Physical Intimacy plays a crucial role in the life of a couple. It is those physical relations that set a couple apart from other types of relationships. And it’s more than just sex. It’s about connection, feeling close, and expressing love. Even with all the desire in the world, especially with desire, couples can be faced with disappointment as the body isn’t able to perform when the heart wants it to. Erectile dysfunction can leave both members of the couple with feelings of guilt, unattractiveness, or feelings of not being good enough. It’s actually not uncommon so leave the guilt at the door. There are many ailments that can affect a healthy erection.
According to research, around 50% of men over the age of 40 are affected by erectile dysfunction. Most of us are familiar with the term but to be clear, it is a condition when a man is unable to get or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. It is often referred to as impotence. Keep in mind that an occasional issue with erectile function does not raise a concern. Rather, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prolonged issue that can lead to stress, loss of self-confidence and relationship issues as well. It has become a growing concern among men, as it has contributed to several physical and mental disorders.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
It’s all about circulation. Erectile dysfunction can happen at any stage of arousal. This might be good point to briefly explain the anatomy of a healthy erection. Two chambers called the corpora cavernosa fill with blood and actually expand as blood completely fills these chambers. In a nutshell, this is an erection. Blood flow can be triggered by mental (sexual thoughts) or sensorial (physical touch) stimulation. The absence of sustained adequate blood flow to the penis results in erectile dysfunction. Take a look at some common causes of erectile dysfunctions:
Cardiovascular diseases
Hypertension/high blood pressure
Obesity
High cholesterol
Kidney diseases
Growing age
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Relationship issues
Increased consumption of alcohol
Sleep disorder
Consuming tobacco products
Drug use
Parkinson’s diseases
Multiple sclerosis
Peyronie’s disease
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Aside from the obvious symptom that you might have erectile dysfunction (limp), take a look at other common symptoms of erectile dysfunctions:
Difficulty maintaining an erection: Apart from having an erection, difficulty in maintaining an erection is also considered a common symptom of erectile dysfunction.
Decreasing interest in sex: Irrespective of loving your partner, you are losing your interest in sex without any reason, then it can be a sign of erectile dysfunction.
Premature Ejaculation: When a man ejaculates too early in sexual intercourse over many sexual experiences, it can also lead to erectile dysfunction over time.
Anorgasmia: It is the situation when a man is unable to achieve orgasm even after multiple stimulations.
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be treated with medication and therapies. First, it is important to understand why ED exists in the first place. Meaning you and your provider would need to rule out neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, etc. There are injections for erectile dysfunction that are highly effective treatment forms. Other options include Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy, to help with libido and performance.
The Bottom Line
Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of a more severe problem if left neglected. You should seek medical assistance if you have been experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It is essential to remain vigilant regarding the symptoms.
The above mentioned were some of the symptoms and causes of erectile dysfunction that you need to be aware about.
