What is erectile dysfunction
About erectile dysfunction Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Symptoms and Causes (ED) is said when a man regularly experiences difficulties in sexual life. This includes three components in any combinations:
- erection does not occur at all;
- erection occurs, but it cannot be maintained;
- neither an erection itself nor sexual desire (libido) are present at all. He simply "does not want to" — even in the most, seemingly, romantic and exciting conditions.
According to statistics, some problems with erections are present Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in every third man over 30 years old and every second man over 50.
Previously, erectile dysfunction was called impotence (from Latin impotense — "powerlessness"). But today, doctors avoid Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction (ED) using the term "powerless," as it is too categorical, carries an offensive subtext, and does not fully correspond to the problem.
Impotence means "powerlessness" that is constant, while men with ED may have erectile dysfunction that can worsen or almost disappear, depending on many factors.
How an erection occurs
An erection is a complex process involving Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation the brain, hormones, nerve fibers, muscles, blood vessels.
Upon receiving a signal of sexual stimulation (as a result of physical touches, observing a woman's body, sexual fantasies), the brain increases the production of a whole range of hormones: oxytocin, dopamine, norepinephrine, testosterone. The changed hormonal background ensures an influx of blood and activates the transmission of nerve impulses to the genital organs. The seminal ducts begin to contract, pumping sperm from the testicular appendages, where it is stored, directing it into the penis. The penis hardens. At the same time, the muscles at the base of the penis begin to contract, raising it. This is how an erection occurs.
The slightest failure at any stage of this process can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Just a couple of decades ago, male failures in the intimate sphere were often attributed to "nerves" — work and family problems, fatigue, stress, loss of interest in the partner. But today, scientists believe that psychology is involved in only one out of every five cases of ED. In 80% of patients, erectile dysfunction is caused by Psychogenic Impotence — an overview | ScienceDirect Topics physical factors — various diseases or injuries.
What are the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
They Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can cause ED on their own or exacerbate potency problems that arose from physical factors.
1. Problems in relationships with a partner
An erection begins in the brain. If this organ of a man stops perceiving a particular woman as an exciting object for some reason, the mechanism of erection will not be triggered.
2. Stress
Nervous tension sometimes prevents Can Stress and Anxiety Cause Erectile Dysfunction? the brain from correctly transmitting signals to the genital organs. This means that the penis will not be able to fill with blood or rise.
3. Anxiety, self-doubt
Strong anxieties ("What if we are seen?", "What if I fail?", "Can such a girl — and with me?!") negatively affect the transmission of nerve impulses, just like stress.
4. Depression
Anxiety, low self-esteem, guilt accompanying depression exert a detrimental effect on erection. Moreover, men in such a state lose interest Depression Basics in previously favorite activities — sex included — more often than women.
What is even more unfortunate is that antidepressants can also Depression and Sexual Health suppress libido, slow down the process of arousal and orgasm.
5. Bad habits
In particular, smoking. What is written on cigarette packages is true. Smoking really increases Is the Relationship Between Cigarette Smoking and Male Erectile Dysfunction Independent of Cardiovascular Disease? Findings from a Population‑Based Cross‑Sectional Study the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Doctors also frown upon alcohol abuse. However, the data here is not so clear-cut. In some cases, alcohol indeed hinders Later that night: descending alcohol intoxication and men’s sexual arousal an erection. But not necessarily.
The fact is that alcohol has Alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction: meta‑analysis of population‑based studies contradictory effects. On the one hand, strong drinks depress the nervous system, that is, they hinder the transmission of signals from the brain to the genital organs. On the other hand, they relax and remove some physiological brakes, thereby increasing sexual desire.
How negatively alcohol abuse will affect your sexual function specifically depends on many factors. For example, your age, whether you smoke, whether you are overweight. But considering that alcohol itself will not improve your health, it’s better not to overdo it.
What are the physical causes of erectile dysfunction
This refers to diseases or disorders associated with disturbances in the functioning of the brain, hormonal imbalances, the cardiovascular system, or the transmission of nerve impulses. Here are some common examples Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Symptoms and Causes .
1. Overweight
Obese men have reduced testosterone levels Lowered testosterone in male obesity: mechanisms, morbidity and management . And it affects both libido and erection. In addition, obesity can be a cause of hypertension and arterial thickening, reducing blood flow to the penis.
