Erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual problem experienced by people in this century. Per CDC’s statistics about 30 million men in USA experience erectile dysfunction. There are multiple causes for erectile dysfunction in men. Some causes are modifiable and some are not modifiable. One cannot stop the aging process, however one can live a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid other causes of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a term used to define men who cannot obtain or maintain an erection. Lets discuss some of the most common reasons for this problem and the solutions.
Lack of blood supply
Medical conditions such as Diabetes, High blood pressure, obesity , obstructive sleep apnea and cigarette dependence increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Normal erection need blood flow to the genital area. with increased blood supply the pressure in the genital area increases and helps to acquire and maintain erection. Diabetes , High blood pressure, Obstructive sleep apnea , obesity and smoking reduces the blood flow and oxygen level to the genitalia and thereby causing erectile dysfunction.
Neurological causes
Damage to the nerves that supports the genitalia can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Spinal cord injuries, stroke, or peripheral neuropathy from diabetes can contribute to difficulty in acquiring and maintaining and erection.
Drugs
Certain medications as well as illicit drugs and Alcohol can contribute to sexual dysfunction. medications such as antidepressants, pain medications such as opioids and Certain blood pressure medications can contribute to sexual dysfunction. if you are taking any of these medications and are experiencing erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor about it to see alternate options. Some over the counter medications as well as illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroine can ultimately contribute to erectile dysfunction as well. One of the most commonly used substance Alcohol is another cause of erectile dysfunction.
Psychological causes
Mind and body are not separate, in fact they work as one. If you’re going through mental health problems such as Stress, Depression or anxiety are directly correlated to sexual dysfunction. Marital conflicts directly contributes to sexual dysfunction as well. If you are going through a stressful time in your life, having marital conflicts or experiencing depression or anxiety seeking mental health help will not help with your mind but will also help with sexual problems.
What can you do to help with erectile dysfunction ?
- Exercise
- Healthy low fat, low carbohydrate diet
- Weight loss if you’re overweight, obese or morbidly obese
- Quit smoking
- Reduce or quit alcohol intake
- Avoid illicit drug use
- Use CPAP machine if you have Sleep Apnea
- seek mental help counselling if you are going through a hard time.
- Talk to your partner about the conflicts and try to resolve them
- Talk to your doctor about checking your testosterone levels and treatment options for erectile dysfunction
Mediculous 