Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a taboo that people tend to avoid talking about. This is ironic because it is a very common condition that affects men all over the world. Knowing more about the how’s and why’s of erectile dysfunction can help you minimize its impact on your life.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a person with a penis is not able to achieve or retain an erection long enough, or strong enough, or both, for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It can affect you in the short term or long term, and can lead to a sense of unfulfillment, strained relationships, loss of intimacy with your partner, mental health problems, inability to get pregnant, and impotency.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Symptoms of ED can look like:

• Not getting an erection every time you want to engage in sexual activities
• Being able to achieve an erection but it doesn’t keep for long
• Getting an erection but is not satisfactory enough
• Inability to get an erection voluntarily
• ED can also present itself as a symptom of an underlying health issue

If you think you may have erectile dysfunction, it is best to consult a doctor so that you can get to the root of the issue and treat it accordingly.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

A dysfunction implies that something is interfering with the natural functions of your body. The most common cause of erectile dysfunction in men are:

• Brain signals

Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s can disrupt arousal signals from the brain to the reproductive system. 

• Inadequate blood flow

Any health condition that affects blood flow such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart diseases can restrict the supply of blood to the penile tissue and make it difficult to achieve an erection.

• Damaged erectile tissue

If you have been undergoing treatment for bladder or prostate cancer, especially surgery or radiation, it may damage your erectile tissue.

• Mental health
  Mental health conditions such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety can also create a cycle of health problems related to erectile dysfunction.

Who is more at risk of developing ED?

Some people are at a higher risk of developing erectile problems. The factors that increase your risk of ED are:

• Old age
• Pre-existing heart or nerve conditions
• Psychological issues

• Obesity
• Stress
• Lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment and Tips

Medication

Your doctor will advise you on the best course of treatment for you. It should include treatment of the underlying cause of ED. However, long-term use of medication can lead to side effects or ineffectiveness of the medicine.

Lifestyle Changes

You will need to support your treatment plan with healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol consumption, adopting a healthier diet plan and exercise routine, losing weight, and tackling any psychological issues.

Surgery

Penile implants may help with ED but the surgery is risky and does not guarantee positive results.

Penis Pumps

Penis pumps, or ED pumps, are the safest and most effective way to get an erection while you work on your underlying ED causes and lifestyle changes. They work on a simple mechanism of creating a vacuum using suction power to draw blood to the penis. These penis enlargement pumps from Bathmate use hydro-vacuum technology which creates 35% more suction power than other penis pumps, resulting in faster and more effective erections.

If you have been diagnosed with ED or think you might be suffering from it, it is essential to discuss your condition with a healthcare professional. While it may seem like a difficult conversation to have, erectile dysfunction is treatable and can considerably improve the quality of your sex life, health, relationships, and life in general.