Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects men’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection. ED, also called Andropause, continues to be a problem in the adult male. It is similar to menopause in females.
If you suffer from decreased sex drive, inability to sustain an erection or infertility, you may have Erectile Dysfunction. Therefore, in this MART group health digest, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options available for ED.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Hence, it can have physical or psychological causes.
Is it common?
Approximately one in 10 adult males will suffer from ED on a long-term basis.
Many men do experience occasional failure to achieve erection. It can occur for various reasons, such as excessive alcohol, stress, relationship problems, or exhaustion.
ED does not have to be a part of getting older. While it is true that some older men may need more stimulation, they should still be able to achieve an erection and enjoy intercourse.
Several reports indicate that 44% of men aged 30 to 70 have erectile dysfunction; 8 % are severe and 36% moderate. Of social significance is that the researchers found that most men deny the existence of Andropause. 39% regard it as a myth, while another 24% attribute it to various non-scientific causes, which they usually blame on their wives.
They, therefore, use this excuse to look for younger partners, only to discover that the problem has not gone away.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), total androgen levels, not just testosterone, also affect males.
Andropause as these hormones decline as men age. It is gradual, with testosterone levels dropping by 1% to 1.55 annually at age 30. Therefore, It is a significant cause of infertility, requiring IVF-ET and possible surgical sperm extraction.
Causes:
Physical Causes:
Underlying physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, obesity, and neurological disorders can cause Ed. These conditions can affect blood flow and nerve signals essential for achieving an erection.
For example, in cardiovascular disease, the blood supply to the penis can become blocked or narrowed due to vascular disease such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Furthermore, an injury could contribute to symptoms of ED.
Psychological Causes:
Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and performance anxiety can contribute to ED. These psychological issues can interfere with sexual arousal and hinder the erection process.
Surgical causes:
Operations for the prostate, bladder, and colon cancer may also be contributing factors.
Medication causes:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of several prescription drugs. While these medications may treat a disease or condition, in doing so, they can affect a man’s hormones, nerves, or blood circulation, resulting in ED or increasing the risk of ED.
Common medications:
Diuretics (pills that cause increased urine flow).
Antihypertensives (high blood pressure drugs).
Antihistamines.
Antidepressants.
Parkinson’s disease drugs.
Drug for irregular heart action).
Tranquilizers.
Muscle relaxants.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Histamine H2-receptor antagonists.
Hormones.
Chemotherapy medications.
Prostate cancer drugs.
Anti-seizure medications.
Other substances or drugs that can cause or lead to ED include these recreational and frequently abused drugs:
Alcohol.
Amphetamines.
Barbiturates.
Cocaine.
Marijuana.
Methadone.
Nicotine.
Opiates.
These drugs affect and often suppress the central nervous system and can cause severe damage to the blood vessels, leading to permanent ED.
If you have ED and think it may result from your medication, do not stop taking it. If the problem persists, contact your doctor, who may be able to prescribe a different medication.
Common medications that may list ED as a potential side effect include:
Aside from the well-known complications that the use and abuse of these drugs can cause, it excludes ED. However, the use of these drugs is a risk factor for ED. These drugs affect and often slow down the central nervous system and can cause severe damage to the blood vessels, leading to permanent ED.
Depression:
For some men, depression can accompany the condition of erectile dysfunction (ED). Men with ED commonly feel angry, frustrated, sad, unsure of themselves, or even less “manly.” Hence, such feelings may lead to a lack of self-esteem and, in severe cases, to depression.
Depression that accompanies ED is treatable. The first step in addressing your concerns about ED-related depression is to be honest with yourself, your partner, and your doctor. In addition, after depression has been brought out into the open, coping with it will be easier and less stressful.
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Other symptoms may include reduced sexual desire, difficulties with ejaculation, or a decrease in the firmness of erections.
Other symptoms include decreased libido and mood disturbance, including depression and difficulty in conception. And irritability, tiredness, low energy, muscle size and strength loss, osteoporosis, increased body fat, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and difficulty sleeping.
Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
Diagnosing ED involves a comprehensive medical history review, physical examination, and possibly additional tests such as blood tests, ultrasounds, or psychological assessments. Proper diagnosis helps determine the underlying cause of ED and guides treatment decisions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
Because there are a variety of causes for ED, there are several different tests your doctor may use to diagnose the condition and determine its cause. Only after the cause of ED is determined can it be effectively treated.
Before ordering any tests, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. The doctor will also “interview” you about your personal and sexual history. Some of these questions will be very personal and may feel intrusive.
However, you may answer these questions honestly. The questions asked may include the following:
What medications or drugs are you currently using? It includes prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, dietary supplements, and illegal drugs.
Have you had psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression?
When did you first notice symptoms of ED?
What are the frequency, quality, and duration of any erections you have had?
What are the specifics of the circumstances under which ED first occurred?
Do/did you experience erections at night or during the morning?
What sexual techniques do you use?
Are there problems in your current relationship?
The doctor may also wish to interview your sexual partner since your partner may be able to offer insight into the underlying causes.
