It's estimated that erectile dysfunction affects about 18% of men and people assigned male at birth over 20 and over 50% between the ages of 40 and 70. However, these numbers are likely much higher, as thousands of individuals don't seek help due to the stigma that often surrounds this sexual dysfunction. While it can feel embarrassing or awkward to talk about, several things can cause erectile dysfunction, and there are plenty of treatment options to help you restore your sex life. To better understand this condition, here's everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition characterized by the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. The most common cause is restricted or restrained blood flow to the penis, but several factors can affect the ability to produce an erection.
Although many men or people assigned male at birth will experience the occasional difficulty with erections, persistent issues may indicate ED. Since erectile dysfunction can be a common symptom of an underlying condition like heart disease, seeking treatment is essential. Erectile dysfunction can cause a significant decrease in quality of life and self-esteem, but there are ways to improve erectile function and regain your confidence.
Different Types of Erectile Dysfunction
Although all types of ED have the same result, they tend to be classified based on the underlying cause or mechanism that leads to erection problems. The four different types include:
- Vascular Erectile Dysfunction — Most men with ED have this type, which occurs when the blood vessels in the penis are affected in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to get and maintain an erection.
- Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction — This type of ED occurs due to low testosterone or thyroid conditions.
- Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction — This occurs when neurons that allow the brain and penis to communicate are damaged, such as after a stroke, spinal cord injury, trauma, and multiple sclerosis.
- Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction — This is when psychological conditions or feelings can result in the inability to get or keep an erection.
Symptoms of ED
Regardless of the type, people who have erectile dysfunction tend to display similar symptoms. The most notable symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection firm enough for sex
- Low libido (sexual desire)
In some cases, erectile dysfunction may also contribute to the development of premature ejaculation, but the two are not mutually inclusive.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
While many people believe that erectile dysfunction only affects older men, that's simply not true. ED can happen to any male or person assigned male at birth who has gone through puberty. Several different symptoms and causes can stem from the circulatory system, nervous system, endocrine system, and more.
Physical Causes of ED
Certain underlying conditions or diseases can affect your ability to get and keep an erection that's sufficient enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Some of the most common underlying conditions that may cause ED include:
- Peyronie's disease
- Low testosterone
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancers that affect the CNS
In certain individuals, erectile dysfunction is caused by a direct injury to the penis or the surrounding area. Most common, these injuries are penile fractures or injuries to the pelvic bones, prostate, and bladder. Spinal cord injury can also result in erectile dysfunction, along with certain types of pelvic surgery.
Medications or Drugs That Can Result in ED
Certain prescription medications and recreational drugs can cause or contribute to ED in men. Common medications that may also cause ED as a side effect include:
- Diuretics
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antihistamines
- Blood pressure medication
- Parkinson's disease medication
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Prostate cancer medication (antiandrogens)
- Muscle relaxers
- Antisexuire medication
- Antiarrhythmics
- Sedatives and tranquilizers
- Appetite suppressants
- Ulcer medications
Erectile dysfunction is also common among individuals who use both legal and illegal drugs for recreational purposes. These substances can affect the central nervous system and cause damage to blood vessels. Some of the substances that increase the prevalence of ED include:
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Opioids
- Methadone
If you or a loved one are experiencing substance abuse issues, it's important to seek help from a doctor or healthcare professional.
Psychological Causes of ED
Some individuals are unable to get an erection due to psychological or emotional reasons. Mental health conditions can lead to both female and male sexual dysfunction, so it's nothing to be ashamed of. Some of the most common emotional factors that can increase the risk for ED include:
- Anxiety
- Sexual performance anxiety
- Depression
- General Stress about life
- Sex-related stress
- Relationship problems
- Fear of sexually transmitted disease
- Guilt relating to sexual performance
- Guilt relating to certain sexual activities
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Widower's syndrome (guilt after forming a new relationship after a spouse dies)
If you think you're experiencing psychogenic ED, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional to identify the root cause and work towards treatment.
Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction
The risk of erectile dysfunction is most associated with the presence of underlying conditions, medication use, and mental well-being. To reiterate, the risk factors include:
- Age
- Underlying medical conditions
- Certain prescription drugs
- Injury
- Medical treatments
- Psychological conditions
- Being overweight
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
Is Erectile Dysfunction Preventable?
Erectile dysfunction can be preventable with strategic lifestyle choices and a proactive approach to medical care. Still, it's important that you work with your doctor to treat and manage any underlying conditions and undergo the appropriate screenings based on age. You can also decrease your risk of experiencing ED by avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, getting plenty of exercise, prioritizing your mental health, and seeking help for any known psychological stressors or conditions.
How is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?
Diagnosis ED is fairly straightforward and typically only requires a physical exam and a medical history review. This can usually provide your doctor with enough information to start treating erectile dysfunction. If you have additional symptoms of undiagnosed chronic health conditions, further tests may be performed to ensure that the correct underlying cause associated with ED is determined.
Treatment for ED and Long-Term Prognosis
Although erectile dysfunction is common, it doesn't have to define you. Several treatments for erectile dysfunction can help you regain the ability to maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The most important step is to undergo diagnostics with your doctor, which will help you determine the underlying cause and possible treatment options. Treatment of ED can include any number of the following:
- Changes to Lifestyle Habits — Healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can significantly improve erectile dysfunction and overall sexual health. If psychological factors cause ED, your doctor may recommend that you (or you and your partner) visit a mental health professional.
- Quitting Smoking — Stopping smoking can enhance blood flow and improve erectile function over time, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and can contribute to issues.
- Help with Substance Abuse — Seeking treatment for substance abuse can restore sexual function by addressing the underlying cause of ED related to drug or alcohol dependency.
- Oral Medications — Oral medications are often one of the most effective erectile dysfunction treatment options. Medication for erectile dysfunction includes things like Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), and Avanafil (Stendra). Your doctor will work with you to determine whether you're a good candidate for oral medications and, if so, which option is best for you.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy — If low testosterone levels are contributing to ED, testosterone replacement therapy can restore balance and improve erectile function.
- Injections — Injectable medications directly into the penis can produce an erection by increasing blood flow, offering an alternative when oral medications are ineffective. These are typically self-administered and can help you maintain an erection for about an hour.
- Penis Pump — A vacuum erection device, or penis pump, creates an erection by drawing blood into the penis, which is then maintained with a constriction ring.
- Penile Implant — A penile implant is a surgical option for men who do not respond to other treatments, offering a permanent solution for ED.
- Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy — New research on this non-invasive treatment shows promising results in treating ED. It uses sound waves to stimulate blood vessel growth in the penis over time. However, this is not currently approved by the FDA for treating ED, so your doctor or urologist may suggest other options first.
Although it can be an embarrassing topic, both diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction are possible and can help improve your quality of life. If you experience symptoms of ED, talk to your doctor to learn more about the treatment options available. To help you address other urologic conditions, Byram Healthcare offers a wide selection of high-quality urologic supplies that can be discreetly delivered to your door. For more information, contact one of our representatives today.
