Harmful habits, illnesses, psychological and emotional problems are all possible causes of erectile dysfunction. Today we will talk about them in detail and share tips on how to prevent this unpleasant disorder.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
- Depression. Excitement is born in the brain and only then moves down. But it can hardly appear in the head, clogged with thoughts about the futility of life. Therefore, depression weakens desire and erection. Moreover, many antidepressants are also able to suppress sexual desire, slow down the process of arousal and orgasm;
- Stress. Stress, like depression, does not contribute to the right mood. It is also associated with fatigue – an unimportant ally in bed;
- Alcohol. It is cunning. A couple of drinks – and you are in the right mood. But the continuation of the banquet, especially with strong alcohol, threatens sexual fiasco. Fortunately, in this case, the lack of an erection is usually temporary. But still, you’ better avoid excessive doses of alcoholic drinks;
- Drugs. Amphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and other drugs can also cause sexual problems. The list of possible consequences of their use is endless;
- Smoking. Threats written on cigarette packages are true. Smoking really increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. So do not say that you were not warned;
- Medicines. Not only antidepressants but also some other drugs lead to problems with potency. This side effect can be caused by painkillers or pressure-reducing agents. Nevertheless, you’d better stop taking such drugs only after consulting a doctor;
- Anger. It is difficult to tune in to romance if you are bursting with rage. Moreover, even suppressed anger can bring discord into your love life;
- Anxiety and low self-esteem. First, concern about your sexual abilities may already reduce them to zero. Secondly, anxiety for other reasons can migrate to the bedroom and spoil everything. Self-doubt increases anxiety. If you doubt your sexuality or are worried that you screw up in bed, it is possible that this will happen;
- Overweight. Obese men have low testosterone levels. It affects both libido and erection. In addition, excessive weight can cause hypertension and hardening of the arteries, due to which blood flow to the penis can decrease. Well, in general, obesity is a common cause of low self-esteem;
- Health problems. Various diseases can affect the nerves, muscles or blood vessels that are responsible for an erection. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. Surgery on the prostate or bladder can also have a negative effect.
Treatment options
The first thing your doctor will do is make sure that you are receiving adequate treatment for your other diseases, which may be the cause of your erectile dysfunction.
Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and other health problems, you may be offered various treatment options. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and take into account your preferences. Your partner’s preferences can also play a role in choosing a treatment.
Pills for erectile dysfunction
These drugs are quite successfully used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. They include Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Avana, and others. The mechanism of action of this class of drugs is to enhance the action of nitric oxide – a natural chemical that produces your body and which relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis. This leads to an increase in local blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. You can easily buy ED pills online at Sky Pharmacy but remember that the intake of these drugs does not lead to an automatic erection. Sexual stimulation is first needed to cause the release of nitric oxide from the nervous tissue of the penis. These drugs only enhance this chemical signal, allowing the penis to function normally. They are not aphrodisiacs, do not cause excitement and are not needed by men who have no problems with erection.
Medications vary in dosage, duration of action, and side effects. Possible side effects include blood flow to the upper torso, nasal congestion, headache, visual disturbances, back pain and indigestion.
Your doctor will examine your specific situation to determine which medicine will be most effective for you. These medicines may not immediately save you from erectile dysfunction. You may have to spend some time with your doctor to find the right medicine and dosage for you.
Before taking any medication for erectile dysfunction, including bioactive supplements (dietary supplements) and herbal remedies, consult your doctor. Erectile dysfunction medications are not effective for all men or may lose their effect under certain conditions, for example, after prostate surgery or diabetes.
It is especially important to know that some medications can be dangerous if:
- you are taking nitrates in the form of medications usually prescribed for the treatment of angina, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate, etc.;
- you have cardiovascular disease or heart failure;
- you have very low blood pressure (hypotension).
Pumps and implants
If medications are not effective or are not suitable for your case, the doctor may recommend another treatment. Other treatments include:
- The method of local decompression. This is a method of treatment with local negative pressure, which is created using a special pump (vacuum device), put on the penis. The pump is a hollow tube in the form of a glass with an attached manual or electric pump. The tube is placed on top of your penis, and then the pump evacuates the air from the tube, creating a rarefied atmosphere inside. This creates a vacuum that makes the penis fill with blood and leads to an erect state. If your pump is effective for you, your doctor may recommend a specific model that suits you well;
- Penile implants. This treatment involves the surgical placement of devices on both sides of the penis. These implants consist of inflatable or plastic rods. Inflatable devices allow you to control the start time and the duration of an erection. Plastic cores keep your penis firm but flexible. Penile implants are usually not recommended until other methods are tested. Implants are suitable for men who have not had an effect with conservative therapies. As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications, such as infection.
Physical activity
Recent studies have shown that exercise, especially moderate and vigorous activity in the open air, can improve erectile dysfunction. However, it is not always suitable for men diagnosed with heart disease or other serious medical problems. In any case, regular exercise can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Discuss your level of physical activity with a doctor.
Psychological counseling
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety or depression, or it creates stress and tension in a relationship with a partner, your doctor may suggest that you or your partner visit a psychologist or a neuropsychiatrist.
Alternative medicine
Before using any dietary supplement, consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you, especially if you have a chronic illness. Some alternative products that are advertised as anti-erectile dysfunction can be dangerous. There are cases of selling “herbal Viagra” containing potentially harmful drugs not listed on the label. Doses of such substances are unknown, their origin is shrouded in mystery, their chemical purity and safety also raise doubts. Some of these drugs can interact with prescription drugs and lower blood pressure to a critical level. These products are especially dangerous for people taking nitrates.
Lifestyle and home remedies
In many men, erectile dysfunction is associated with lifestyle. Here are some simple steps that can help prevent or get rid of the problem:
- If you smoke – quit. If you have problems quitting, ask for help. Try replacing nicotine, for example, with chewing gum or lozenges, or ask your doctor about drugs that will help you quit;
- Lose those extra pounds. Excess weight can cause erectile dysfunction. Include physical activity in your daily life. Exercise can help solve other health problems that play a role in erectile dysfunction, relieve stress, help lose weight and increase blood flow in the pelvis;
- Get rid of problems with alcohol or drugs. Drinking or taking certain drugs can lead to erectile dysfunction or cause long-term health problems in general.
- Work on a relationship with your partner. Consider couples counseling if you have trouble communicating with your partner or deal with the problems yourself.
Overcoming and support
Regardless of whether the cause of impotence is physical, psychological, or a combination of both, erectile dysfunction can be a source of mental and emotional stress for you and your partner. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Do not dwell on the idea that you will have this problem forever. Do not consider occasional problems with an erection as a reflection of your health, do not expect that the problem with erection will arise again during the next sexual intercourse. This can cause nervousness, which will cause erectile dysfunction;
- Talk to your sexual partner. Your partner may regard your inability to have an erection as a sign of weakening sexual interest. Discuss your condition openly and honestly. Treatment is often more successful when a person attracts his partner;
- Do not ignore stress, anxiety, or other mental health problems. Talk to your doctor or consult a mental health professional to solve these problems.