Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a common problem among men characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient enough for sexual intercourse. Sometimes, it also refers to the inability to achieve ejaculation or the tendency to sustain very brief erections. 

Erectile dysfunction can vary from person to person but it is most common in older men, usually in their 60s. It is also common in men that have unhealthy lifestyles, mainly because they do not have enough education. 

This article discusses the causes and symptoms of erectile dysfunction and sheds light on erectile dysfunction treatment options for men suffering from this problem.

The Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Normal erectile function can be affected by problems with blood flow, nerve supply or hormones. 

Physical Causes

In 90% of the cases, erectile dysfunction occurs due to physical reasons. The following list summarizes many of the most common physical or organic causes of erectile dysfunction: 

• Heart diseases
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Smoking, alcoholism, and substance abuse
• Hormonal disorders such as testosterone deficiency
• and thyroid issues
• Anatomical or structural disorders of the penis (Peyronie disease)
• Treatments for prostate disease
• Surgical complications
• Injuries in the pelvic area or spinal cord
• Radiation therapy to the pelvic region

Numerous prescription medications can also cause erectile dysfunction. However, before you stop or change your prescription medication, please consult your doctor.  Some medicines that can cause erectile dysfunction include: 

• Drugs to control high blood pressure
• Heart medications
• Some diuretics
• Drugs that act on the central nervous system (some sleeping pills and amphetamines)
• Anxiety treatments
• Antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants)
• Opioid painkillers
• Some cancer drugs and chemotherapeutic agents
• Prostate treatment drugs
• Hormone drugs

Psychological Causes

In rare cases, it is possible that a man has never achieved an erection in his life and has suffered from erectile dysfunction forever. This condition is known as primary erectile dysfunction. In most cases, the cause for it is psychological if there is no anatomical deformity or physical issue. The psychological factors affecting a man’s ability to achieve an erection can include fear of intimacy, guilt, depression or severe anxiety. 

Most cases of erectile dysfunction are secondary cases. This means that a man’s erectile function has been normal in the past but has now become problematic. Causes of secondary erectile dysfunction are usually physical.

Sometimes, there can be an overlap between physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. For instance, if a man suffers from obesity, the changes in his blood flow can affect his ability to maintain an erection (a physical cause). However, due to his obesity, he might also be suffering from low self-esteem which can impact erectile function (psychological cause). 

The Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

The main symptoms of erectile dysfunction include persistent:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble maintain an erection
• Reduced sexual desire
• Inability to achieve ejaculation

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, are concerned about your erections or are experiencing other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation, it would be best if you visited a doctor. You should also see one if you have diabetes, heart disease or other known health conditions, physical or psychological, that might be linked to erectile dysfunction. 

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

In most cases, a physical exam is sufficient to diagnose erectile dysfunction but some doctors might also recommend blood tests, urine tests, ultrasounds, and psychological exams, depending on your symptoms, medical condition and history. 

After diagnosis, a doctor will suggest erectile dysfunction treatment options. The most common treatment methods include:

• Oral medications like Viagra that enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical that your body produces to relax muscles in the penis. This chemical increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
• Alprostadil self-injections that are injected into the base or sides of a penis. These injections can enhance your ability to get and maintain an erection.
• Testosterone replacement therapy that, in combination with other therapies, can prove to be helpful for people who have erectile dysfunction due to the low levels of the testosterone hormone.
• Penis pumps that are hollow tubes placed over the penis to suck out the air and pull blood into the penis. Increased blood flow helps maintain erectile function.
• Penile implants that are bendable rods placed surgically inside the penis to keep the penis firm.

Final Words

Erectile dysfunction affects as many as 1 in 5 men over the age of 40 in Australia. This is a large number of the male population. Hence, spreading awareness about erectile dysfunction and encouraging men to speak about it is crucial. If you or someone you know suffers from erectile dysfunction, play your part and help them get the treatment get the treatment they need.