Erectile Dysfunction - Causes, Myths, and Facts

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which the person either fails to get an erection or cannot withstand a firm erection throughout the sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction causes a significant amount of stress, disturbing personal life and losing self-esteem.

Quest for correct treatment and reliable advice leads to loss of time, financial suffering, and even more disturbing thought processes. Right knowledge of expectation and reality can save lots of hassle.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Since early ages, sexual gratification has been a source of pleasure, well-being, and even confidence in a man's life. With the advent of modern lifestyles and diets, erectile dysfunction is rapidly rising. Most of the patients who visit an andrologist or urologist with the complaint of erectile dysfunction are advised mere counseling and few vitamins, thus leaving most patients unsatisfied and end up trying unorthodox methods.

However unreal it may seem, it remains the fact that the maximum number of patients mentioned above are dealing with unrealistic expectations from their bodies. The source of such high expectations is the adult movies or stories which glorify the sexual act and make common people feel disgusted with their own personal capabilities.

On the other hand, other illnesses like thyroid problems, deranged lipid profile, smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress, hypertension, diabetes, and vascular diseases can lead to erectile dysfunction. Thus treating the underlying problem would automatically improve the erection status, and no special treatment is required for erectile dysfunction. But it must also be remembered that a 40-year-old body will not function like an 18-year-old body, so realistic expectations with a healthy lifestyle, proper treatment of chronic disease, and maintaining BMI (body mass index) in the normal range are the best available remedies for erectile dysfunction.

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Manifested?

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:

• Reduced libido.

• Difficulty in getting an erection.

• Difficulty in maintaining an erection.

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?

Medications:

Oral drugs like Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil, and Avanafil treat erectile dysfunction. They work by increasing the cases where medical drugs are needed to treat the condition, and it should be strictly done under the guidance of a qualified urologist or andrologist, as these groups of medication (Phosphodiesterase inhibitors) have a high side effect profile, including an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system. Those patients who are already on the drug should remember that this medication only helps erection rather than causing one. Thus good foreplay and emotional attachment with the partner and positive mind frame have higher and better success rates with medical therapy.

Occasionally, in people with long-standing diabetes or vascular disease, the standard dose of this medication might not have maximum effect. In such cases, your physician may advise drug combination or higher doses. So, if initial medicine has not given the best possible outcome, one should not be disappointed and stop the treatment. Visiting your doctor and having a detailed discussion about the lack of effect is advised.

Other Options:

1. Exercises.

2. Use of penis pumps or vacuum erection devices.

3. Surgical placement of penile implants.

4. Psychological counseling.

What Are the Complications of Erectile Dysfunction?

• Relationship issues.

• Stress.

• Infertility.

• Low self-esteem.

• Dissatisfaction after sexual activity.

How Can We Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?

• Treat underlying medical conditions.

• Avoid smoking.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Do regular exercises.

• Avoid stress.

• Reach out to a mental health care provider to treat anxiety and depression.

What Are the Most Common Myths of Erectile Function?

1. Erectile Dysfunction Occurs in Older Adults.

Erectile dysfunction has been stereotyped in older men. But it is not true and can occur in men of any age. The presence of chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cardiac diseases, hypertension, and risk factors like smoking and medications increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.

2. Tight Underwear Causes Erectile Dysfunction.

Wearing tight underwear increases the temperature of the testicles and therefore can cause problems with infertility. However, its association with erectile dysfunction has not been proven yet.

3. Relationship Problems Are the Only Cause of Erectile Dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction can occur due to both physiological and psychological causes. Relationship issues contribute to erectile dysfunction, but it cannot be the sole cause.

4. Medications Only Treat Erectile Dysfunction.

Taking Sildenafil (Viagra) is not the only solution for erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle modifications like weight loss, avoiding smoking, and treating medical conditions help treat it.

5. Getting an Erection Problem Is a Sign of Erectile Dysfunction.

Erection problems are not always a sign of erectile dysfunction. Like women, men can also have 'no mood' days. Anxiety, relationship issues, and fatigue can also produce erectile dysfunction.

6. Erectile Dysfunction Causes a Lack of Sexual Desire.

Men with erectile dysfunction are attributed to have lack of sexual desire. But, the reality is erectile dysfunction is not associated with sexual desire.

7. Erectile Dysfunction Is a Personal Problem.

Erectile dysfunction is not a personal problem only, but also it can pose dangerous health issues in the individual like hypertension and cardiac diseases. It can also help in diagnosing an underlying medical condition.

8. Erectile Dysfunction Affects Only Men.

Erectile dysfunction has an impact on the sexual and personal lives of men and creates relationship problems and feelings of dissatisfaction with their female partners.

9. Erectile Dysfunction Is a Part of Aging.

Although erectile dysfunction occurs more commonly in older adults, it does not mean that erectile dysfunction can occur as a sign of aging. It should not be neglected if it happens in older age, and treatment should be sought for affected men at any age.

10. Herbal Supplements Treat Erectile Dysfunction.

There is no report to support the fact that erectile dysfunction can be treated with herbal supplements. When taken with other medications, it can cause serious drug interactions resulting in adverse drug effects.

Conclusion:

In most cases, erectile dysfunction can be treated. Because with treatment, the best solution for your erectile problems can be obtained. Do not be embarrassed to see a healthcare provider if you face erectile dysfunction.