Struggling to maintain an erection can make sexual encounters embarrassing and disappointing for everyone involved. But you’re not alone or weird if your body is letting you down. A huge number of men are affected by this condition and it can wreak havoc with everything from self-esteem to relationships.
It may be an uncomfortable topic, but understanding the causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) is something every man (and woman) should know about. Let’s get rid of the taboos around this subject together and take a closer look at what erectile dysfunction is, its symptoms, causes, and the different treatments available.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
To put it plainly, erectile dysfunction occurs when you can’t keep your erection firm enough for sex. This happens when you’re not experiencing enough blood flow to your penis.
Struggling to maintain an erection occasionally is normal. However, it becomes a problem when it starts to happen often and disrupts your sex life.
What Are The Symptoms Of Erectile Dysfunction?
Having ED doesn’t necessarily mean that you never have an erection.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:
- Not being able to get a firm erection at any time
- Getting a firm erection that doesn’t last long enough to have satisfying sex
- Sometimes not being able to get a firm erection
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is commonly cited as a symptom of ageing. But this is not entirely true. There are multiple causes for erectile dysfunction, including the following:
- Neurological conditions like strokes, epilepsy, and brain or spinal cord injuries
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Multiple sclerosis
- High blood pressure
- Peyronie’s disease
The use of certain medications is also a common culprit for causing erectile dysfunction. In some cases, medications treat a disease, but they also affect your nerves, hormones, and blood circulation. This means that while you feel better in some ways, your body doesn’t perform the way you want it to in others.
Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of the following types of medications:
- Antihistamines
- Chemotherapy medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- Antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants.
Other substances that cause ED include:
- Cocaine
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
- Amphetamines
- Alcohol
These substances suppress the central nervous system and cause damage to your blood vessels.
Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and stress are also common causes of erectile dysfunction. If you can maintain a firm erection when masturbating but not when having sex with your partner, it’s more likely that these psychological conditions are the cause.
Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction
Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are the most common drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, their efficacy depends on the cause of your erectile dysfunction. If it’s not caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis, then none of these drugs will be effective.
Luckily, there are many treatment options available, ranging from sex therapy to stem cell therapy and much more.
Just because one treatment doesn’t work for you doesn’t mean that you should stop trying. Consult with your doctor to find the best treatment.
Don’t Wait To Get Help
There are numerous studies that highlight the fact that erectile dysfunction is common amongst men of various ages. Fortunately, there are many ways to address the issue and you don’t have to simply accept that your sex life is a thing of the past.
If you suspect that you have ED you should talk to your doctor sooner rather than later. In some cases, it may just put the brakes on your sexual activity, but in others, it can signal underlying health conditions.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated. Don’t be ashamed to talk about it and reach out!
