ED Explained - The Ultimate Guide
Erectile dysfunction is the most common condition that men disclose to their medical provider when they have sex-related issues. Many men across the world are affected by ED. The condition is characterised by trouble achieving or maintaining a firm enough erection to perform sexual intercourse. Although men occasionally have trouble getting an erection, erectile dysfunction that worsens or happens frequently during sex is abnormal and must be treated.
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What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
The most typical signs of erectile dysfunction are having trouble achieving or keeping an erection during sexual activity. In addition to ED, other associated sexual problems include:
- Premature ejaculation
- Delayed ejaculation
- Anorgasmia, or the failure to experience orgasm despite significant stimulation
If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly if they have persisted for three months or longer, speak with your doctor or with us directly. They can assist in determining whether your symptoms are brought on by a condition that needs to be treated.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
ED may have a variety of emotional and physical issues as one of its causes. The following are typical physical causes (and as you can see, there are many!)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure
- Relationship problems
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Hormone imbalances like low testosterone levels
- Kidney disease
- Increased age
- Some prescription medications, like those used in the treatment of depression or high blood pressure
- Sleep disorders
- Drug use
- Using tobacco products
- Consuming too much alcohol
- Liver cirrhosis
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Injury or damage to the pelvic area
- Peyronie’s disease
Typical emotional causes include:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Performance anxiety
- Relationship problems
One of these causes alone, or a combination of them, can result in ED. It's important to work with your medical provider to help them rule out or treat any underlying medical concerns.
What’s the best treatment for erectile dysfunction?
The underlying cause of ED will determine the course of treatment. It's possible that you'll need to combine various treatments, such as medicine or talk therapy.
Medicines
Your doctor may recommend medication to help you manage your erectile dysfunction symptoms such as Viagra (Sildenafil). You may need to test a few before you find a medication that works. At MedsRus, we offer a variety of medicines to help you manage your ED.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy could be helpful if you're going through psychological ED. You and your therapist will talk about the following across multiple sessions:
- Main causes of anxiety or stress
- Your attitude toward sex
- Unconscious conflicts that can be impacting your ability to have sexual success
Vacuum pumps
This procedure creates a vacuum to stimulate an erection. The device works by drawing blood into the penis, hence causing an erection.
What’s the psychological impact of ED on men and their partners?
Erectile dysfunction can have a significant psychological impact on both men and their partners. It can be caused by various psychological factors, and its impact can be both immediate and long-term. For men, ED can lead to feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, and shame. It can also result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Men with ED may avoid sexual activity or withdraw from intimate relationships, which can cause strain and conflict in their relationships. They may also experience feelings of anger, frustration, or sadness as a result of their condition.
For partners, ED can also have negative psychological effects. They may feel rejected, unattractive, or undesired. They may also experience anxiety, stress, and frustration, particularly if they do not understand the cause of their partner's ED. In some cases, partners may blame themselves or feel that they are not satisfying their partner's sexual needs, leading to feelings of guilt and insecurity.
In general, ED can have a profound impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of both men and their partners. It is important for individuals experiencing ED to seek medical and psychological support to address the underlying causes of the condition. They should also find effective treatments. Couples therapy as well as sex therapy may also be helpful in managing the psychological impact of ED on relationships.
Can antioxidants and other supplements help manage erectile dysfunction?
There is some evidence to suggest that certain antioxidants and supplements may be helpful in managing erectile dysfunction (ED). However, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can contribute to a range of health problems, including ED. Some research has suggested that antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and lycopene may improve erectile function by reducing oxidative stress in the body.
MedsRUs can help treat ED safely
MedsRus, via our expert independent pharmacist prescribers, are here to support you with ED if this is something you suffer from. Simply complete our questionnaire to understand if you qualify for our treatments, quickly, privately and securely.
This blog post was written on behalf of MedsRus by Pharmacy Mentor.
This piece will look to be updated in 2024