More than 30 million men worldwide reported difficulty in staying erect in bed while having sex, and the reason? Erectile Dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men is one of the most common sex problems nowadays. Here, the male partner faces challenges with erection and can’t get a hard dick in the moment of sexual intercourse.
Generally, this condition happened to men aged 40 or above. However, physical injury, psychological conditions, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to male sexual dysfunction. In addition, if the issue is persistent, treating underlying health issues can effectively treat the intimate problems.
Fortunately, we can treat impotence in men with advanced technology, medication, and personalized care. If you are also experiencing the issue and feeling embarrassed in your sexual life, then consult a medical professional and treat erectile dysfunction as early as possible.
An experienced urologist and healthcare professionals can identify the root cause of the problem and help you with the best treatment. Treating intimacy issues like ED can help you enjoy every moment of a relationship, and you can regain confidence in bed.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition in men where. It refers to the problem of obtaining or sustaining an erection in sexual activity. Men cannot stay erect when it requires the most.
Occasional erection problems are common and often nothing to worry about. However, a frequent erectile disorder in sexual intercourse can impact your confidence and may ruin your relationships.
ED is not just a physical issue; it frequently intertwines with emotional and psychological factors and triggers stress, anxiety, and depression.
You feel frustrated and inadequately fulfilled about your life because you consistently experience difficulties with erections or even, in the worst case, become an impotence. Thus, the earlier you seek help, the better it is to improve your situation and revive intimacy in your relationships.
You need to distinguish between occasional erectile problems and permanent impotence. These problems are common in most cases. However, in this case, it is ideal to see a healthcare provider. The professionals would diagnose the possible causes and guide you about the penile disorders. Whether medical conditions or life habits and recommend effective erectile disorder treatment.
Physical and mental health can significantly improve if these issues are addressed early.
Taking this step is essential for a satisfying life and intimate relationships.
What are the Types of Erectile Dysfunction?
There could be various types of erectile dysfunction. Here, we have highlighted some of the most common types of ED. Have a look at these.
1. Vascular Erectile Dysfunction
Vascular ED refers to conditions that affect blood vessels that transport blood directly to tissues within your penis which enable an erection or valves within it that typically maintain its pressure. Vascular ED is the most common form of erection issues.
2. Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Neurogenic reasons often cause ED. It is afflicted by nerve issues that restrict signals from traveling between your brain and penis to create an erection. This issue may caused by past trauma, failed or partial surgery, radiation therapy, or neurologic conditions like stroke, spinal stenosis, or multiple sclerosis (MS) and led to poor performance in sexual intercourse.
3. Hormonal ED
Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction refers to an impotence that occurs due to low testosterone or thyroid issues and should not be confused with physical incontinence.
4. Psychogenic ED
Last but not least, Psychogenic ED plays a significant role in causing impotence. It is caused by psychological conditions that alter one's thoughts, feelings, or behavior. The emotional imbalance, overthinking, stress, anxiety, insomnia, etc, cause impotence.
What are the Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
The symptoms of ED are pretty obvious and can have a tremendous impact on a man's life and relationship with his partner.
ED Symptoms include:
- Only occasionally, being able to obtain and maintain an erection before sexual intercourse.
- Maintaining an erection briefly but being unable to sustain it during sexual intercourse.
- Complete inability to get or maintain an erection.
- Needing lots of stimulation to maintain it.
The main symptom is an inability to gain or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse.
It becomes challenging to be intimate even if stimulated adequately.
Apart from that, other symptoms include reduced sexual desire or a lack of interest in sexual activities.
Surprisingly, a man may feel less sexual appeal, while the same man may feel aroused with the partner whom he likes.
Here, the relationship of a man with his partner also determines the level and frequency of erectile dysfunction. This condition is not considered ED, but the actual relationship and variations mirror one’s actual ability to stay hard for a long time.
Additionally, many men might also experience anxiety or stress concerning their performance. This psychological burden could further exacerbate the symptoms of impotence. As a result, feelings of inadequacy may arise, affecting self-esteem and relationships.
Note that these impotence symptoms can form a vicious cycle of distress. The more he becomes concerned about his performance, the more it can hinder him from performing, creating a vicious cycle.
If you experience the above symptoms repeatedly and are worried about your performance, seek medical consultation immediately to evaluate and receive proper advice.
This will help diagnose the underlying cause and suggest relevant treatment options. It is an essential step towards regaining a fruitful sexual life and well-being. So do not wait further.
What are the Major Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Men?
There are many causes of erectile disorder, and most fall into two broad categories: physical and psychological.
Physical Causes
The most common physical causes are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. Such conditions can impair blood flow and nerve function, making it impossible to achieve or maintain an erection.
