Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment

Description

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotency, is the inability or difficulty in achieving and sustaining a solid erection for sex. Continuing erectile dysfunction is both a bother and a detestable disorder. It can lead to a big deal of tension and major relationship problems.

Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes include:

1. Health issues such as, (a) Obesity (b) Heart disease (c) Diabetes (d) High blood pressure (e) Atherosclerosis (thickened arteries) (f) Metabolic disorders (g) Parkinson’s illness (h) Nerve disease or nerve damage (i) Hormonal problems (j) Multiple sclerosis (k) Certain medications (l) Growth of scar on the penis (m) Substance abuse like alcohol or tobacco (n) Surgical procedures or accidents that affect the pelvic space or spinal twine

2. Psychological issues such as, (a) Stress (b) Anxiety (c) Depression

Common risk factors include,

1. Overweight/obesity

2. Too much tobacco consumption

3. Health-related disorders, particularly diabetes or heart problems

4. Accidents and damage to the nerves that control erections

5. Treatments, such as a prostate surgical procedure or radiation treatment for cancer

6. Medications such as antidepressants and antihistamines

Signs and Symptoms

Signs associated with erectile dysfunction might include:

1. Difficulty getting an erection

2. Difficult to maintain an erection enough for intercourse

3. Diminished sexual desire

Investigations

1. Ultrasound

2. Urine assessment (urinalysis)

3. Physical examination

4. Overnight erection test

5. Blood tests: To rule out systemic disease, blood counts, lipid profiles, creatinine and liver profile measurements are performed. Serum testosterone levels may disclose information about endocrine system problems and may explain why a patient has reduced sexual desire.

Treatment and Prevention

1. Bring lifestyle changes such as: (a) Quit smoking

(b) Shed excess weight

(c) Reduce alcohol consumption

(d) Exercise regularly

2. Psychotherapy and counselling

3. Oral over-the-counter medications (a) Sildenafil (Cenforce 100, Fildena 100, Kamagra Oral Jelly)

(b) Tadalafil (Vidalista 20, Vidalista 40, Vidalista 60, Tadacip 20)

(c) Vardenafil (Vilitra 20, Vilitra 40, Vilitra 60)

(d) Avanafil

4. Other specific medications may also be given

5. Testosterone replacement therapy

6. Surgical procedures may include: (a) Penile implants (b) Surgery to improve circulation