Erectile dysfunction (ED)

 

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem but at the same time very fragile and many men have difficulty opening up and seeking help. Erectile dysfunction can have a profound effect on the psyche and even the quality of life of the person suffering from it, but in addition it can have a great impact on the relationship and communication with a spouse who certainly usually also feels good about this problem.

Erectile dysfunction can manifest itself differently between men, but erectile dysfunction is referred to as difficulty in achieving an erection or maintaining an erection high in a person having sex with or without a partner.

Achieving and maintaining a penis erection depends on the complex interplay of the nervous system, hormones, psyche and vascular system. Disruption of one or more of these systems can cause erectile dysfunction and in some cases may be the first indication of an underlying disease, e.g. heart disease or diabetes. The causes of erectile dysfunction are often divided into two categories depending on whether it is a disorder due to physical factors or due to psychological / environmental-related effects. However, this often interacts and can lead to erectile dysfunction due to physical causes such as sexual dysfunction related to the erectile dysfunction and thus aggravate the problem. Below is an overview of common causes of erectile dysfunction

 

Causes of erectile dysfunction/ Psychological / environmental causes

Stress

Depression

Anxiety

Communication problems with spouses

Alcohol consumption

Smoking

Fatigue

Drug use

Excessive use of pornography

Physical causes

Heart disease

Treatment of prostate cancer

Diabetes

Overweight

Genital damage

Nerve damage or disease

Decreased testosterone levels in the blood

Hormonal dysfunction

Elevated cholesterol

Elevated blood pressure

Atherosclerosis

Peyronie's disease / limb defect

Symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Adverse drug reactions

 

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction

Research has shown that about 40% of men over the age of 40 experience some form of erectile dysfunction and the incidence increases by about 10% for each decade thereafter, reaching 50% at the age of fifty and so on. However, only about 5% of 40-year-old men suffer from complete erectile dysfunction, 10% of men in their seventies and 15% in their eighties. The reasons for the increased incidence of erectile dysfunction over age are multifaceted and are mainly explained by normal biological changes, decreased production of male hormones, increased incidence of disorders / diseases with a strong association with erectile dysfunction (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol) and side effects from medication.

 

Prevention

One of the best pieces of advice when it comes to combating erectile dysfunction is to think carefully about preventive measures. Here are the main tips to reduce erectile dysfunction:

 

Pursue a healthy lifestyle

Quit smoking

Move

Eat healthy and varied foods

Take good care of your spiritual well-being

Reduce stress / anxiety

Reduce alcohol consumption

Regular check-ups / health check-ups

Treatments

There has been a certain increase in awareness of erectile dysfunction in recent years, so it is a blessing to see more men seeking help. It is necessary to talk to your partner openly and examine the will and expectations of both parties for continued sex.

 

Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the problem and therefore it is an important step to seek help. The health care center is usually the first point of contact when seeking help, in which case the GP can provide advice and medication if appropriate, in addition to which he can forward a referral to a specialist if necessary (eg a urologist or psychologist).

 

There are several different types of treatments available; some simple but others more complex and costly.

 

Medication: oral (Viagra / Sildenafil), prostaglandin injections (given in the vagina) or urethral styles

Sex counseling

Hormone therapy: Testosterone is given either by injection into a muscle, by mouth or by skin with a gel or special patches (need to be changed daily)

Vacuum pumps with vacuum (vacuum)

Prostheses

This shows that erectile dysfunction is actually a very common problem and is something that most men experience at some point in life, with increasing frequency with age.

However, this does not mean that erectile dysfunction is a natural part of aging and an inevitable condition, but there are many ways to solve this problem, improve erection and thus both sex and self-esteem. If you or your spouse has experienced erectile dysfunction, it is a good idea to see a family doctor and get advice.