After your physical examination and discussion, your doctor may then order any one of the following tests to diagnose your condition further:
Complete blood count (CBC):
This is a set of blood tests that, among other things, can detect the presence of anemia. Because a low red blood cell count causes anemia and can cause fatigue, which in turn can cause ED.
Liver and kidney function tests:
These blood tests may indicate whether ED may be due to your kidneys or liver malfunctioning.
Lipid profile:
This blood test measures the level of lipids (fats), like cholesterol (fats). Because high levels may indicate atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can affect blood circulation in the penis.
Thyroid function test:
One of the thyroid hormones’ functions is to regulate the production of sex hormones. Since a deficiency in these hormones may contribute to or cause ED.
Blood hormone studies:
Testosterone and prolactin levels in the blood may be measured to see if abnormalities in either of these sex hormones are present.
Urinalysis:
Urine analysis can provide information, including protein, sugar, and testosterone levels. Abnormal measurements of these substances can indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or testosterone deficiency, all of which can cause ED.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
Treatment will include a combination of testosterone replacement therapy, psychotherapy, herbs, diet, food such as ginger, olive oil, almonds, exercise, and reduced grapefruit, alcohol, and fats. In addition, taking zinc, maca, and such herbs as Muira Pauma, an L-arginine, Steel libido, and other supplements help to increase libido.
Furthermore, we prescribe multivitamins, vitamins A, B, C, and E, and 1000mg of calcium tablets daily to guard against osteoporosis. The calcium should, however, be taken with plenty of water to prevent kidney stones. The best form of calcium supplements is liquid effervescence tablets or capsules.
We also recommend exercise, especially weights. Because it helps to increase testosterone levels, and a diet low in fat and adequate sleep of at least 8 hours a night will undoubtedly be helpful.
Medications such as sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), or tadalafil (Cialis®) may help improve sexual function in men by increasing blood flow to the penis. Men on medicines containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerine, should not take oral ED medications. The combination of nitrates and these specific medications can cause low blood pressure (hypotension).
Using topical testosterone gel recently restored erectile dysfunction in 4 weeks. In addition, a recent study showed that the combination of the testosterone gel and sildenafil (Viagra) restored maximum sexual activity in men with prior erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle Changes:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact erectile function. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, weight management, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol consumption can improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of ED. We have helped a significant number of men in Martlife. Because we remove environmental toxins. As well as other stressors. Such as heavy metals. Moreover, they rest and renew their energy in Martlife Detox Clinic.
Psychological Therapies:
Psychological therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples counseling, can benefit individuals with ED caused by psychological factors. These therapies help address underlying emotional issues and improve sexual confidence. Treatment with a trained counselor can help a person manage anxiety, fear, or guilt that may impact sexual dysfunction. Sex therapy can benefit most men when a skilled sex therapist provides counseling. Sex therapy helps a man’s partner accept and cope with the problems.
Alternative and Natural Remedies
Some individuals may consider alternative or natural remedies for ED, such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, or certain lifestyle practices. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before trying these approaches, as their effectiveness and safety may vary.
Surgical treatment options
Penile injections.
Vacuum devices.
Intraurethral medication.
Surgery (penile implant).
Each type has its pros and cons.
Mechanical aids
Erectile Dysfunction Mechanical Aids
Aids such as vacuum devices and penile constriction rings serve as erectile aids for some men.
A vacuum constriction device (above) is a cylinder over the penis. In addition, air is pumped out of the cylinder, which draws blood into the penis and causes an erection. We maintain the erection by slipping a band off of the base of the cylinder and onto the bottom of the penis. Furthermore, the band can stay in place for up to 30 minutes. In addition, the vacuum device can safely treat most causes of erectile failure. The device’s lack of spontaneity, discomfort, and cumbersomeness seem to be patients’ most significant concerns.
Penile injection therapy
We teach men how to inject medications directly into the erection chambers of the penis to create an erection. Hence, Injection therapy effectively treats various erection issues caused by blood vessels, nerves, and psychological conditions.
The man injects a small amount of medicine into the side of his penis using a tiny needle and syringe. The drug relaxes the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow into the penis. This treatment has been widely used and accepted since the early 1980s. The three most common medicines are prostaglandin E1, papaverine, and phentolamine.
PREVENTION
For people at risk of developing ED due to personal behavior, They can take steps to prevent its occurrence. However, other causes may not be preventable.
Several studies suggest a link between ED and obesity, high cholesterol (fat in the blood), hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Eat a healthy diet. Because a diet that limits saturated fat intake and includes several portions of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can benefit men with ED.
Reduce cholesterol. Since high cholesterol can harden, narrow, or block the arteries leading to the penis. Therefore, men can lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication.
Regular exercise may reduce the risk of ED. Choose activities you enjoy and will make a normal part of your day. In addition to reducing the risk of ED, exercise also can help you manage stress. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Conclusion:
Erectile dysfunction is a manageable condition with various treatment options available. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate medical advice, individuals with ED can find practical solutions to improve their sexual health and overall well-being. Professional guidance is essential in determining each case’s most suitable treatment approach.
