A common one among the male sexual problems is erectile dysfunction which occurs when a man finds it difficult to have or keep a firm erection enough to be able to have sexual intercourse. In occasional cases, keeping their penis firm is found to be difficult for most men. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is considered a concern only when sexual performance is found impossible on a number of occasions it is an ongoing issue. You must consult a sexologist doctor regarding this. It can cause other problems like stress, lack of self-confidence and relationship problems. The problems in getting or keeping an erection often denote an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.

Here we will mention some important facts about erectile dysfunction:

  • Erectile dysfunction is a persistent difficulty in achieving and maintaining sufficient erection to have sex.
  • Sometimes there can also be psychological causes besides medical causes for this.
  • The organic causes of this result from an underlying medical condition affecting the blood vessels or nerves supplying the penis.
  • Numerous prescription drugs, recreational drugs, alcohol and smoking can often cause erectile dysfunction.

Causes

Male sexual arousal is a very complex process. There is the involvement of the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction may occur due to the problem in any of these. Stress and mental health concerns are some other factors which can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. A sexologist can ascertain the exact cause in a particular case.

A combination of physical and psychological issues can also sometimes cause erectile dysfunction. You must go to a sexologist doctor for its treatment.

Physical causes

Erectile dysfunction can occur due to a number of factors. Some of them are:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Atherosclerosis or clogged blood vessels
  • Metabolic syndrome – High insulin levels, body fat around the waist, increased blood pressure and high cholesterol are involved in this condition.
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Certain prescription medications
  • Sleep disorders
  • Tobacco use
  • Peyronie’s disease in which scar tissue develops inside the penis
  • Various forms of substance abuse including alcoholism
  • Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
  • Surgeries or injuries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord

Psychological causes

A key role is played by the brain in triggering the series of physical events causing an erection, which starts with feelings of sexual excitement. Sexual feelings can be hampered by a lot of things that can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Some of them are:

  • Stress
  • Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
  • Relationship problems

Diagnosis

A sexologist doctor goes for a physical exam and checks the medical history to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment. Some tests are done for the diagnosis of underlying conditions. These include:

  • Physical exam : Your nerves are checked for sensation and your penis and testicles are carefully examined.
  • Blood tests : For checking signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health conditions, a sample of your blood might be sent to a lab.
  • Urine tests (urinalysis) : To look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions, urine tests are used like blood tests.
  • Ultrasound : A specialist usually performs this in a clinic. Over the blood vessels that supply the penis, a wand-like device (transducer) is held and a video image is created by it to let your doctor see if you have blood problems. In combination with this test, sometimes medications are also injected into the penis for stimulating the blood flow and producing an erection.
  • Psychological exam : Your doctor may ask you different questions to screen for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

Treatment

The cause and severity of erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions play a key role in deciding the erectile dysfunction treatment option in a particular case.

Oral medications

The success of oral medications is evident in treating the problem of erectile dysfunction in many men. They include:

  • Sildenafil (Viagra)
  • Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
  • Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
  • Avanafil (Stendra)

Vacuum devices

In producing an erection, vacuum erection devices are used for men who do not want or cannot use drug treatments or find them unsuccessful.

Surgical treatments

The different surgical options are briefly described below.

  • Penile implants: These are the ultimate option for men finding drug treatments and other non-invasive options unsuccessful.
  • Vascular surgery: Vascular surgery is another surgical option for some men. This option attempts to correct some blood vessel causes of erectile dysfunction.

The last resort in the most extreme cases is surgery. There are high success rates in surgery, though the recovery time varies.