What is Erection dysfunction?
Erection dysfunction is one type of penile condition (ED). It makes it difficult to get and maintain an erection strong enough to partake in sexual activities.
Your emotions have a big impact on your ability to get and maintain an erection. It is essential to feel confident, relaxed, and energized. However, sporadic erection issues are not uncommon. Anxiety, frustration, weariness, or anxiousness can all lead to problems with erection. Drug and/or alcohol abuse may also have an effect. It might also be the result of other ailments or a side effect of particular medications or cancer treatments.
If you are having trouble getting or maintaining an erection, scheduling a consultation with your doctor is an excellent choice.
ED is often the first indication of another underlying problem, including heart disease. It’s imperative that you speak with a medical expert if you have trouble getting and maintaining an erection.
Other names for erectile dysfunction exist:
- Impotence and inability.
Types of Erection dysfunction
Vascular Erectile Dysfunction
Among the reasons of vascular ED are damaged blood veins that provide blood to the tissues in your penis that allow you to get and maintain an erection as well as the natural blood-holding valves in your penis. A vascular ED is the most common kind.
Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Neurogenic ED is caused by nerve problems that interfere with the flow of information from your brain to your penis to achieve an erection. This can be brought on by trauma, radiation therapy, pelvic surgery, or neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal stenosis, and stroke.
Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction
The term “hormonal ED” describes ED caused by a lack of testosterone or, in certain situations, by thyroid problems.
Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Psychogenic ED involves psychological conditions (conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings, or behavior) that can cause ED.
Causes Erectile Dysfunction
There are many possible causes of ED, including conditions that affect your:
Circulatory System
The blood capillaries in your body are part of the circulatory system, which transports blood throughout your body. Enough blood flow to the penis is necessary for erection and maintenance. In order to seal as it fills with blood, your penis also has a series of valves that occasionally malfunction.
Nervous System
Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. When combined, they produce electrical impulses that help your entire body—including the penis—move and feel better.
Endocrine System
The glands in your body that produce and release hormones are part of your endocrine system. Hormones aid in instructing your body how to carry out specific tasks. Vasodilation, or the opening up of blood vessels, is a possible effect of testosterone on penile blood flow.
Some of the common causes of ED
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression or anxiety
- Hormone problems
- Injuries
- Relationship problems
- Lifestyle choices
- Smoking
- Prostate cancer
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Medicines Treatment
A class of medications known as PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors is available to treat ED.
Most of these medications, most famously sildenafil (Viagra), are given one to two hours before sexual activity. Additional choices are:
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
Surgical Treatments
Among the surgical treatments that some people may be able to have access to are penile implants. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a flexible or inflatable device into the penis. This surgery may be helpful if medication-based treatments have not been able to assist a person achieve and maintain an erection.
For ED patients, vascular surgery is a very rare kind of treatment.
A doctor will typically recommend surgery only after all other forms of treatment have been tried.
Summary
Erection dysfunction is the inability to consistently obtain a full erection (ED). It is a common illness that affects about 20 million people in the US.
Medical conditions like high cholesterol or psychological issues like anxiety about one’s sexual performance might contribute to eating disorders.
A doctor may recommend a number of treatments for ED, such as prescription medication or, in severe cases, surgery.