Our sexual identity is an important part of how we view ourselves as a whole, and it directly affects how we engage in personal relationships. Conditions that create problems with that can create major problems with self-image and make those personal connections more difficult. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting men, and it can be embarrassing, frustrating, and depressing.
Having occasional problems with getting an erection is not unusual, but about a third of men worldwide struggle with these conditions for various reasons. Additionally, while the risk of getting ED increases as you age, 26% of men under 40 struggle to cope with this illness. Let’s look at the conditions that may lead to ED by exploring what ED is, what conditions frequently cause it, and how we can treat it.
If you live in the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or Greater South Florida area and you’re struggling with ED, Drs. Craig Herman, Steven Kester, and the Urology Center of Florida medical team can help.
This term indicates the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex, and while it’s not unusual for men to deal with it on occasion, it is considered abnormal for men at any age to deal with it on a regular basis. Trouble with erections is a major symptom of ED, although you can also experience other sexual disorders like premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or anorgasmia (the inability to orgasm after stimulation).
Stress, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety, can lead to ED. The same issues can happen as a result of the condition. Performance anxiety can also result from this illness, which can result from body image issues and other factors that create stress over the act itself.
Several conditions can lead to erectile dysfunction, such as:
Any conditions that affect blood flow, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and high cholesterol, can lead to the blocking or narrowing of blood vessels, making getting an erection more difficult.
Trauma from injuries can create problems with getting and maintaining erections, and the amount of time to recover will vary based on the extent of the injury.
Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or any number of illnesses that damage nerves can also affect the ability to become erect. The damage from a stroke or diabetes can also create problems for your nerves, leading to ED issues.
Many prescribed medications can create ED problems, including diuretics, antihypertensives, antihistamines, muscle relaxers, tranquilizers, anti-seizure medications, and prostate cancer drugs.
Cocaine, alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, nicotine, and opiates can all have a detrimental effect on your erection, and some of the drugs can lead to long-term problems with ED.
Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, and the loss of hormones due to aging, can also lead to ED.
There are several different approaches to treating ED, Including medications, lifestyle changes, surgeries, and implants. Oral medications like nitric oxides (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil) can improve ED, but they may not be recommended if you take nitric drugs, deal with hypotension, or have heart disease. Other medications can be applied in different ways. For example, Alprostadil is injected into the penis or administered as a suppository. Testosterone replacement can be used if the issues are hormonally linked.
Rigorous exercise can improve ED by improving blood flow and lowering cholesterol, as can dietary changes. Surgery and implants are a last resort when other options fail.
ED can be difficult to deal with emotionally, but it is treatable, and we can help. Call or send a message to Drs. Herman, Kester, and the team at Urology Center of Florida today for ways to treat this illness.
