Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a term we frequently hear about nowadays. On television, on the radio, in magazines, and on the internet, we are bombarded with advice on how to deal with ED, and advertisements for medications to treat it.
The Definition Of Erectile Dysfunction (Ed)
When an erection fails to reach its full potential and support sexual activity, it is labeled as erectile dysfunction (ED). Although “impotence” is still occasionally used, it is gradually becoming obsolete.ED can manifest itself in varying degrees, either being rare or frequent.
- If you experience ED infrequently, it may be caused by stress, dietary or lifestyle changes, or both.
- However, if ED is a regular occurrence, you should take it as a sign that medical attention may be necessary. It could also suggest the presence of emotional issues or relationship problems, which should be discussed with an expert.
The Physiology of Erection: Understanding How it Works
An erection happens when the penis becomes engorged with blood, causing it to become firm and erect. This process is initiated by sexual stimulation, either physical or psychological, which triggers a complex sequence of events in the body.
When a man experiences sexual arousal, the brain releases chemicals that signal the blood vessels in the penis to relax and widen. As a result, more blood flows into the penis than out of it, causing it to expand and become rigid. The pressure from the increased blood flow compresses the veins that normally drain blood out of the penis, helping to maintain the erection.
Erections can also occur during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is associated with increased blood flow to the genitals. These nighttime erections, also known as nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), are a normal part of male sexual health
Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Hormonal Imbalances
One of the factors contributing to ED, which results in hormone imbalance during sexual activity, maybe a variety of emotional and physical problems.
Erectile Dysfunction: Common Emotional Causes Include:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- performance anxiety
- relationship problems
Some of the Physical Causes include:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- hypertension, or high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- hypothyroidism
- obesity
- low testosterone levels or other hormone imbalances
- kidney disease
- increased age
- relationship problems
- certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression
- sleep disorders
- drug use
- consuming too much alcohol
- liver cirrhosis
- epilepsy
- using tobacco products
- Parkinson’s disease
- multiple sclerosis
ED may result from only one of these causes or a combination.
Hormonal Imbalances Caused by ED
Hormonal imbalances, including low levels of testosterone, can cause ED. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that plays a crucial role in sexual function, including libido and the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Testosterone levels can be affected by a variety of factors, including age, underlying medical conditions, and medications. Men over the age of 50 are more likely to experience a decline in testosterone levels, which can contribute to ED. Other medical conditions that can affect testosterone levels and contribute to ED include diabetes, obesity, and hypogonadism (in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone).
So that they can rule out or treat any underlying medical concerns, it’s imperative to cooperate with your doctor.
Understand the challenges of Erectile Dysfunction
Are you having difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activities? You’re not alone, erectile dysfunction is a common issue among men. But there are other related sexual disorders to be aware of, such as
- premature ejaculation,
- delayed ejaculation,
- even anorgasmia, or the inability to experience orgasm despite adequate stimulation.
If you’ve been struggling with any of these symptoms for more than three months, it’s time to speak with your doctor. They’ll be able to help you determine if an underlying condition is causing your symptoms and how to best treat it.
How Prevalent is Erectile Dysfunction?
Around 30 million American men have ED, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
When people get older, ED is more common. According to the University of Wisconsin, 10% more men experience mild or moderate ED every ten years of life. For instance, 60% of men in their 60s may have ED in some form.
Nonetheless, ED can also affect younger people. According to a 2013 study, 1 in 4 males seeking their first ED treatment were under 40. Researchers discovered a stronger correlation between smoking, drug use, and ED among these men as compared to older males. This shows that ED in younger men may be significantly influenced by lifestyle decisions.
Even while there is a tendency for ED to worsen with age, it is not a given. In general, the healthier you are, the greater your sexual function will be. Learn about aging and ED.
Work with your doctor to control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. This can lessen the risk of harm that can cause ED. Examine the relationship between type 2 diabetes and ED.
What lies ahead?
ED is an unfortunately widespread issue among men with systemic illnesses such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus, and it becomes increasingly common with age. At TERVEY’S CARE, we are committed to providing quality, affordable prescription medications. We strive to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and delight, and the feedback we receive from our customers along with our incredibly low prices are testament to our success!