Complications Complications of Erectile Dysfunction ED can lead to complications:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629864ca4e5-9612-40b9-967c-2386d30fbe85 Low self-esteem Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Depression Inability to get your partner pregnant
Lifestyle Lifestyle Changes and Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction Certain measures can help you lower your risk of ED:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cd2995b7-1124-4c17-b090-e1e4bddd88a5e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b9fbe31a-b276-490f-a206-7248fbe77a54 Stopping smoking Losing excess weight Exercising regularly Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol Getting help for alcohol or drug addiction problems Considering couples counseling if you and your partner are having trouble communicating
The Takeaway Erectile dysfunction leads to difficulty getting or keeping an erection, and may affect half of men ages 40 to 70. Frequent ED might point to underlying health issues, from depression and anxiety to heart disease and diabetes. Treatment options range from medications, devices, and surgery to counseling and therapy. Talk to your doctor about what might work best for you. Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, exercising regularly, and controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels could improve symptoms.
Treatment Treatment and Medication Options for Erectile Dysfunction Several treatment options are available to help ED. Sometimes, resolving underlying medical conditions will also improve your ED symptoms. Medication Options There are several types of ED medications : Oral Drugs Popular medicines such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra) work by boosting the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes blood vessels in the penis. Drugs in this class (PDE-5 inhibitors) are not appropriate for patients who take nitrates in any other form because the combination can lead to severe hypotension (low blood pressure) .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762927074441-3c8a-4a21-81ce-3c1d27520832 Injections The medication alprostadil (Caverject, Edex) can be injected inside your penis to help create an erection. Other medications may be placed in your urethra.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cd2995b7-1124-4c17-b090-e1e4bddd88a5 Testosterone Your doctor may recommend that you take this hormone if your levels are low.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cd2995b7-1124-4c17-b090-e1e4bddd88a5 Devices and Surgery Your healthcare provider may recommend a vacuum device, also called a penis pump, to help you get an erection. The pump helps pull blood into your penis so you can achieve an erection that lasts long enough for sexual intercourse. It’s paired with a tension ring that helps you maintain an erection. Surgery is also an option for some men with ED. During this procedure, doctors place implants in the penis. There are different procedures, depending on your goals and preferences.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cd2995b7-1124-4c17-b090-e1e4bddd88a5 Counseling and Therapy Often, men with ED benefit from talking to a therapist, especially if they suffer from depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. If relationship problems are a factor, couples therapy may be useful.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cd2995b7-1124-4c17-b090-e1e4bddd88a5 Complementary and Integrative Therapies Always talk to your doctor before trying any supplement or treatment for ED. Although some companies market “herbal Viagra” and other treatments for ED, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that these products may contain potentially harmful drugs, contaminated formulations, or unknown dosages of pharmacologically active medications. They can also interact with other medications you take. Research also supports use of yoga, which includes breathing and movement techniques, to reduce stress and potentially help improve erectile function in some men.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ee940f47-e926-43fe-9620-7db5c87bbbe5
Causes Causes and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction An erection occurs when blood fills the penis. During sexual arousal, blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and hormones work together to create an erection. Symptoms of ED can occur when this process is disrupted. Some men experience symptoms only occasionally. For others, the symptoms are constant and interfere with their sexual relationships. There can be multiple causes, physical and mental.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629864ca4e5-9612-40b9-967c-2386d30fbe85 Physical Causes Medical conditions can cause ED symptoms. These physical causes are common:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629864ca4e5-9612-40b9-967c-2386d30fbe85 Heart disease or atherosclerosis (plaque buildup that narrows your arteries) High blood pressure High cholesterol Obesity Diabetes Stroke Parkinson’s disease Multiple sclerosis Metabolic syndrome (a cluster of risk factors that includes high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and increased body fat around the waist) Pelvic or spinal cord injury Chronic kidney disease Low testosterone levels Peyronie’s disease (scar tissue inside the penis) Sleep disorders Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems and have symptoms of ED. Medications That May Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction Certain medications can cause ED:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762998d540ce-0ba1-49ec-a76a-a8d76cedab0b Diuretics (water pills) Antihistamines Antidepressants Appetite suppressants Codeine and oxycodone Sedatives Ulcer medications Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Chemotherapy medications It’s important to tell your doctor about all the drugs you take, including nonprescription ones, so they can determine if any of your medications could be responsible for your symptoms. Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction Mental health factors can contribute to ED:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629864ca4e5-9612-40b9-967c-2386d30fbe85 Depression Anxiety Stress Relationship problems Other Causes and Related Conditions Using tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs can cause ED, especially when used long term. Additionally, surgery for prostate cancer and radiation treatment can lead to ED.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629864ca4e5-9612-40b9-967c-2386d30fbe85 Some sexual disorders are related to ED and may cause symptoms that are similar to ED:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762920aa1de8-955c-4384-935a-c1398bb74267 Premature ejaculation (ejaculating too soon) Delay or inability to have an orgasm after sufficient stimulation Inability to be aroused
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection during sex. Some men have occasional trouble getting or keeping an erection, which can be normal. But when the problem becomes frequent or continues for an extended time, you should see a doctor. There are many causes of ED, which may affect more than half of men ages 40 to 70.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291676c4f8-c4fa-43e2-b7f5-f269b506f9d9 Sometimes the culprit is another health issue, including heart disease and diabetes. Understanding the signs and causes of ED is the first step toward achieving a better sex life.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: Erectile DysfunctionHarvard Health Publishing: 5 Natural Ways to Overcome Erectile DysfunctionMayo Clinic: Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes: Take Control TodayNational Council on Aging: Sex After 50: How Our Changing Body Affects Our Sexual HealthNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Diagnosis How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed? To diagnose ED, your doctor may ask you some questions and perform a physical exam. But if underlying conditions are a suspected cause for your ED, you may need certain tests:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cd2995b7-1124-4c17-b090-e1e4bddd88a5 Blood Test A blood sample may help your doctor look for signs of diabetes, low testosterone, or other issues, such as liver or kidney disease. Urine Test A urine test can look for markers of diabetes and other health issues. Psychological Exam Your doctor might screen you for depression or another mental health condition that could be linked to ED symptoms. Ultrasound Your doctor may use a sound wave test to see if you have blood-flow problems. What Should You Tell Your Doctor About Symptoms? When talking to your doctor, be as open and honest about your symptoms as possible. Tell your healthcare provider how often you have symptoms and how long you’ve had them. You should also tell your physician about these areas: All the medications you take Other health conditions If you drink alcohol or use tobacco products Additionally, it’s a good idea to share any life changes or stressors that could be affecting your mental health, such as the death of a loved one, a job change, the birth of a child, or trouble in your relationship. Also discuss any recent weight gain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629126d6db4-c139-4b78-a27b-93e2b82e4782
Symptoms Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction If you have ED, you might experience the following:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629864ca4e5-9612-40b9-967c-2386d30fbe85 Reduced sex drive Trouble getting an erection Trouble keeping an erection These symptoms can lead to feelings of depression and disappointing a partner, as well as low self-esteem.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762901ba4c8e-aa33-482e-b64e-f55103d4b18b
Prognosis Erectile Dysfunction Prognosis The prognosis for men with ED is generally favorable. While incurable medical conditions may cause ED symptoms in some people, treatment can help restore sexual function. The duration of ED depends on the cause and how you respond to treatment.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b9fbe31a-b276-490f-a206-7248fbe77a54
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
