Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection. He is unable to engage in sexual activity or complete the act. Which used to be called impotence, but that’s no longer the case. ED can develop at any age, however it is more common in males over the age of 75.
There is no natural link between getting older and developing ED. To achieve and maintain an erection, an older man may require additional stimulation, such as stroking and touching. It’s also possible that he needs more time in between erections. It is reasonable to expect that even older men can still get and maintain an erection and enjoy sexual activity.
Symptoms of ED
The most typical symptoms of erectile dysfunction include having difficulties attaining an erection and having problems keeping an erection when participating in sexual activities.
ED is associated to a number of other sexual problems, including the following:
- Premature Ejaculation
- Delayed Ejaculation
- Anorgasmia
If you notice either one of these problems, especially if they’ve been going on for more than three months, you should see your doctor. They can assist you in figuring out if your symptoms are the result of something more serious that necessitates medical attention.
Causes of ED
ED can be caused by a variety of factors, with both physical and emotional ones. The following are examples of common contributing factors:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Hormone Imbalances
- Kidney Disease
- Increased Age
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship Problems
- Sleep Disorders
- Drug Use
- Tobacco Products
ED can be brought on by any one of these causes, or by a combination of them. As a result, it’s vitally important that you work closely with your physician to rule out or address any underlying medical issues.
Diagnosis of ED
When it comes to diagnosing erectile dysfunction and suggesting a treatment plan, all that is required of many patients is a physical exam and the completion of some questionnaires pertaining to their medical history.
If you have preexisting health concerns or if your primary care physician has reason to believe that an underlying issue may be at play, you may require additional testing or even a consult with an expert.
Diagnostic procedures for potential underlying conditions may include:
- Physical exam: This could entail a thorough inspection of your testicles and genitalia, as well as a check to see if your nerves have any sensation.
- Blood Analysis: It is possible that a sample of your blood will be sent to a laboratory so that tests can be run to look for indicators of heart problems, diabetes, lower testosterone levels, and other conditions.
- Urine tests: Tests performed on the urine, similar to those performed on the blood, can detect early warning symptoms of diabetes as well as other underlying health issues.
- Ultrasound: This examination is often carried out by a specialist. Utilizing a device transducer holding it over the blood veins that pump the penis is required for this procedure. It generates a video image that may be viewed by your physician to determine whether or not there are issues with the blood flow.
It is occasionally necessary to do this test in conjunction with an administration of medicine into the penis in order to increase blood flow and induce an erection.
- Psychological Exam: Your doctor may ask you a series of questions to conduct a screening for depression as well as other potential psychological reasons of erectile dysfunction.
Treatment for ED
1. Medications
It all relies about what is causing the problem to occur. Make sure to take your medication and follow your doctor’s advice if you have diabetes or hypertension.
Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil may be prescribed by your doctor if all other possibilities have been ruled out. To assist you keep a good erection, these pills are administered orally.
When taking ED medication, follow your doctor’s advice. In most cases, men take one pill 30 minutes before they intend to engage in sexual activity with a partner. Sildenafil lasts 4-8 hours, vardenafil up to 8 hours, and tadalafil up to 36 hours before it needs to be repeated.
A single dose should be taken no more than once per 24 hours to avoid overdosing. Physical and mental stimulation, as well as a desire to have an erection, are still required even if you take the drug. Call your doctor if the first dose doesn’t work. Your doctor may ask you to increase the dosage of your medication.
2. Supplements
The FDA has not approved natural supplements to treat erectile dysfunction, but preliminary research indicates that some may be beneficial. They may also contain hidden chemicals or incorrect doses of prescription medicines or other substances that are not listed on the label.
The following nutritional supplements and natural remedies are considered alternative therapies for erectile dysfunction and impotence; however, these treatments have not been scientifically confirmed to be effective.
3. Pumps & Implants
Penis pumps
A penis pump consists of a hollow tube with a pump that can be driven either by hand or by batteries. After positioning the tube such that it is positioned over your penis, you will use the pump to evacuate the air from within the tube. This generates a vacuum within your penis, which draws blood into the area.
Penile implants
This procedure entails inserting surgical instruments into both penis. There are two types of these implants: inflatable and malleable (bendable). You can regulate the duration and frequency of your erections with the help of inflatable gadgets.
Before considering penile implants, other options should be explored first. When more conservative treatments have been attempted and failed, many people turn to dental implants as a last resort and report high levels of happiness with their results. Complications, such as infection, are always a possibility with surgery of any type. If you have a urinary tract infection, you should not have penile implant surgery.
