Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. There are many different causes, which can include conditions affecting your blood vessels, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, and injuries. A healthcare provider can diagnose and treat erectile dysfunction. 

Table of content: 

1. Overview
2. Symptoms and Causes
3. Diagnosis and Tests
4. Management and Treatment
5. Prevention
6. Outlook / Prognosis
7. Living With
8. Additional Common Questions
9. Resources

Overview:

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a type of penis disorder. This affects your ability to get and maintain an erection strong enough for intercourse.

Your emotions play a major role in getting and maintaining an erection. It is important to feel relaxed, confident and excited. But sometimes it is normal to have erection problems. Erection problems may occur if you feel nervous, anxious, depressed, or tired. Drinking alcohol and/or using substances can also have an impact. It may also be caused by other conditions or as a side effect of certain medications or cancer treatments.

If you are having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss it further.
In many cases, ED may be the first symptom of another underlying problem, including heart disease. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you have trouble getting and maintaining an erection.

Other names for erectile dysfunction include:

• Impotence.

• Impotency.

What are the types of erectile dysfunction?

Healthcare providers separate ED into several categories:

• Vascular erectile dysfunction. Vascular ED includes causes that affect the blood vessels that send blood to the tissues in your penis that allow you to get and maintain an erection, or the valves in the penis that normally keep blood inside. Vascular ED is the most common type of ED.

• Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Neurogenic ED occurs as a result of nerve problems, which prevent signals from traveling from your brain to your penis to produce an erection. This may be caused by trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy, or neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal stenosis, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

• Hormonal erectile dysfunction. Hormonal ED refers to ED that results from testosterone deficiency or, in some cases, thyroid problems.

• Psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Psychogenic ED includes psychological conditions (conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings, or behavior) that can cause ED. 

How common is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the most common sex-related condition that men and people who are male at birth (AMAB) report to healthcare providers, especially as they age and develop other health problems.

What is the normal age for erectile dysfunction?

Providers and medical researchers estimate that erectile dysfunction affects more than 50% of men who identify as male between the ages of 40 and 70. And these numbers may be higher – many people do not seek help for the condition because of embarrassment or shame.

Symptoms and causes:

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

• Only sometimes being able to get an erection before intercourse.

• Being able to get an erection before intercourse but not being able to maintain it during intercourse.

• Complete inability to get an erection.

• Maintaining an erection requires a lot of stimulation.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

There are several possible causes of ED, including conditions that affect you:

• Circulatory Systems: Your circulatory system consists of blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Your penis needs adequate blood flow to become erect and maintain an erection. Your penis also relies on a series of valves to close when they fill with blood – in some cases, these valves stop working as they should.

• Nervous system: Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They work together to send electrical impulses that help your body, including your penis, move and feel.

• Endocrine system: Your endocrine system includes glands that make and release hormones. Hormones help tell your body to do certain things. Testosterone can help your blood vessels open (vasodilate), which helps blood flow to your penis. 

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by a physical cause. Common causes include:

• Heart disease

• Blocked blood vessels (atherosclerosis)

• High Cholesterol

• High Blood Pressure

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Metabolic syndrome – a condition that includes increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist, and high cholesterol

• Parkinson's disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Certain prescription medications

• Tobacco use

• Peyronie's disease – development of scar tissue inside the penis

• Alcohol and other drug abuse

• Sleep disorders

• Treatment of prostate cancer or enlarged prostate

• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord

• Low testosterone

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

The brain plays a key role in initiating the chain of physiological events that begins with feelings of sexual arousal and leads to an erection. Many things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions

• Tension

• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication, or other concerns 

Other substances

Substances that have the potential to cause addiction can cause ED, including:

• Liquor.

• Amphetamine.

• Barbiturates.

• Cocaine.

• Marijuana.

• Methadone.

• Nicotine.

• Opioids.

These substances can affect and depress your central nervous system. They can also cause serious damage to your blood vessels, leading to permanent erectile dysfunction. 

What is the primary cause of erectile dysfunction?

Conditions that affect your body's ability to deliver blood to your penis are the most common causes of ED.

Who does erectile dysfunction affect?

You may be at greater risk for ED if you:

• Are 40 or older.

• Have diabetes.

• Body mass index (BMI) is greater than 25.

• Have depression.

• Are physically inactive.

• Smoke. 

Diagnosis and Testing:

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can diagnose ED and determine its cause. They will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also ask you questions about your personal and sexual history. These questions may make you feel embarrassed or awkward. But it is important to be honest with the provider to find out the cause immediately. Questions may include:

• Are you currently taking any medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and non-prescription drugs?
• Has a healthcare provider ever diagnosed you with depression or anxiety?
• Do you often feel stressed?
• Are you facing any problem in relationship?
• How often are you able to get an erection?
• How hard is your erection?
• How long are you able to maintain an erection?
• Do you lose your erection because you ejaculate sooner than you want?
• When did you first notice symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
• What exactly happened when you first had symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
• Did you experience erections at night or in the morning?
• What sexual positions do you regularly engage in?

The provider may also ask to talk to your sexual partner. Your partner may be able to provide additional information on possible causes.
The provider may order tests to confirm their diagnosis and determine the cause of your ED. 

