There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, and it is important to see your doctor to diagnose the problem. In some cases, medications may be the culprit. Other causes of ED are an injury or prostate surgery. Depending on the cause, you may need to try a different medication or adjust the dose. In rare cases, psychological factors may also play a role. In any case, a visit to a physician can help you discover the cause of your problem.
Organic ED is caused by abnormalities in the veins and arteries of the penis. It is the most common cause of ED among older men. Often, it is the result of arteriosclerosis. The underlying cause can be uncontrolled but controllable, such as obesity and cigarette smoking. If your symptoms are persistent, your doctor can prescribe medication to address the cause. A doctor will also determine if you have any underlying medical conditions.
The current treatment options for erectile dysfunction are limited by their symptomatic benefits. Oral PDE-5i are a significant therapeutic breakthrough, but they only mitigate the symptoms and don’t cure the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. While it is possible to achieve a temporary erection with these medications, definitive management of erectile dysfunction would result in better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Treatment options for erectile dysfunction can include medications and surgery. If non-drug treatments do not work, a doctor can perform surgery to insert a penile implant. These pumps create a vacuum in the penis to induce an erection. The penis then has an elastic ring around it that maintains the erection and prevents blood from returning to the circulatory system. The pump is usually left in place for 30 minutes to achieve the desired effect.
Some common causes of erectile dysfunction include vascular disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, prostate surgery, and glaucoma eye drops. Note that there may be a connection between high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction as well. Relationship issues can also cause ED. Couples therapy may help improve sexual intimacy and reduce anxiety related to erections. Psychological factors that cause erectile dysfunction can include stress, self-consciousness, or the belief that your partner will react negatively to an erection. To avoid ED, you should reduce your intake of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
Biological factors also play an important role in determining the cause of erectile dysfunction. An anthropological study of 250 Mexican men found that most men did not view a decrease in erectile function as a biological pathology. In contrast, these men viewed it as a welcome sign of aging. It became socially acceptable for them to pursue sex outside of marriage and family, and it helped them overcome infidelity.
To determine the best treatments for ED, patients should consult with a clinician or partner. It is important to understand that the most effective treatments are often modified over time as knowledge of the disease develops. In addition to the patient’s preferences, the effectiveness of an ED treatment should be based on evidence-based guidelines, not the clinician’s personal preference. Therefore, it is important to understand the limitations of an ED treatment and determine a course of action based on those criteria.
Men who are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction may not feel comfortable talking to their doctor about their problems, and this could delay the diagnosis of serious underlying conditions. Often, erectile dysfunction is associated with other conditions, and can be a symptom of a more serious ailment, such as coronary heart disease. Men who are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction should discuss this issue with their doctor, who may suggest lowering their dose of prescribed medication or trying another treatment.
A complete blood count can be done in order to determine if there is a cause for ED. A low red blood cell count, for example, may be the cause of a man’s erection problems. Having a complete blood count can also help your doctor determine if you have an underlying medical condition. A doctor may also ask about your sexual history to determine the underlying cause of ED.
Other causes of ED include surgery on the penis or prostate. Couples therapy may be recommended to improve the sex life of the couple. Couples therapy can teach the couple new ways to show affection and please each other while having sex. Couples therapy can also help with the psychological factors associated with erectile dysfunction. Couples therapy may also help to reduce anxiety about erections, which may be due to past ED. Besides psychological causes, mental health problems and chronic health conditions may also cause ED.
The most common underlying cause of erectile dysfunction is diabetes. More than one in ten adults have diabetes, and approximately 35 to 50 percent of diabetic men experience erectile dysfunction. Diabetes causes premature hardening of the arteries and can affect the nerves responsible for erections. Depressed men may experience erectile dysfunction due to the same reasons. Men with depression should be tested for any underlying medical conditions. Some antidepressants may worsen ED symptoms.
Other causes of erectile dysfunction are neurological disorders, diabetes, chronic alcoholism, and various prescription medications. Some of these drugs may affect the hormones in the penis or interfere with blood circulation, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. People who abuse certain drugs, such as diuretics or antihypertensives, may also develop erectile dysfunction. Some men may also abuse steroid hormones for muscle growth and recovery.
Although the causes of ED vary, there are a number of principles that are common to all men. Treatment of ED should restore sexual function, improve physical health, and maximize QoL for the man and his partner. Despite its commonality, however, it is important to understand that every man with ED is an individual with his own set of unique circumstances. His symptoms, associated health issues, and concerns, and his partner’s concerns all play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of his condition.