Fertility issues in men are on the rise due to various reasons. Lifestyle and food habits can affect fertility in men. Erectile dysfunction is one such fertility issue in men, resulting in problems in sexual relationships. Treating an underlying medical condition may help reverse erectile dysfunction. So consult your doctor when you notice erectile dysfunction symptoms. You may also need direct treatment for treating this condition. To treat fertility issues in men, you must know about the causes and symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
.jpeg)
It is a penile disorder where men cannot maintain an erection for a long time, which is required for sexual satisfaction. This condition is also called impotence, as it inhibits your ability to have sexual intercourse, leading to fertility issues. It is important to consult your doctor when you notice symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is classified into four types based on its cause, namely vascular, neurogenic, hormonal and psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction early signs can help you identify the kind of impotence you suffer from.
Some of the evident symptoms and signs of impotence are:
● Inability to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse
● Less sexual desire
● Failure to get an erection.
Various reasons result in erectile dysfunction.
● Proper blood flow is responsible for the erection of the penis. If the blood vessels that supply blood to your penis get blocked, it may result in erectile dysfunction.
● Underlying medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues may cause erectile dysfunction.
● Injury to your pelvis, bladder, spinal cord, and other organs can damage your penis, causing impotence.
● Radiation therapy and pelvic surgery can be the cause of erectile dysfunction.
● This condition can also be due to the intake of certain medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, and other drugs.
● Smoking and alcohol can be the cause of erectile dysfunction.
● Anxiety and stress can cause erectile dysfunction in men.
.jpeg)
Erectile dysfunction is more common in men as they age. Erectile dysfunction affects men with the following conditions:
● Obesity
● Use of alcohol and drugs
● Medications
● Injuries
● Medical treatments
● Stress and anxiety
Erectile dysfunction can lead to severe complications, including low self-confidence and self-esteem, relationship issues, unsatisfactory sexual life, inability to make your partner pregnant, stress and anxiety.
Men can prevent erectile dysfunction with simple lifestyle changes.
● Be active with regular physical activity
● Maintain an ideal weight
● Get ample sleep
● Eat healthy and nutritious food
● Quit smoking and drinking
● Managing stress and anxiety
● Treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.
You must consult your healthcare provider when you notice impotence treatment symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. You will also be asked about your sexual life. Share with them your medical conditions and how you feel during sexual intercourse. Tell them if you suffer from anxiety and stress. Inform your doctor if you are under any medications. They may suggest going for any of the following tests:
● Blood test
● Testosterone test
● Complete blood count
● Penile biothesiometry
● Thyroid test
● Urine test
● Ultrasound
These tests can help your doctor identify the exact cause of impotence.
Your healthcare provider may devise a treatment plan for ED based on its cause.
Medications: Certain medications can treat erectile dysfunction in men. Your doctor may prescribe specific medicines, including sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. These medicines help to increase the blood flow by relaxing the muscles of the penis aiding in erection. You might not notice immediate results with these medications. You may intake testosterone if you have low levels of testosterone hormone.
● Injections: Injecting alprostadil in your penis helps in filling your penis with blood and achieving erection. The dosage of the injection helps in an erection that lasts for an hour.
● Alprostadil urethral suppository is a treatment where this drug is injected into your penile urethra. This helps in immediate erection that lasts for 30 to 60 minutes.
● Penis pump: A vacuum device called a penis pump is placed over your penis. It is used to pull blood into your penis. After you get an erection, a tension ring is placed in the base of your penis to hold the blood inside. Now, the vacuum device can be removed. Erections last until you complete sexual intercourse with your partner.
● Surgery: Your doctor may recommend surgery based on your condition. Surgery is done to repair the arteries that bring blood to the penis.
● Penile implant: Your doctor may go for a penile implant procedure where a device is placed inside your penis that makes it hard. The implant is inflatable or malleable rods that help the penis to be firm.
● LISWT: Penile low-intensity focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment to improve blood flow in the penis.
● Testosterone replacement therapy: This treatment is given as gel, injections, or patches. You can notice better results within a few weeks of starting the therapy.
Not all treatment methods work; your fertility specialist may help you choose the proper treatment based on your symptoms and health conditions.
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a common male fertility problem that inhibits your partner from getting pregnant. It is important to identify the cause of the condition before starting the treatment. Erectile dysfunction can be treated effectively with medications, injections, or surgery. Proper changes in your lifestyle can help prevent erectile dysfunction in men.
Erectile dysfunction in men is caused due to improper blood supply to the penis, underlying medical conditions, obesity, stress, anxiety, injury and other medical treatments.
Erectile dysfunction is not a normal part of ageing but is more common with age. As you age, there are changes in the anatomy of the penis and decreased levels of testosterone.
Inability to maintain an erection for a long time during sexual intercourse, failure to get an erection, and reduced sexual drive.
Yes, stress and anxiety can cause erectile dysfunction symptoms. Erection of the penis is more of emotions and related to your psychological conditions.