What tests will be done to diagnose erectile dysfunction?

It depends on what your healthcare provider suspects is causing erectile dysfunction. Your provider may order:

• Blood test.
• Complete blood count (CBC).
• lipid panel.
• liver function tests.
• Kidney function test.
• Thyroid test.
• Testosterone test.
• Urinalysis (urine test).
• Penile Doppler ultrasound.
• Tests that measure whether the nerves in your penis respond to vibration (penile biothesiometry).
• Medicines that temporarily make your penis erect (vasoactive injections).
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).

Before the test, your provider will explain what the test involves and answer any questions you may have. If you don't feel comfortable, you can decide not to have the test at any time. 

Management and Treatment:

What is the best way to cure erectile dysfunction?

The first step in treating erectile dysfunction is to identify the underlying cause. A healthcare provider will help determine the best treatment for you. Treatment options may include:

• Cardiovascular exercise. Vigorous cardiovascular exercise for at least 45 minutes three times per week may help reverse some cases of mild ED. Cardiovascular exercises may include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and jumping rope.

• Quit smoking. For men with mild ED, quitting smoking may lead to improvement after several months.

• Talking to a sex therapist.

• Oral medications that help increase blood flow to your penis, including sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or avanafil (Standra®). Oral medicines start working within an hour. 
  
  

• Penile low-intensity focused shockwave therapy (LiSWT). This non-invasive treatment improves blood flow using sound waves. It may take two months to see improvement.

• Medications that you inject directly into your penis to cause an erection include alprostadil (Caverject®), papaverine (Papacon®), phentolamine (Rezitine®), or a combination of several medications. The injected medicines start working within 10 minutes.

• Vacuum contraction device (penis pump). Penis pumps start working almost immediately.

• Testosterone replacement therapy, which is available in the form of gel, injection, patch, and pellets. Testosterone replacement therapy starts working within four weeks.

• Penile implant procedure. Penile implant is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a device into your penis to make it harder. This device does not affect sensation, urination or sexual arousal. 

Read more to know: 

How to Use Viagra for Best Results: A Comprehensive Guide 

Viagra vs. Sildenafil: Understanding the Difference 

Will ED go away on its own?

ED will not go away on its own without changes in your lifestyle or some type of treatment. 

Prevention:

Can ED be prevented?

Some lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of developing erectile dysfunction, including:

• Lowering your cholesterol.

• Being more physically active, especially doing cardiovascular exercise like running, jogging or cycling.

• Maintaining a healthy weight for you.

• Getting high quality sleep.

• Eating healthy foods low in saturated fat, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Stopping smoking.

• Reduce or stop drinking alcohol.

Outlook/Forecast: 

What can I expect if I have erectile dysfunction?

The outlook for ED is good and it is a very treatable condition. Although there is no cure for some causes of ED, several treatment options can help you get and maintain an erection strong enough for intercourse.

Living With: 

When should I see a healthcare provider?

If you suspect you have erectile dysfunction, talk to a primary care doctor or urologist. They can help diagnose ED, identify its cause, and recommend the best treatment options for you. A urologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your reproductive system and urinary system.

When should I go to the ER?

If you are taking medication for erectile dysfunction and erection pain lasts more than two to four hours, go to your nearest emergency room. This could be a sign of priapism, which can cause permanent damage to your penis without treatment.

What questions should I ask the healthcare provider?

• Is it normal to have erectile dysfunction?

• How do you know if I have erectile dysfunction?

• What is causing my erectile dysfunction?

• Which ED treatment option do you recommend?

• Can erectile dysfunction cause other conditions that affect my sexual health?

• Can I still have orgasms if I have ED?

• Can you recommend a sex therapist?

• Can you recommend a support group for people suffering from erectile dysfunction?

• Am I a candidate for a penis implant procedure? 

Additional Commen Question:

How does it feel when you can't get an erection?

You may feel a variety of emotions due to erectile dysfunction. You may feel embarrassed, disappointed, guilty, ashamed, angry, or "less than." This can lead to more serious long-term feelings like anxiety and depression. But you don't have to live with these feelings. ED is common, and it does not reflect your value as a person. Health care providers are available to assist.

What can I do if my partner has erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a sensitive topic for many people. The following tips may help you if your partner has erectile dysfunction:

• Encourage open communication. Let your partner know that you care about their feelings and well-being. Take appropriate time to talk to your partner so that he or she does not feel insecure.

• Remind your partner that they are not alone. ED is common, and treatment is available. Therapists and support groups can help your partner understand their feelings.

• Encourage healthy habits. Focus on the benefits of regular exercise, healthy eating, and reducing substances that cause ED.

• Get informed. Your partner will feel supported if you have accurate, up-to-date information on erectile dysfunction and its treatment options.

• Offer to accompany your partner to their appointments. You can help your partner ask questions, take notes, and give the healthcare provider information that can help them make a diagnosis. Respect their privacy if they prefer to see a provider alone.

• Express your feelings in other ways. Sex is not the only way to increase intimacy between partners. You can show your partner that you care through physical contact such as holding hands or rubbing the back, spending time with them, kissing, writing notes, being patient, and being a good listener.   

