Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is probably the most embarrassing condition men go through, and there are many reasons this problem may occur. They tend to leave this untreated because they find it difficult to talk about. Men with ED find it challenging to maintain an erection or, in some severe cases, can’t get an erection at all.
In short, the erection that men with this problem get is not strong enough to have intercourse. ED requires immediate attention and treatment so that it doesn’t become permanent.
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Now, let’s discuss why this condition may occur in men. Erectile dysfunction may happen due to the following reasons.
- When the blood flow in the penis is not normal
- Damaged nerves that stop the blood from flowing properly
- Stress and emotional reasons may cause it
- Performance anxiety may lead to erectile dysfunction before intercourse
- Some diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes can affect the blood flow
How Erection Occurs
When a man is sexually aroused, the nerves release a chemical that increases the blood flow into the penis. This blood flows into two chambers that assist with erections. These chambers are made of spongy muscle tissues.
While a man has an erection, this spongy tissue relaxes and locks in blood. The pressure that builds up in the chamber makes the erection solid and firm, resulting in a healthy and proper erection. During an orgasm, another set of nerve signals reaches the penis and causes the muscular tissues to contract in the penis, and the blood flows back into the body. After this, a man naturally loses his erection.
Risk Factors of ED
Erectile dysfunction can result from a variety of health issues, which include both physical and emotional problems. However, the following are the common risk factors.
- Age (Usually above 50)
- Having a high level of blood sugar (Diabetes)
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Level of cholesterol is high
- Smoking
- Consumption of drugs and alcohol
- Obesity
- Missing exercise or being inactive
Even though the probability of erectile dysfunction increases as men age above 50, growing old is not always going to cause this condition. Some men stay sexually active even into their 80s. This type of dysfunction can be an early sign of a more serious health problem. Finding and treating the reason for ED is a vital first step.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Physical Causes of ED
- The flow of blood is not enough into the penis.
Many health problems can decrease the flow of blood into the penis, such as hardened arteries, heart disease, smoking, and high blood sugar (Diabetes).
- A penis cannot catch blood during an erection
Man would not be able to keep an erection if the blood flow does not stay in the penis. Such a problem can take place at any age.
- Nerve signals from the spinal cord or brain do not reach the penis.
Some injuries, diseases, or surgeries in the pelvic area possibly will harm nerves to the penis, due to which, it would be difficult for nerve signals to contact with the penis from the spinal cord.
- Effects of diabetes on the nerves of the penis.
Diabetes can cause your body to have small vessel disease, and it can also damage the nerves that are connecting your brain with the penis.
- Cancer treatments can affect the functioning of a penis.
Surgeries or the passage of radiation near the pelvis for treating cancer can cause erectile dysfunction. Colon-rectal tests can also result in the same.
Emotional Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Many people suffer from emotional issues that may cause erectile dysfunction. Following are the emotional causes of erectile dysfunction.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Conflicts in a relationship
- Stress at workplace or home
- Pressure from cultural, religious, social conflicts
- Anxiety related to sexual intercourse
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
There are several treatments for erectile dysfunction. Your doctor might recommend some oral medications, injected medications, topical medications, or penile implant surgery.
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For hormonal imbalance, doctors can advise you to have testosterone supplementation, which you can have orally, through injections or topically. There are three types of medications that you can take orally to treat ED. These three medications include Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra.
These medicines do not give you an erection; instead, they make it easy for you to achieve an erection. The significant difference between these medicines is of the time their effects last for. When performing surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction, surgeons place a device in the penis.
Bottom Line
ED can take a hard emotional hit on you, especially if you are young. However, you don’t have to be depressed when there are solutions to the problem. If you or someone you know has ED, you can come to us for treatment. Our licensed and knowledgeable urologists, Dr Michael Brodherson and Dr Yaniv Larish, can help you determine the right treatment.
Call us right not at 212-675-3186 to discuss your issue and book an appointment.