A man’s biggest mission in the bedroom is to satisfy his partner. So what happens if he cannot get and maintain an erection? While it can be an embarrassing scenario, you need to know that this happens to a considerable number of men at some point.
However, if it happens many times, then the chances are that you might have erectile dysfunction, often abbreviated as ED. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and maintain an erection for intercourse.
It can be caused by different reasons ranging from psychological to health issues. In this article, we shall expound on the causes as well as viable treatments for the condition.
Causes of ED
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease describes different conditions that affect the heart, such as blood vessel disease, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. If you are suffering from any heart disease, it means that the blood does not comfortably flow throughout the body, and this can consequently cause ED.
2. High Cholesterol
Having too much cholesterol in your bloodstream often creates arterial plaque, impeding proper blood flow. This means that the blood will have a hard time getting to the penile region hence causing ED.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is strongly linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. If the condition is poorly managed, a man will struggle to get blood to the penis even when sexually excited.
4. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure causes the arterial walls to harden and narrow, and this damages them. A man suffering from high blood pressure is twice likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
5. Obesity
Obesity is among the causes of many health conditions. Being obese causes a decline in testosterone production, and this can cause ED. Additionally, it causes strain and damage to the blood vessels, which means that they cannot transport blood easily throughout the body.
6. Stress and Anxiety
While these are psychological conditions, they rank top in the causes for erectile dysfunction. Stress and anxiety alter the brain’s functionality by hindering messages related to sexual function.
7. Depression
Depression is seen as untreated stress and trauma. According to research, it has been discovered that most men suffer from erectile dysfunction when they are depressed. Additionally, the drugs used to manage depression have also been credited with causing ED.
8. Smoking and Alcohol Intake
Smoking alters the circulation of blood in the body. As such, smokers are twice likely to have erectile dysfunction than non-smokers. On the other hand, alcohol is a depressant. If you use it heavily and for a long time, it can dampen your mood, and this will, in turn, reduce the sexual desire and make it hard for a man to get an erection.
Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
Fortunately, erectile dysfunction is treatable. From the above list of possible causes, you notice that most of the strategies require lifestyle changes. Erectile dysfunction treatment must be based on the cause as some are psychological, while others are health-related.
However, before you begin any ED rehabilitation, you must get advice from your primary care physician. Let’s highlight a few viable erectile dysfunction treatment plans that you can use.
- The patient can take ED drugs such as Viagra and Cialis. However, these drugs should be in the right measures as recommended by your doctor.
- If psychological issues cause it, you can always seek psychotherapy (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) for treatment.
- You should try to avoid drinking excessive alcohol or smoking. If you must, it should be in moderation.
- In extreme cases, the doctor can recommend that you go through a surgical operation. A surgeon will implant malleable rods on the sides of the penis to enable you to get an erection.
• The doctor may also recommend that you have a complete lifestyle change, especially if the ED is caused by obesity and unhealthy diets. You must take on the challenge to eat healthily and exercise.
