Erectile Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments For Men
What is Erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual fault that causes an inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. With time, ED has become common due to increasing stress and an unhealthy lifestyle among males. If you have frequent erectile dysfunction, then it is a sign of severe underlying health conditions. Usually, treating an underlying cause of Erectile dysfunction may help to treat this sexual fault. ED can also appear due to psychological issues that need to be addressed by the doctor.
In case you are also suffering from this sexual dysfunction, then don't worry because now you can quickly get effective medicines for Ed. Being a reputed online pharmacy and a cheap drug store from India, we offer a wide range of ED medicines at a cost-effective price.
Symptoms of Erectile dysfunction
If you have Erectile dysfunction or impotence, then you may face the following symptoms.
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Trouble getting an erection
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Unable to keep an erection for a long enough period
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Reduction in sex drive
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Low self-esteem
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Certain conditions can cause erection problems and can affect your sexual life. A man often has impotence when there is not a proper flow of blood in their reproductive organ. The sexual functioning of a male is a complex process that includes blood vessels, the brain, emotions, muscles, and nerves.
It is essential to know the exact cause of erectile dysfunction to manage this condition effectively. Similarly, stress, as well as mental health concerns, can also cause or worsen the condition of erectile dysfunction(Ed).
Sometimes, the reason behind impotence or erectile dysfunction can also be physical and psychological problems.
Some of the major causes of male impotence include:
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol
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Cardiovascular disease
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Vascular disease
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Obesity
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Hypertension or high blood pressure
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Stress
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Depression
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Low testosterone levels
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Increased age
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Relationship problems
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Kidney disease
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Consuming too much alcohol
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Peyronie's disease
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Sleep disorders
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Certain prescription medications that are used for treating depression and high blood pressure
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Using tobacco products
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Spinal cord injuries
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Damage to the pelvic area due to injury, surgery, or radiation therapy
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Have prostate cancer or have some types of Prostate surgery or bladder surgery
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Use of certain medications
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Problems in your relationship with your sexual partner
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Some psychological factors may also contribute to ED
Therefore, the most common physical causes of ED are related to blood circulation. A lack of blood flow to the male reproductive organ may induce problems like a soft erection.
The prevalence of Erectile dysfunction(Ed)
According to the report of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, in the US, around 30 million men are facing Ed.
With the growing age, the prevalence of this sexual problem is increasing daily. As an estimate by the University of Wisconsin, more than 10% of men each decade of life are getting affected by mild or moderate Ed symptoms. For example, almost 60s men in their 60s might start experiencing some form of ED.
However, it does not mean Ed only affects men in their 50s or 60s; it also occurs among younger people. A study conducted in 2013 found that 1 in 4 men seek their first treatment for Ed, and these men are under 40. Researchers also observed that most of these men were habitual of smoking, using certain drugs, overweight, and unhealthy lifestyle routines. The observations suggest that lifestyle choices also play an essential role for Ed in younger men.
Although the risk of ED may appear with increasing age, it is inevitable for every man. The healthier you keep yourself, the better your sexual function will work.
Health issues like Diabetes and other physical or psychological are also contributors to Ed. If you have Diabetes, speak to a doctor to prevent the complications leading to Ed and seek other healthcare advice and treatment to treat Ed.
How can erectile dysfunction affect sexual life?
When a man has impotence, it often becomes difficult for him to get & keep an erection. The chances of this male sexual disorder increase with age. It usually affects males between the age of 40-70 years. However, it is not dangerous if it's moderate, but it might seriously impact a man's life. Ed can affect relationships and confidence and lower a man's self-esteem.
Suffering from impotence(Ed) means you cannot satisfy your partner sexually. As a result, many problems and stress occur in a relationship that can affect a man's mental health.
Being a man, if you suffer from this sexual problem, it might affect your partner's sexual life too. If you don't treat your problem with Ed, then there is a chance that your relationship with your partner can end.
To deal with such a problem and have a healthy sexual relationship, you must consult a doctor. In most cases, using Erectile dysfunction medication can help prevent the symptoms of Ed.
When to see a doctor
Consulting with a family doctor is a good start when facing erectile problems. See your doctor if-
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You are concerned about your erections and experience soft or no erections. Suspect other sexual disorders like delayed or premature ejaculation.
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Dealing with testosterone deficiency
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Have Diabetes, heart-related disease, or other health conditions that may also induce the risk of Ed.
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You have some other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction(Ed).
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Take essential steps to reduce stress.
How is Erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Erectile dysfunction is usually easy to diagnose. You may check out the symptoms and compare them with your current situation. If you suspect symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor may carry out a physical examination, including of the genitals, to investigate your condition. They will gather the data of your medical history, search for the cause and severity of the condition, and prescribe the best treatment option for you. Also, they may ask for urine or blood tests to look for health problems that cause ED.
Treatments For Men with Erectile Dysfunction
There are many ways to treat Erectile dysfunction, and the following treatment options are available for it-
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Oral Ed medications
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Sex therapy
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Vacuum devices
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Intraurethral medications
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Penile injections
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Surgical treatments(penile implants)
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Testosterone therapy
Each treatment has its pros and cons. A doctor may help you consider the best treatment option, depending on your condition. The first step to treating Ed is to find out its exact cause and also treat its underlying cause, which may benefit the treatment. There are many non-surgical and surgical options to treat Ed. In most cases, non-surgical treatment methods may help prevent the effects of Ed. The most popular treatment for Male sexual dysfunction is oral ED medications.
Oral Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
Suffering from ED problems means all you need is your sexual responses back. If you face impotence due to lack of blood flow to the penile region, then Ed medication may help you.
