Certain medical conditions are still present as social taboos, even in this modern times. Sexual problems pertaining to sexual desire, improper erection or erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculation, and detumescence or penile flaccidity, definitely top the chart in this regard. Let us look at the important aspects related to erectile dysfunction here, which has become quite a big problem throughout the world.
What is the Biggest Issue with Erectile Dysfunction?
The biggest issue about erectile dysfunction is external and not internal. It is our society, it is the fear of being judged by society and being left out all alone. Not much needs to be said to prove this as hardly 20 lakhs out of 30 million men, turn up for a valid thorough medical diagnosis. This is persisting in spite of the catchy advertisements of erectile dysfunction pills online and on various platforms of mass communication.
What is more worrisome, is that due to these really influencing advertisements, many men end up doing self-medication by somehow managing to buy Kamagra tablets or viagra pills to solve their erectile issues, which eventually becomes dangerous for them. Taking such ED pills without a doctor’s consultation might lead to some uncontrollable grave side effects in some men.
Is ED really an obvious effect of Age?
Actually, ED can occur at any time after puberty, although it is predominant among the age group of 40 to 70 years. It is often the result of diseases or conditions that become more common with age.
Sadly, it has become more of a myth that ED is a normal thing to happen as one gets older and men have to learn to live with it. The truth is, although ED is more common among older men, that doesn’t mean it’s something you have to live with. It can also be a side effect of the medications used to treat them.
There are some other age-related factors besides diseases that can also affect a man’s ability to have an erection like tissues becoming less elastic and nerve communication slowing down. But even these factors don’t explain many cases of ED.
What do heart diseases do with ED?
Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of ED. Clogged arteries or atherosclerosis, might affect not only the blood vessels of the heart but also those that are running throughout the body. In fact, in up to about 30% of men across the globe, who consult doctors about ED, their condition is the first hint that they have some sort of cardiovascular disease.
How frequent is ED among men?
There is no definite answer to this. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study suggested that there might be a natural ‘ebb and flow’ effect of ED. This means that for some men, difficulty in attaining proper penile erections may occur, last for a significant duration, and then partly or fully disappear, even without any treatment.
What are the Most Common Causes or Reasons for Erectile Dysfunction?
- Heart problems, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Diabetes (between 35% and 50% of men with diabetes get ED)
- Kidney failure
- Some medications for blood pressure, anxiety, and depression
- Liver failure
- Nerve disorders, like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Hormone problems
- Mood problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Certain types of prostate and bladder surgery
- Relationship problems
Is ED pills the only treatment available?
Taking ED pills might not be the only option for you; although these FDA-approved drugs are really good at curing erectile problems. Following are some alternatives to ED pills:
- Certain mechanical vacuum devices and surgical treatments may also help with erection problems. A vacuum Erection Device (VED), can be a good option to mechanically pump blood toward the penis.
- Testosterone replacement therapy is for the one whose ED is due to hormonal imbalance.
- Psychotherapy has also been useful for a lot of guys who get ED because of anxiety. You may find a trained counselor with experience in this treatment.
- Penile implants for those with a neurological disorder or spinal cord injury, or not responding to other ED treatments.
- Penile injections are also good alternatives for pills.
- Alprostadil (Muse) intraurethral therapy for those who cannot self-inject themselves.
Is it possible to keep Erectile Dysfunction under control?
Irrespective of the exact reason behind the erection issues, ED can be kept under control, with the help of some basic lifestyle changes in our daily routine.
- Daily maintaining a good healthy diet
- Avoiding Alcohol
- Quit Smoking
- Chuck any kind of Substance Abuse
- Maintaining the right weight
- Exercising everyday
- Taking therapies on an expert’s consultation
- Mutual emotional support between the partners
You would obviously require an expert consultation for the best way to bring out the required changes.
Is it right to go for natural and herbal supplements for ED?
Self-medication is the worst thing one can do to himself when it comes to tackling the problems of erectile dysfunction. A thorough consultation with an authorized medical practitioner is what is most required to know about the exact reason behind ED and the most suitable treatment for it.
Speaking of natural and herbal supplements which are not FDA-approved, one must ask a doctor before taking such supplements. It is quite possible that these supplements include certain ingredients that might not mix well with other medications that you take, and eventually bring in adverse reactions, that put your health up for a toss.
