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Erectile Dysfunction: Symptoms and Causes

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as a failure to achieve or sustain an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse. This can be a sensitive issue for men who are suffering and can result in feelings of inadequacy that in some cases may lead to depression. The condition and associated feelings are by no means uncommon, as ED is the single most common sexual disorder in men, and that’s even with an estimated 3 in 4 ED cases going undiagnosed, often as a result of men finding it difficult to seek professional help.

There are a number of aspects that have the potential to contribute to ED and a variety of methods of combating ED to improve your sexual experience. Whilst ED is often a subject that is difficult to confront and talk about, sex is a fundamental aspect of relationships for many people, so it’s important that you don’t lose hope in finding a solution. In this article, we will outline common factors associated with ED and suggest ways to get you back on track.

Why Does Erectile Dysfunction Occur?

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The process of a man becoming sexually aroused has its complexities. It isn’t always as simple as flicking a switch and being ready to engage in sexual intercourse for long durations.

This can be infuriating for sufferers of ED, who often conclude psychological factors such as their mindset or an experience of anxiety must be the reason they are unable to maintain an erection. In reality, various physiological factors are much more likely to be limiting the strength of your erection, many of which can be easily remedied and counteracted. Prescription medicine such as beta-blockers and antidepressants often increase ED, this is a totally normal side effect. Psychological factors, although less common, can play a part in ED, especially if you are a sufferer of anxiety and depression, or have experienced childhood trauma or some form of abuse.

Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction:

Below we cover a variety of factors that commonly increase the chance of Erectile Dysfunction:

Existing Diseases and Conditions:

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Heart disease, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis have all been linked to sufferers of Erectile Dysfunction. Conditions such as Obesity and Diabetes increase your chances of having erectile dysfunction, with about half of diabetic patients being likely to experience some form of erectile dysfunction over their lifetime. It is also more common in men with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis), and some blood pressure medications lead to greater chances of ED than others so this is worth considering.

Medication:

If you have trouble getting or keeping an erection, you may want to take a closer look at any various medications you might be using. A variety of prescription or over-the-counter medications can actually promote erectile dysfunction. Antidepressants, DHT blockers, and Thiazides are among the drugs that are known to have ED as a common side effect, so it’s worth double-checking the secondary effects of your medication and researching possible alternatives that may not contribute to ED.

Substance Use

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Alcoholism, as well as other forms of substance abuse, can lead to a reduced ability to obtain and maintain a strong erection. Tobacco has also been linked with increased ED risk.

Psychological Factors

Feelings that disrupt the natural process of becoming excited before sex may include depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions, and stress either from relationship issues or from other aspects of your life. These psychological causes account for approximately 10-20% of all erectile dysfunction causes.

Preventions and Treatments

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The methods of reducing your run-ins with Erectile Dysfunction are plentiful. As discussed above, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to increase the likelihood of a strong erection during sex, but there are other methods to treat ED as we explore below:

Medications

There are plenty of medications available, you might need to try a few medications until you find one that works for you. These include:

These medications stimulate the circulation of blood in the penis and allow you to get an erection. Online pharmacies are great places to get the above treatments at affordable prices

and come in discreet packaging to put your mind at ease. Many of these just require a short consultation form and you’re away.

Counseling

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If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, depression, or social anxiety, your doctor may suggest that you or your wife see a psychologist, if your condition creates pressure and marital stress. Talk to a doctor if there are behavioral or emotional issues concerning your ED.

Psychologists will teach you how to reduce your depression. Your doctor can suggest that you take a therapy session with your partner. When you attempt to relieve your anxiety, your doctor should focus on treating the particular effects of ED.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve discussed, erectile dysfunction could be down to a number of factors. It may be as simple as the natural result of a specific medication, so it’s definitely worth thoroughly researching anything you’re currently taking. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will always be beneficial to combat ED, but medication is a quick and easy method of increasing the likelihood of a lasting erection when most needed.

Most importantly, remember you’re not alone. ED is very common and there are plenty of methods of prevention and treatment to try, so find out what best suits your needs

About Suzan Vega