Generally, these drugs block the PDE5 enzymes that break down the cGMP, which works as a vasodilator. Thus, Ed drugs can increase blood flow to the penis by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue of blood vessels around it. As a result, it becomes easy to get and maintain a firm erection for a long time. You need to know that the medicines will work only when sexually aroused.
To start taking Erectile dysfunction medication, you need a prescription from a doctor. A wide range of Ed drugs with different active ingredients is available. Mainly, these drugs include Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil as active salt. The following medications are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treating Erectile dysfunction(Ed).
Some Popular Oral Medications for Erectile dysfunction are:
Sildenafil (Viagra)
It is one of the first ED drugs approved to treat Erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs known as PDE 5 inhibitors, and it helps boost male sexual response. It is popularly under the brand name Viagra, commonly known as Little Blue Pill. You can take it on an empty stomach an hour before you plan to have sex. It provides effects for up to 4 to 5 hours and helps a man get a hard erection. Sildenafil is effective in treating mild to moderate symptoms of Erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil is well known for its long-lasting effects, lasting up to 36 hours, and helps men prevent ED symptoms. This Ed pill helps increase blood flow to penile arteries by improving blood flow to the genital area. To let Tadalafil or other ed drugs work for you, you need sexual arousal to trigger an erection. You can take it on a need basis or daily once in a lower dose to improve your sexual response. Comparative to Sildenafil, Tadalafil comes in lower doses but is equally potent. While using Tadalafil or any other Ed drug, do not consume alcohol. Take the prescribed dose and never consume more than one daily.
Vardenafil(Levitra)
This Ed drug also works best when you take it an hour before you plan to have sex. Vardenafil also belongs to a class of medication known as PDE 5 inhibitors and helps the improving blood flow to the penis. It ensures adequate blood flow to the penis by relaxing blood vessels to help the penis erect during sexual stimulation. It's a prescription medication like any other Ed drug; take it in the advised dose and duration. You can take it on an empty stomach or as your doctor advises. Avoid high fat while taking Vardenafil as it slowly increases absorption and may take longer to work.
The effects of Vardenafil last for 4 to 5 hours. Also, it comes in a newer form of the medicine that dissolves quickly and works faster than the other pill you need to swallow.
Avanafil (Stendra)
Avanafil is an Erectile dysfunction medicine with fewer side effects as compared to any other ED drug. Like any other Ed medication, you can take it with or without food 30 minutes before sex. Once it kicks in, Avanafil increases blood flow to the penis and helps improve erectile function. It lasts 4 to 5 hours or longer if you have mild to moderate symptoms of erectile dysfunction(ED).
Note: These all are prescription drugs, and you should take them only when prescribed by a doctor. Before getting a prescription for these medications:
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Disclose your medical history to your doctor.
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Inform them if you take any over-the-counter drugs or any other prescription drugs.
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Do not take a double dose or two different Ed drugs at the same time.
Benefits of Erectile Dysfunction(ED) medicines
If you want to prevent the symptoms of ED, you can take effective ED pills under the supervision of a doctor. When combined with sexual stimulation, these drugs help you improve your sexual responses. ED drugs help you to enjoy your sexual life and ensure that you satisfy your partner completely.
Medications like Sildenafil (Cenforce), a popular Ed drug, also help in other medical conditions. This ED medicine is also approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).
Lifestyle changes for erectile dysfunction
Your healthcare provider may advise these lifestyle changes alone with other Ed treatments. Also, these common lifestyle changes can help manage mild symptoms of ED effectively. Moreover, you can consult with a doctor and get the proper guidance to improve your sexual life.
Lifestyle changes that may help prevent and manage Erectile dysfunction are-
Regular exercise
According to a Harvard study, walking 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of Ed by up to 41%. Also, particular exercises boost your sexual abilities. Research also shows that moderate exercise can help restore your sexual performance. Exercise of pelvic floor muscles, Aerobic and Kegel exercises are the best for Erectile dysfunction. The positive effects of exercise were successfully noted in obese middle-aged men with impotence.
Diet
Eat a healthy diet by adding fruits, vegetables, and fish. Intake of these food items may help reverse the effects of Ed.
Stress management
Physiological factors may also lead to Ed. If you are dealing with stress, performance anxiety, and low self-esteem, then you may notice a lack of sexual response. So, reducing stress can help boost your overall health and also help you to improve your sexual life.
Smoking and Alcohol
Use of Alcohol and smoking may affect the blood flow to the penis and lead to Ed symptoms. So, avoiding consumption of alcohol and smoking can help prevent and reduce the symptoms of Ed.
Prevention to Reduce Risk for Erectile Dysfunction
Taking prevention can help prevent erectile dysfunction from getting worse and help manage it easily. Follows ways such as
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Work with a healthcare provider to manage your Diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic health problems.
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Visit a doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.
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Quit smoking, limit or avoid consumption of alcohol, and stop the use of illegal drugs.
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Do regular exercise
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Reduce stress
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Pay attention to your mental health, and get help for anxiety and depression.
Final Lines
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting many men all over the globe. The factors behind Ed are often linked to a variety of physical and psychological factors. Seeking timely medical advice is crucial for identifying the underlying causes. Also, it helps determine the most effective treatment options for treating ED.
With advancements in medicine, various treatments, including oral medications, sex therapy, vacuum devices, and surgical interventions, are helpful methods to treat ED. You may consider taking oral ED medications like Sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil to prevent ED symptoms.
However, It's essential for individuals experiencing ED symptoms to consult a healthcare professional. Ed-like problems not only impact your sexual health but also affect your overall well-being and relationships. With proper medical guidance and appropriate treatment, individuals can regain sexual function and improve their quality of life. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing contributing factors can play a significant role in preventing and managing ED.
