Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man has ongoing problems or an inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. This condition is also sometimes referred to as impotence. Without treatment, erectile dysfunction can make sex difficult but it is usually treatable in most cases.
Possible Causes:
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection during sexual intercourse. Any condition that affects the way blood flows through your body could lead to ED. Erectile dysfunction causes include medications, chronic illnesses, poor blood flow to the penis, drinking too much alcohol, or being too tired, anxiety, stress and depression.
Diabetes, kidney, nerve and brain disorders, narrowed or blocked arteries, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are among the most common causes of ED. Surgery of the prostate or bladder, injury to your pelvis, ladder, spinal cord, or penis, hormone imbalance, venous leak, tobacco, alcohol, or drug misuse, some prescription drugs or enlarged prostate are other causes.
Risk Factors:
The following factors have been found to increase the risk of ED
Signs & Symptoms:
Erectile dysfunction symptoms are:
Diagnosis:
Our urologist will do a complete physical examination, erectile dysfunction tests and discuss your problem with you. The specialist will need to understand the underlying cause and look for signs like poor blood circulation or nerve trouble, and will check for problems in your genital area. This will be followed by laboratory tests like blood cell counts, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and liver tests, which help diagnose ED.
Treatment Options:
The treatment may include oral medication and injections, vacuum pump and finally surgery if the ED is due to a blocked artery, or an implant. Psychotherapy is an important part of the treatment. Above all, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, avoid alcohol and substance abuse and keep diabetes under control to treat ED.
If you’re ready to make a few lifestyle changes, you will be able to improve your sex life. Giving up smoking, losing weight, and exercising improves your blood flow. If you think a medication could be the culprit, discuss with your urologist.
A: Sometimes, ED can predict heart attack, stroke, and even death from cardiovascular disease. If you’re diagnosed with ED, you must get checked for cardiovascular disease.
A: If your ED is caused by psychological or emotional issues, then counselling can really help you. You will learn how to reduce anxiety related to sex, new ways to explore intimacy, and techniques to treat the physical causes of your ED.
A: A vacuum pump can be used to get an erection. The penis is inserted into a clear plastic cylinder and the air is pumped out, creating a vacuum. The penis fills with blood and a plastic constricting ring is placed around the base of the penis to trap the blood.
A: Exercises that build the muscles that work to maintain an erection may help to overcome ED. These are the pelvic floor muscles, which sustain blood flow to the penis. These muscles put pressure on the penile veins and an erection becomes possible, as the pressure prevents blood from leaving the area. Kegel exercises, pilates and aerobic exercises are beneficial, so try to build these into your fitness routine.
A: Discuss this with your doctor and dietician at Medcare. Erectile dysfunction does affect people who are inactive and overweight. So you could adopt a diet that will help to control your weight. In addition, limiting your consumption of salt, sugar, fats and alcohol will also help you to overcome this condition faster.
A: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be triggered by factors as diverse as mental stress, depression, excessive drinking and smoking, low testosterone levels and nerve-related disorders.
However, the causes can be categorised as physical and psychological. It is also not uncommon for factors from either category to work together to cause ED.
Animation Plate: What are the physical and psychological causes?
Doctor (Speaking): Some of the most common physical causes are cholesterol, blood pressure and heart-related ailments as they can impact the amount of blood flowing into the penis. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, affecting blood circulation.
Psychological factors impacting ED include stress, performance anxiety, loss of arousal, relationship issues, depression and low self-esteem. If you are experiencing any such issues, consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Don’t let ED disrupt your life, book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
A: When diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED), first the patient’s medical and sexual history is taken into studied, after which they take a physical exam. Further tests may be recommended if any underlying conditions are suspected.
The tests that are recommended for diagnosing ED include:
Are you looking for an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
A: The usual treatment for ED is either medication or surgery, and sometimes, healthy lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight loss, an improved diet and a good night's sleep.
Medically, ED is identified as being either primary or secondary. The first – a rare condition – is when a man never experiences or sustains an erection, while the second – and more common type – occurs in people who have never had this problem.
Secondary ED, often temporary and reversible, requires less intensive treatments than Primary ED.
Physical ailments like diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, sleep disorders, lifestyle and mental issues can also cause ED.
ED can hamper the quality of your personal life; book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today for treatment.
A: Medication does help to counter the effects of erectile dysfunction and allows you to maintain a healthy sex life and a healthy weight. Eating right can also improve your condition since obesity raises the risk of vascular diseases and diabetes, which are the leading causes of erectile dysfunction.
Doing certain exercises, such as Kegels, also help to strengthen the pelvic floor, which helps to boost erections. You should also pay attention to your overall vascular health and keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in check to avoid erectile dysfunction.
Want to know more about how to treat your erectile dysfunction? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
A: The right treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on your condition. For some patients, taking medication for health issues that could lead to erectile dysfunction, such as hypertension or diabetes, could be enough.
Patients may also be suggested testosterone replacements and injections if deemed necessary. In certain extreme cases penile implants have been done. Keep in mind that along with such treatments, making lifestyle changes, maintaining a healthy weight and doing exercises like Kegels to strengthen the pelvic floor can also help manage erectile dysfunction.
To know more about the right erectile dysfunction treatment for you, book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.