The inability to obtain or maintain an erection that is hard enough for sexual participation or other gratifying sexual experiences is known as erectile disorder (ED), often referred to as erectile dysfunction or impotence. Erection loss can occasionally occur, but more frequently affects men with ED.
Approximately 30 million American males suffer from ED, a disorder that becomes increasingly common as people get older.
In general, an ED issue should only be taken seriously if it causes stress or confidence loss, interferes with relationships, or is found to be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms of ED:
When one or more of the following symptoms persist for six months or longer, erectile dysfunction is considered to be present, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):
• Not being able to get an erection while engaging in sexual activity;
• Not being able to complete a sexual act while retaining an erection;
A five-part questionnaire called the International Index of Erectile Function rates symptoms and helps assess the degree of dysfunction. Situational symptoms are those that only manifest in specific situations or when a specific partner is present.
Additionally, symptoms may be generalized, which means they always occur regardless of the situation or partner involved.
Low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and sexual phobia are usually present alongside erectile dysfunction.
Causes:
Erectile dysfunction may be brought on by medical, neurological, or psychological factors. Physical variables associated with ED include obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, coronary artery disease, premature ejaculation, and a low testosterone level.
Along with using nicotine, alcohol, and illegal drugs, ED can also be caused by or made worse by these. These include surgical procedures, radiation therapy, hormones routinely used to treat prostate cancer, and medications like some antidepressants.
Two neurological conditions that might cause ED include Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
Psychological factors like performance anxiety, marital problems, religious taboos, past sexual abuse, and mood disorders like melancholy, PTSD, and generalized anxiety make men under the age of 40 more likely to acquire ED.
Treatment:
Treatment frequently starts with lifestyle modifications, such as giving up smoking (since it narrows blood vessels) or taking efforts to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, such losing weight, exercising, and controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, which can also help with ED symptoms.
Sometimes doctors will prescribe sexual health drug like Fildena 50 Mg, which stop an enzyme in the penis from triggering erection loss.
External vacuum pumps that enhance blood flow to the penis or self-injected penile drugs that cause an erection may be suggested when medicine is ineffective, but they are not common solutions because they require previous planning and lack spontaneity.
Penile implants or internal pumps that pump fluid into the penis may be an alternative if these treatments are ineffective or poorly tolerated.
However, when psychological factors are to blame for ED, treatment frequently starts with psychotherapy to address any stress, worry, or depression that may be impairing sexual connections.
What can couples do to cope with erectile disorder?
Erectile dysfunction does not cause the end of the world. After a few bad encounters, it may be tempting to completely avoid sex, but partners can work together to make improvements in this area of their relationship.
They can, for example, engage in sensory focus activities, which can help people stop thinking long enough to enjoy their physical sensations without having to weigh them against any important expectations.
Stop-start exercises can ease the strain and worry associated with having a sexual encounter by giving erectile dysfunction patients a sense of control over their erections.
If the emphasis is once again on having fun, men with erectile dysfunction may feel less pressure to perform, which will be advantageous to both them and their partners.