Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to attain or maintain an erection that yields sexual satisfaction. Having erectile dysfunction can be distressing and can strain your relationship, especially if it is an ongoing problem. With the many misconceptions surrounding erectile dysfunction, it is possible to feel anxious and embarrassed about your condition. However, erectile dysfunction is so common, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact, according to medical studies, approximately half of men above the age of 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction. The good news is, with an expert urologist, almost all cases of erectile dysfunction Mount Vernon are treatable and will result in improved sexual function and quality erections. Some of the causes of erectile dysfunction that can be fixed include;
1. Nerve Injury
Erectile dysfunction has many causes, and many diseases can cause neurological problems that affect erectile function. These may include stroke, brain and spinal tumors, Alzheimer’s, and even Parkinson’s disease. Surgery and radiation treatments for some conditions, such as prostate cancer, can result in nerve damage, which hinders the brain’s ability to relay decodable messages to your reproductive organs.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle
Consistently making poor health decisions will affect your ability to achieve an erection. If you are a habitual smoker, obese, or an alcohol and substance abuser, you are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. You can always choose to live healthy by exercising and eating healthy food. Foods rich in flavonoids have been shown to help reduce your need to smoke and take alcohol.
3. Medications
Some medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, have been shown to cause a decline in sexual function. Even though these drugs are prescribed to treat a particular condition, extended use may affect your hormones, blood circulation, and nerves, leading to erectile dysfunction.
4. Medical conditions
Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and heart disease could indicate other underlying conditions such as erectile dysfunction. For example, heart disease and erectile dysfunction manifest similar symptoms. Cardiovascular issues such as atherosclerosis cause narrowing of the blood vessels throughout the body. This could limit the adequate proliferation of the penis during sex and subsequently result in weak or no erection.
5. Emotional Distress
Relationship problems such as miscommunication and lack of communication can cause strain in the bedroom and overall sexual performance. Moreover, if you have been going through phases of anxiety due to sexual failure, it is possible to experience erectile dysfunction repeatedly. Depression and self-doubt can also cripple your confidence resulting in erectile dysfunction.
If you are struggling with erectile dysfunction, it is safe to bet that your problem is also affecting your sexual partner. Even though this can be a difficult topic to discuss with your partner, it doesn’t have to be because there are many medical and lifestyle interventions to treat your condition.
Moreover, a multidisciplinary approach from professional urologists will help them understand the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction and the relationship it has with other health conditions. However, the more reluctant you are to seek medical care, the more it will be hard to reinstate your sexual appetite. As such, the earlier you speak up, the more treatable your condition is.
