Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition in which a man is unable to get or maintain a proper erection. Frequently associated with older men, this condition is affecting youngsters as well. It is also commonly referred to as impotence. ED affects sexual life. Understanding ED is the primary step before seeking treatment from a medical professional.
A study reveals that the problem of ED was found to be 15.77 percent. ED happens in less than one percent of the male population prior to 19 years of age. The occurrence increases to 25 percent by 75 years age
ED currently affects nearly 13 percent of men across the globe. This number is projected to rise to as much as 320 million by 2025. (Source: Science Direct)
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an erection that is hard enough for copulation.
- In men who suffer from ED, the blood flow to the penis is less.
- It can happen at any age, however it is more common in men over 60 years of age.
- ED can impact the sexual life as well as the quality of life.
- ED in itself is a medical condition. However, it can be an indicator to a bigger problem like diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, etc.
- It is important to find out the underlying reason behind ED.
Causes :
The causes of ED can be categorized into two groups – Physical and Psychological causes
Physical causes
- Obesity
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hormonal imbalance
- Low testosterone levels
- Radiation therapy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurological problems
- Surgeries
- Mediations
- Smoking
- Drinking
Psychological causes
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Low self esteem
- Fear
- Guilt
Signs and symptoms of ED
Here are some of the most common warning signs and symptoms of ED:
- Inability to maintain an erection
- Inability to get an erection
- Premature ejaculation
- Reduced sex drive
Risk factors associated with ED
Here are the most common risk factors for ED:
Age
Higher the age of a man, greater are the chances of occurrence of ED.
Medical conditions
Health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease increase the likelihood of experiencing ED.
Lifestyle
Having a sedentary lifestyle with consumption of alcohol and smoking can also contribute to ED.
Diagnosis
ED is not difficult to diagnose. Some of the ways to diagnose ED are:
- Physical examination
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Erection test
- Ultrasound
Treatment
There are several treatment options available for ED. In most causes, doctors will treat the underlying medical conditions that will help to improve the symptoms of ED.
Medications
Cenforce 150, Cenforce 200, Vidalista 40, and Sildenafil citrate are some of the popular oral medicines that doctors recommend for treatment of ED. It is important for individuals to only take these prescription drugs after consulting a medical practitioner.
Injections
The doctor may also recommend patients with a drug that needs to be self-injected at the base or side of the penis to get an erection.
Testosterone booster
If an individual is suffering from ED due to low testosterone levels, the doctor may prescribe a shot or pill to increase testosterone levels.
Implants and surgery
But injections and medication do not work, the doctor may recommend penile implants or a surgery.
Prevention and maintenance
ED can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Keeping a check on the blood pressure.
- Limiting the intake of alcohol
- Avoiding smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Treating the underlying medical conditions
Many individuals who may suffer from this issue find it an embarrassment and are often reluctant to speak to a medical professional. However, if an individual experiences a persistent erection problem, he should consult a doctor immediately for any underlying medical condition.