About Erectile Dysfunction:
Erectile Dysfunction is defined as trouble getting or keeping an erection that's firm enough for sex. Though it's not rare for a man to have some problems with erections from time to time, ED that is progressive or happens routinely with sex is not normal, and it should be treated.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can happen:
- Most often when blood flow in the penis is limited or nerves are harmed
- With stress or emotional reasons
- As an early warning of a more serious illness, like: atherosclerosis (hardening or blocked arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar from Diabetes
- Only sometimes being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse.
- Being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse but not being able to maintain it during sexual intercourse.
- Complete inability to get an erection
- Requiring a lot of stimulation to maintain an erection.
- Are you currently taking any medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, dietary supplements and nonmedical drugs?
- Has a healthcare provider ever diagnosed you with depression or anxiety?
- Do you often feel stressed?
- Are you experiencing any relationship problems?
- How often are you able to get erections?
- How hard are your erections?
- How long are you able to maintain an erection?
- Do you lose your erection because you ejaculate sooner than you would like?
- When did you first notice symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
- What exactly happened when you first had erectile dysfunction symptoms?
- Do or did you experience erections at night or during the morning?
- What sexual positions do you regularly engage in?
Finding the cause(s) of your ED will help treat the problem and help with your overall well-being. As a rule, what's good for your heart health is good for your sex health.
How Erections Work
During sexual arousal, nerves release chemicals that increase blood flow into the penis. Blood flows into two erection chambers in the penis, made of spongy muscle tissue (the corpus cavernosum). The corpus cavernosum chambers are not hollow.
During erection, the spongy tissues relax and trap blood. The blood pressure in the chambers makes the penis firm, causing an erection. When a man has an orgasm, a second set of nerve signals reach the penis and cause the muscular tissues in the penis to contract and blood is released back into a man's circulation and the erection comes down.
When you are not sexually aroused, the penis is soft and limp. Men may notice that the size of the penis varies with warmth, cold or worry; this is normal and reflects the balance of blood coming into and leaving the penis.
Symptoms:
With Erectile Dysfunction (ED), it is hard to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex. When ED becomes a routine and bothersome problem, your primary care provider or a Urologist can help.
ED may be a major warning sign of cardiovascular disease indicating blockages are building in a man's vascular system. Some studies have shown men with ED are at significant risk of getting a heart attack, stroke or circulatory problems in the legs. ED also causes:
Even though ED becomes more common as men age, growing old is not always going to cause ED. Some men stay sexually functional into their 80s. ED can be an early sign of a more serious health problem. Finding and treating the reason for ED is a vital first step.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can diagnose ED and determine its cause. They’ll review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask you questions about your personal and sexual history. These questions may make you feel embarrassed or awkward. But it’s important to be honest with the provider in order to quickly determine the cause. The questions may include:
The provider may also ask to talk with your sexual partner. Your partner may be able to offer additional insight on potential causes. The provider may order tests to confirm their diagnosis and determine the cause of your ED.