Posted: 10/12/2017

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction causes

How common is Erectile Dysfunction?

Although it is often used as the punch line to a bad joke, erectile dysfunction is a common and potentially serious medical condition. Many people still find the topic taboo or embarrassing, but in reality, Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects as many as 52% of all men. It is defined as the inability to get or keep a firm enough erection to have sex. Almost every man has experienced this phenomenon at some point in his life, but it is only really considered erectile dysfunction if it interferes with sexual activity numerous times over at least three months. Doctors will run a variety of tests in order to reach a diagnosis. These tests range from simple blood tests and physicals to measuring the number of erections a patient has each night. Doctors focus on finding the underlying cause so they may form the best treatment plan. Causes can be psychological, physical, or both.

 

What causes ED?

Psychological factors that may cause ED include depression, anxiety, and stress. Relationship problems like lack of trust or poor communication could also play a role. Basically, your brain sets off a series of physical signals to the rest of your body to maintain an erection after the initial feelings of sexual excitement. Any emotions or thoughts that interfere with those signals could result in difficulty getting or sustaining an erection. It has nothing to do with desire or want, there is just a disconnect in the messages being sent from the brain.

 

In many cases, all the psychological signals are going off correctly, but something physical may be getting in the way. Medical conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and clogged blood vessels can play a role. People suffering from diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers are prone to ED as well. ED can be an early indicator of these and other medical conditions, so it’s important to consult with your doctor to rule out anything serious.

 

There are some risk factors that make men more prone to ED. Age is an unavoidable one. Sexual function decreases after age 50, so many men start to experience ED as they get older. However, it is important to note that men of any age can experience ED, not just older men. Other risk factors include drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Being overweight has also been shown to affect men’s sexual health. Certain injuries, surgeries, and medications can also play a role.

 

If ED is being caused by risk factors such as obesity or substance abuse, lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping treat the condition. Luckily, there has also been substantial research and advancements made in the field over the past few years. Many men turn to pharmaceutical drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. The most famous of these is, of course, Viagra, but there are several options available by prescription. There are also some types of surgery available to help correct the issue, including vascular surgery and penile implants. Some men who want to avoid drugs or surgery also turn to vacuum erection devices.

 

Cialis 10mg Pill

 

 

What excercises can I do to treat it?

Recent studies have found that an alternative way to treat ED may be targeted exercise. Pelvic exercises, in particular, showed to help 40% of men with ED in a particular study regain normal erectile function. Pelvic exercises are commonly referred to as Kegels for women, but they have proven to be beneficial for men as well. The muscle being worked during these exercises is called the bulbocavernosus muscle, which is what pumps blood through the penis during an erection. It also assists during urination, so an easy way to locate it is to pause your stream in the middle of urination. That muscle doing the clenching is the bulbocavernosus. A rep of Kegels would include squeezing those muscles for a few seconds, relaxing, and repeating several times. It’s most beneficial to try holding the squeeze in different positions like sitting, standing, and lying down.

 

Aerobic exercise has also proven to be effective when it comes to combating ED. Exercises like walking briskly, running, and playing sports improve blood flow and circulation. Additionally, aerobic exercise can help with some of the physical conditions that contribute to ED, like obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Experts say something as simple as a brisk walk 30 minutes a day a few times a week can go a long way in helping with ED and improving overall health.

 

Erectile dysfunction can be frustrating and embarrassing, and its effects can impact more than just your sex life. It’s important to realize that it’s a common condition with a wide variety of potential causes. ED has nothing to do with how good you are in bed or how attracted you are to your partner. It’s important that we lose the stigma associated with this condition and encourage more men to seek medical guidance to figure out the underlying cause. If you suspect you may be suffering from ED, reach out to your family doctor to rule out any bigger medical issues and to figure out the best treatment plan for you.

 

Because of the prevalence of ED, a lot of medical research has gone into treating it. Treatment options are many, but finding the right one is a decision that takes careful thought. Available treatment options include:


Medicine

• Tadalafil (Cialis)

• Sildenafil (Viagra)

• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxin)

• Avanafil (Stendra)

• Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex) [Injectable]

 

Some commonly used drugs to treat ED are Cialis and Viagra. Please check out helprx.info to find coupons on these and many other drugs.

 
By Isabel Maza

About the HelpRx.info Blog

HelpRx.info is staffed by experts in the prescription medication industry. Get the latest health, medical news and pharmaceutical news that can save you money and allow you to take charge of your healthcare. With frequent updates about the prescription drug industry as well as medicine news, you'll gain an insider look into the industry and learn more about how to get the best price on your prescriptions while not sacrificing quality.

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About the HelpRx.info Blog

HelpRx.info is staffed by experts in the prescription medication industry. Get the latest health, medical news and pharmaceutical news that can save you money and allow you to take charge of your healthcare. With frequent updates about the prescription drug industry as well as medicine news, you'll gain an insider look into the industry and learn more about how to get the best price on your prescriptions while not sacrificing quality.

About HelpRx

Our discounts provide you access to negotiated prices on your prescription drugs at your local pharmacy. We can provide these because we're partnered with OptumRx, a BIG pharmacy benefit provider that provides prescription coverage for MILLIONS of people like you.

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