Read more:

Top 10 Questions/Answers About Viagra 

is viagra safe for take dialy? what are the benefits?

Resources:

• Erectile Dysfunction medicines 

Meds Online Delivery (MOD) is the Online pharmacy in USA that provides fastest delivery of hassle-free and reliable medicine at your doorstep in pan United states. 

A Note from MOD Pharmacy

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, especially as we age. This can lead to embarrassment, low self-esteem, and other serious psychological conditions. But you shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed about having ED. This may be your body's way of telling you that something is not right. It's important to have an open conversation with a healthcare provider about your symptoms and how they affect your quality of life. They can diagnose ED, determine its cause, and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. 

Top 10 ED Pills to Cure Erectile Dysfunction

There are many ED pills on the market that claim to help with erectile dysfunction. Some of them have been tried and tested, while others make big claims but are not licensed. Today we are going to talk about the 10 most reliable erectile dysfunction pills.

What is Erectie Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting men of various age groups. It can be a source of significant distress, impacting self-esteem and relationships. The good news is that there are several effective medications available to help men regain their sexual confidence and performance. In this article, we'll explore the top ten ED pills used to treat erectile dysfunction, offering men hope for a fulfilling and satisfying sex life.

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, is perhaps the most well-known medication for treating ED. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection when sexually stimulated. Viagra typically takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for about four hours. It comes in various dosages to allow for personalized treatment, but it is essential to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid potential side effects.

Tadalafil (Cialis)

Cialis is another highly recognized medication used to treat ED. Its active ingredient, tadalafil, also promotes increased blood flow to the penis. However, Cialis has a distinct advantage in that it can remain effective for up to 36 hours. This extended duration provides a more flexible approach to sexual activity, allowing for greater spontaneity in intimate moments.

Vardenafil (Levitra)

Levitra, containing the active ingredient vardenafil, is a trusted medication for ED treatment. It shares its mechanism of action with Viagra and Cialis, enhancing blood flow to the penis. Levitra typically takes effect within 15-30 minutes and can last for up to five hours. It is known for its tolerability among users who cannot take other medications in the same class.

Avanafil (Stendra)

Stendra, or avanafil, is a relatively new ED medication. It stands out for its rapid onset of action, usually taking effect within 15 minutes. This quick response makes it a popular choice for men who prefer spontaneity in their sexual encounters. Stendra's effects can last for up to six hours, providing a convenient solution for many men with ED.

Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex)

Alprostadil is a different approach to ED treatment, available as an injection or suppository. It works by dilating the blood vessels in the penis, improving blood flow and allowing for an erection. Alprostadil is often prescribed when oral medications like Viagra or Cialis are ineffective or unsuitable for the patient. While the idea of an injection may seem intimidating, many men find this option effective and worth considering when other methods are not successful.

Dapoxetine (Priligy)

For men who experience both ED and premature ejaculation, Dapoxetine, sold under the brand name Priligy, may be a viable option. This medication helps to delay ejaculation, allowing for a longer-lasting and more satisfying sexual experience. It should be used as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that is available as an over-the-counter supplement. It is believed to improve blood flow by promoting the production of nitric oxide in the body. While research on L-arginine's effectiveness is ongoing, some men have reported positive results when used as a complementary treatment for ED.

Panax Ginseng

Panax ginseng, a popular herbal remedy, is thought to improve erectile function by increasing nitric oxide production and enhancing blood flow. While the evidence is not as robust as that for prescription medications, some men find it beneficial in addressing their ED symptoms.

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)

Horny Goat Weed is another herbal remedy often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sexual dysfunction. It may help improve blood flow to the penis, allowing for more sustainable erections. Like other herbal remedies, its effectiveness varies from person to person.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine is an extract from the bark of the yohimbe tree and is believed to enhance sexual performance by improving blood flow and nerve impulses in the genital area. However, it should be used cautiously and under medical supervision, as it can have side effects and may not be suitable for all individuals.

Are these ED pills safe?

Yes, when taken as prescribed. Obviously, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients found in these pills, you should avoid them. You should also avoid taking them if you have recently had a stroke or heart attack, or have low blood pressure. If you ever experience an erection lasting more than 4 hours, it is considered a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. This condition can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated properly. . This may be a very rare side effect, but you should be informed about it.

You may experience a variety of mild side effects if you take these ED pills. This may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• facial flushing
• nasal congestion
• indigestion
• muscle pain

You should not consume alcohol or grapefruit while taking these pills, as this may make these side effects worse. 

You should not take these ED pills if you are being treated for:

• Nitrate
• nitrate oxide donor
• Riociguat
• ritonavir

Conclusion:

Erectile Dysfunction is a common condition affecting many men, but it's important to recognize that there are numerous effective treatments available. From prescription medications like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra to alternative options such as alprostadil and herbal remedies, men have a range of choices to consider. To ensure the most suitable treatment, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, who can provide guidance based on individual needs and circumstances. With the right approach, many men can successfully overcome ED, reclaim their sexual confidence, and enjoy a fulfilling and satisfying sex life.