The inability to acquire and maintain a hard adequate erection for intercourse is known as Erectile Dysfunction (impotence/ED).
Though it’s not uncommon for a man to experience erection troubles occasionally, erectile dysfunction that is progressing or occurs frequently is not normal and should be treated.
Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction presentation includes:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Causes
- Vascular – Decrease in blood supply of penis due to causes like Diabetes is common and leads to erectile dysfunction. Various studies have proven that quote that erectile dysfunction can be a risk factor for future cardiac disease
- Neurogenic – Diseases including diabetes, spinal diseases can lead to alteration of nervous signals from penis to brain leading to ED
- Traumatic – Spinal injuries and pelvic surgeries can lead to ED
- Psychogenic – One of the most common cause of ED is psychogenic. Performance pressure, anxiety, previous bad experiences at intercourse, stress all can lead to psychogenic ED.
Sequelae
Erectile dysfunction can lead to cause a variety of complications, including:
- An unpleasant sexual life
- Stress, anxiety or worry
- Embarrassment,
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship issues
- Infertility- Inability to conceive with your partner
Treatment options
Self-medication by a patient or suggested by friends and family do not last long. It can lead to unnecessary side effects and financial drain without long lasting effect. It is important to find the right cause for long term benefit.
Various treatment options are:
- Pharmacological therapy – Oral and injectable therapies
- Vacuum devices – especially suited at old age
- Penile Prosthesis therapy
- Psychogenic counselling
Prevention
Preventing ED requires making good lifestyle choices and managing any present health conditions. Following are the preventions one can adapt:
- Work with your doctor to control diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic illnesses
- Have optimum health check-ups and medical screening tests with your doctor.
- Quit smoking, restrict or avoid alcohol, and don’t experiment with illegal substances
- Do regular exercise
- Take efforts to minimize your stress levels.
- Seek treatment if you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
Source: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)
