise. However, the study showed that the treatment is meant only for mild to moderate ED.
How Can You Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?
The following recommendations may help prevent ED or improve the problem if it is already present:
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise may reduce the risk of ED. Choose exercises that you enjoy and will make a regular part of your day. In addition to reducing the risk of ED, exercise also can help you manage stress. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet that limits saturated fat intake and includes several portions of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can benefit men with ED.
- Reduce cholesterol. High cholesterol can harden, narrow or block the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the penis. Men can lower cholesterol through diet, exercise and medication.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
ED can cause strain on a couple. Many times, men won’t get into sexual situations because they are embarrassed. In turn, their partner may feel rejected or inadequate. It’s important to talk openly with your partner. Some couples may get treatment for ED together. Other men prefer to get treatment without their partner’s knowledge. Not talking about it is the main barrier to getting treatment. The loss of erectile function can have a profound effect on a man. The good news is that ED can often be treated safely and effectively. Feeling embarrassed about ED may prevent many men from getting the medical care they need. This can delay diagnosis and treatment of more serious underlying conditions. ED itself is often linked to an underlying problem such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, or other health conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have problems with ED. Help is available.
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