In addition, accidents and physical injuries to the brain, spinal cord, and pelvic muscles are also responsible for temporary or permanent impotence. With some careful treatments and medication, patients may recover from the issues and enjoy a romantic life with a companion.
Psychological Causes
Psychological factors can also have significant effects on erections. Stress, depression, and anxiety affect a man's ability to create an erection. Such problems create a cycle in men, where anxiety over the possible performance results in even greater apprehension, thus aggravating the situation.
Some Other Common Causes
1. Circulatory System
Your circulatory system includes blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Your penis requires adequate blood flow to become erect and maintain an erection; additionally, valves within its tissues must close when filled with blood -- in some instances, however, these valves fail as intended.
2. Nervous System
Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves working in unison to send electrical impulses that allow your body to move and sense everything that happens around it, including your penis.
3. Endocrine System
Your endocrine system consists of glands that produce and release hormones into your system, telling it how to perform specific tasks. For instance, testosterone may help dilate (vasodilate) your blood vessels to increase blood flow to your penis.
Lifestyle choices also contribute; smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and lack of exercise are some of the significant factors that lead to ED.
Understanding the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) is essential for finding the proper treatment. Talk to a health professional to see if your issue is physical, psychological, or both. You might also consider shockwave therapy, which helps increase blood flow and encourage the growth of new blood vessels, leading to better erections naturally. Take action today—book your ED therapy near you!
What are the Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction?
Several risk factors of erectile dysfunction increase the chance of developing the below-mentioned conditions.
Age and Blood Flow
Age is the most significant risk factor since men over 40 develop the ED condition. As men age, the levels of hormones in the system change, and blood flow conditions also become unfavorable to obtaining and maintaining an erection.
Chronic Diseases:
Chronic diseases also contribute significantly. For example, diabetes, heart conditions, and conditions of high blood pressure will increase the risk of experiencing ED through possible damage to the blood vessels and nerves. Lifestyle factors contributing to the possibility of impotence are smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Psychological Factors:
Psychological factors also include stress, anxiety, and even depression. The emotional conflicts may reduce a man's ability to have good sexual performance, but all this worry will only make the problem worse.
Knowing the risk factors of erectile disorder can be the first step to its prevention and management.
Regular exercise, walking, or playing sports along with a balanced diet, nutritional food, and vegetables help you stay fit lifelong. Moreover, emotional support from friends and family members decreases the risks of psychological disorders and eventually prevents sexual health problems like erectile disorder.
With that in mind, you are one step ahead in being prepared for good sexual health and well-being as you grow older.
How Doctor Will Diagnosis Erectile Dysfunction?
The diagnosis of impotence usually starts with a detailed medical history and a physical exam.
During this first visit, the healthcare provider will ask about the patient's symptoms, sexual history, and any past or current medical issues. This discussion helps the provider understand the symptoms of impotence and any possible underlying causes.
Suppose you are visiting the erectile dysfunction treatment clinic. In that case, your medical ED specialists may ask questions to understand and analyze the root cause of the ED and provide you with better treatments and therapies. The questions may include,
- What do you do in your professional and personal life?
- How often do you exercise, walk, run, play sports, or swim?
- Are you undergoing any therapy, taking medicines, or treatment?
- Are you facing psychological issues like stress, anxiety, depression, etc??
- How many times do you get erections?
- How hard are your erections?
- Do you feel anxiety while having sexual intercourse?
- Is there any relationship issue with your partner?
- How early do you discharge while having sex?
- Which sex position do you often engage in?
Often, the doctor may suggest blood tests to check hormone levels or determine if there are health problems, such as diabetes or heart issues. These tests are essential for understanding the patient’s overall health and can help identify reasons for erectile difficulties.
What Tests Will be Done to Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction?
This depends on what your healthcare provider suspects is the cause. They may order:
- Blood tests.
- Complete blood count (CBC).
- Lipid panel.
- Kidney function tests.
- Thyroid tests.
- Penile Doppler ultrasound.
- Testosterone test.
- Urinalysis (urine test).
- Liver function tests.
- Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).
- Penile biothesiometry tests to examine whether or not vibrations affect nerves in your penis (penile biothesiometry).
- Vasoactive injections that temporarily increase penis erection.
What are the Treatment Options to Cure Erectile Dysfunction?
Step one in treating erectile dysfunction is to identify its source. A healthcare provider will then assist in finding an appropriate remedy, which could include:
1. LiSWT
Penile low-intensity focused shockwave therapy is a noninvasive procedure that utilizes sound waves to improve blood flow in the penile region. Improvement may take two months, depending on the patient's ed condition.