Furthermore, an unshapely heavy body is a common reason for low self-esteem. You already know what that leads to.
2. Hypertension
About 30% of men suffering from high blood pressure complain New insights into hypertension‑associated erectile dysfunction about erectile dysfunction.
Here, there is a vicious circle: both hypertension and the medications used to treat it can cause potency problems.
3. High cholesterol levels
"Bad" cholesterol settles on the walls of blood vessels and creates fatty plaques on them. They narrow the vessel lumen, impair blood circulation, and, in particular, prevent adequate blood supply to the penis. Achieving a stable, firm erection under such conditions is difficult.
4. Cardiovascular diseases
Any malfunction in the heart and vessels disrupts the erection mechanism.
5. Diabetes
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels damage Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: Take control today nerves and blood vessels. With predictable consequences for erection.
The fact that testosterone levels often decrease Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone) in diabetes also contributes.
6. Sleep disorders
Sleep is a vital biological process necessary for both physical and mental health. When we do not get enough sleep, physiological processes are disrupted Sleep, Sleep Disorders, and Sexual Dysfunction in the body. For instance, testosterone production decreases and muscle reflexes diminish — including in the bulbocavernosus muscle responsible for raising the penis during erection. The outcome is predictable.
Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and other sleep disorders are closely related to the development of erectile dysfunction.
7. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which nerve fibers are damaged, scattered across different areas of the brain and spinal cord (hence the name "multiple"). Signals from the brain to the organs, tissues, and back begin to lag, affecting well-being, performance, and potency.
8. Spinal cord injuries
Erectile dysfunction can result from a fall or a strong blow to the back or pelvic area.
How to treat erectile dysfunction
This depends on what caused the problem. Therefore, the first step is to see a therapist. The doctor will conduct an examination, check your nerve and muscle reflexes, ask detailed questions about your lifestyle and psychological state, suggest blood and urine tests, and possibly perform an ultrasound of the penis (this is necessary to detect blood flow problems).
It may turn out that your situation is caused solely by an improper lifestyle. In this case, the therapist will advise Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Diagnosis and Treatment on physical exercise and will explain what and how to adjust in your diet.
If the cause of erectile dysfunction is deeper, you will be referred to a specialist. This could be a urologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, or psychotherapist. The doctors will help you deal with the psychological and physical disorders that led to ED.
However, to restore an erection, you often do not need to wait for therapy to finish. There are several ways to quickly eliminate the problem:
- Taking certain medications — in pill form or as injections. Medications improve blood circulation and the conductivity of nerve signals.
- Hormone replacement therapy. This method is indicated if there is no erection due to insufficient production of some important hormone.
- Using vacuum pumps for the penis. These devices consist of a hollow tube with a manual or battery-operated pump. The penis is inserted into the tube, and then air is pumped out of it using the pump. This creates a vacuum that literally pulls blood into the penis. Then a constriction ring is placed at the base of the penis — to keep the blood in and maintain the erection. The tube is removed — and you are ready for action. After intercourse, do not forget to remove the ring.
- Penile prostheses. Also known as penile implants. These devices will be surgically inserted beside the penis. You will be able to inflate them at the necessary moment, thereby ensuring an erection.
Which of these options will be most effective in your case will be determined by your doctor.
How to prevent erectile dysfunction
It is impossible to guarantee that you will never encounter this problem: unfortunately, no one is insured against multiple sclerosis or serious injuries. But it is quite possible to reduce risks.
Doctors insist Erectile Dysfunction (ED) that the most effective way to prevent erectile dysfunction is a healthy lifestyle.
- Move more. This strengthens the cardiovascular system.
- Follow healthy eating rules. Try to eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat, and dairy products every day. And avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats — fast food or store-bought pastries.
- Control your weight. Ideally, your body mass index (BMI) should not exceed 24.9.
- Give up bad habits. Try to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Learn to manage stress.
- Regularly undergo preventive examinations with your therapist and relevant specialists. This will help you catch rising cholesterol or, for example, prediabetes at early stages.
- Get treatment if necessary. Diagnosed diseases require therapy. Do not postpone it: with each passing day, it becomes more difficult to overcome the disease.
