Erectile dysfunction or also known as impotence is a condition in which a man is unable to obtain or maintain an erection capable of sexual engagement with penetration. Erectile dysfunction is not an illness, but rather a manifestation of another issue — physical, psychological, or a combination of the two. Do not be concerned about the occasional inability to obtain or maintain an erection because this is quite typical. Several of the causes include excessive alcohol consumption, anxiety, and exhaustion. There is no need to be alarmed until this trend continues, but if your erectile dysfunction persists, consult a Gameday ED Clinic.
There are a lot of ED treatments available and these include oral drugs (often tablets), counseling, vacuum penile pump devices, penile injections, and penile prosthesis implants.
Common Causes of Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction
Previously, physicians believed that ED was caused mostly by psychological problems like worry or sadness. Indeed, the majority of cases of erectile dysfunction are the result of physical sickness. Psychological difficulties account for approximately one in every ten cases of chronic erectile dysfunction.
Physical erectile dysfunction typically develops over months or years and is commonly characterized by a progressive decrease of function and if you are experiencing spontaneous erections that continue to occur overnight or in the morning, the issue may be psychological.
Erectile dysfunction can be affected by one of the following:
- physical sickness – erectile dysfunction is frequently connected with illnesses that impair blood flow to the penis, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- psychological aspects — stressors such as work-related issues, relationship troubles, or financial concerns might have an effect on a man’s sexual drive or performance. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychiatric disorders and feelings of depression or anxiety over poor sexual performance.
- a mix of medical sickness and psychological variables – physical difficulties keeping an erection may induce anxiety about sexual performance, exacerbating the problem.
- drugs – prescription medications used to manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression as well as other psychiatric problems, as well as prostate illness, may induce or exacerbate erectile dysfunction symptoms.
- unidentified – in a few instances, neither physical nor psychological factors are readily apparent. In these instances, vascular disease is considered to be the ultimate reason.
Assessing the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
If you continue to experience erectile dysfunction, consult a physician at Gameday ED Clinic. While experiencing erectile dysfunction on occasion is natural, persistent erectile dysfunction may be a sign of a more serious medical ailment.
Your doctor can thoroughly evaluate any persistent issues to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may require treatment as well. This might include heart as well as blood vessel disease, diabetes, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia.
Tests can establish whether your penis’s blood flow is impaired. Blood tests can also be used to establish whether hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, are contributing to erectile dysfunction. Once you determine if your erectile dysfunction is physical or psychological in nature, you may begin therapy.
Treatments for erectile dysfunction that are non-invasive
Non-invasive therapies include the following:
- addressing the underlying cause of the problem, such as sickness or depression
- medicines that are taken orally (tablets)
- counseling
- external equipment such as penile vacuum pumps or rubber rings
Around 70% of males who suffer from erectile dysfunction benefit from medication like ed supplements (often pills) such as Viagra®, Cialis®, and Levitra® which are all brand names. These are referred to as PDE5 inhibitors; they work by inhibiting a specific enzyme in the penis, hence increasing the erectile reflex to ordinary sexual stimulation
Generally, tablets should be consumed one hour before sexual intercourse. When using Cialis® pills on a regular basis, a smaller dose may allow for greater spontaneous sexual activity. Fatty foods and excessive alcohol use might impair the body’s absorption of certain drugs.
The possible side effects are flushing of the face, nasal congestion, headaches, and indigestion. Although some treatments operate similarly, they have significant distinctions, such as the duration of their action.
Your doctor will assist you in determining the most appropriate course of therapy for you because oral medicine may not be appropriate for every man. Consult your doctor if you are currently using a nitrate-containing heart medication, since ED medicine may interact with these treatments.
Counseling and psychotherapy may be beneficial if a psychological factor is contributing to your erectile dysfunction. Counseling can also aid men who have lost the desire for sex, even if the source of their erectile dysfunction is medical. Your doctor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist may give counseling. Your partner may be involved as well.
Peripheral devices like vacuum penile pumps or rubber rings may be beneficial in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A vacuum device is a pump that is put over the penis in order to stimulate blood flow. It induces blood flow into certain penile tissues (the two corpora cavernosa), simulating a natural erection.
Placing a rubber band around the base of the penis can assist in making it sufficiently firm for intercourse. This is advantageous if you are capable of obtaining an erection but have problems sustaining it.
Vacuums and rings are often not effective. Penile discomfort, numbness, coldness, and difficulties ejaculating are possible side effects. These devices should be explained and fitted appropriately, and are best used in cooperation with a physician.
Remedies for erectile dysfunction that are less invasive
Treatments that are less invasive include the following:
- injections
- testosterone substitution therapy (TRT).
Certain medications, when injected into the penis, have been shown to improve blood flow. A penile injection can induce erections in as little as five to ten minutes and last up to an hour.
You will be instructed on the correct penile injection technique and will practice multiple supervised injections in the doctor’s operation.
One possible adverse effect of penile injections is priapism, a painful erection that lasts for hours and this occurs when the medication dose is increased excessively. If an erection lasts four hours or more, it may cause lasting damage to the penis. Seek emergency medical treatment if this occurs.
Testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) is only recommended for males whose testosterone levels are deficient. Prior to therapy, a physician must determine the source of your low testosterone.