2. Injecting Medications
Alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine are among many of the medications injected directly into your penis to induce an erection; injection-based treatments often start working within 10 minutes of being injected.
3. Penis Pump
Vacuum Penis Pump constriction devices begin working almost instantly. Testosterone replacement therapy, which comes in the form of gel, injection, patches, or pellets, typically takes four weeks to take full effect.
4. Penile Implant Procedure
In a penile implant procedure, a surgeon inserts a device to harden your penis without altering sensation, peeing, or orgasm. This device does not affect sensation, peeing, or orgasm.
5. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
A few good treatment alternatives for erectile dysfunction self-care exist. Usually, the beginning of treatment involves lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, food consumption, regular exercise, and reduced stress could significantly improve symptoms. Walking daily, lifting weights, or eating more fruits and vegetables would work wonders.
6. Medications to Treat ED
Common treatments for erectile dysfunction medicines like Viagra or Cialis that increase blood flow to the penis during sexual activity and make erection easier. Other treatments might include hormone therapy, depending on the results of tests that show low testosterone levels.
What are the Ideal Preventions to Cure ED in Men?
Here’s how to keep erection disorder away and live a healthy, joyful, and stress-free life by implementing these lifestyle changes.
- Healthy Lifestyle: It can help prevent erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Regular exercise: Walking, swimming, or cycling can lower one's risk of ED.
- Balanced Diet: Add fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to your plate.
- Maintain Body Weight: Being overweight is a known risk factor. So maintain it.
- Practice Yoga and Meditation: Relax your thoughts with yoga and meditation.
- Quit Smoke and Alcohol: It's essential to avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
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Regular Health check-ups: Consult your medical professional and check your body's health regularly
Wrapping Up
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects many men, but there is hope. Learning about ED can help you find the proper treatment and regain your confidence. If you have ED, see a doctor. You don’t have to suffer in silence—many options can improve your quality of life.
At Shockwave Clinic, our MultiThera-ED program offers a holistic, multimodal approach. It combines five advanced therapies— Carboxytherapy, PRP, Shockwave Therapy, EMTT, and Red Light Therapy—to effectively treat ED from all angles.
Take the first step to lasting results—explore MultiThera-ED at Shockwave Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, today and begin living a stress-free and confident life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on ED
What is the best way to fix erectile dysfunction?
The best way to fix erectile disorder is to consult with a professional urologist and follow the advice, including lifestyle changes, treatments, therapies, and medication. Treating the underlying health issues may also help get rid of sexual health problems and boost confidence.
What is the primary cause of erectile dysfunction?
The primary causes of ED vary from patient to patient as life habits and physical and psychological problems significantly alter this condition. However, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, masturbation, prostate problems, high blood pressure, stress, performance anxiety, and relationship issues are some of the major causes of male sexual dysfunction.
What is the usual age for erectile dysfunction?
Sexual health problems can affect men at any point in time, yet men with age above 40 often experience erection issues. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen to younger ones.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile problems are the most common conditions in men. Millions of men have reported the issue regarding this, and many of them have already overcome the challenges caused by erectile dysfunction.
What questions should I ask a healthcare provider?
Feeling embarrassed or shy won’t help you with better results. You should ask your healthcare provider about the causes, severity of ed, cost of erectile dysfunction, treatment process, time duration if any psychological or physical issues need to be treated, check-ups, and follow-up appointments to assess effectiveness.
What can I expect if I have erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can hinder your pleasure in bed by making you feel embarrassed due to your inability to last long in bed. Moreover, it may disturb your relationship with your partner. You should find the best urologist near you to treat erectile dysfunction.
Will ED go away on its own?
Unfortunately, it is unlikely to go away on your own. Still, you can take precautions, or if it's conditional and less severe, following a healthy lifestyle can help you resolve the issue. Since the problems vary and causes push the condition to the extreme, reaching out to the erection dysfunction specialist can help you effectively.
What is the best way to fix my erectile dysfunction?
Lifestyle changes like regular walking, exercise, practicing yoga and meditation, along with medical help, are considered the best and most practical way to fix penile dysfunction problems in men.
What tests do I need to find the cause of my ED, and why?
To find the actual causes of ED, your doctor may ask you to perform a physical exam. Blood tests, urinalysis, thyroid tests, testosterone tests, psychological tests, and kidney and liver function tests are some of the most common tests that you should check while treating ED.
What types of treatments are available at Shockwave Clinic?
Shockwave Clinic provides non-invasive treatment like Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). We use ultrasound waves and suggest penile implant devices to patients so that they can enjoy sexual intercourse with pleasure.
