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Many signs of ED and erectile dysfunction symptoms are commonly ignored by men of varying age groups around the world.
It’s difficult to accept that there may be an underlying reason causing difficulty to a man’s sexual health, however, it is important that ED symptoms are not ignored. ED often plays a large role in a man’s ability to reproduce, mental health, physical wellbeing, and sexual health during intimate and romantic relationships.
Surveys and researchers have identified more than 30 million men in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction and more than 150 million men are affected worldwide.
Furthermore, it is estimated by experts and researchers that the number of men with ED will increase to approximately 322 million by 2025.
Clearly, this is a growing phenomenon which is why it’s imperative that we spend as much time understanding erectile dysfunction symptoms so that we can identify it early on and seek out treatment options which are effective.
It’s important to note that ED is not always age dependent. This simply means that although old age increases your risk of erectile dysfunction, it can affect you at any age.
In fact, it was found in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) that a combined prevalence of mild to moderate erectile dysfunction of 52% in men aged 40 to 70 years.
Let’s talk more about the actual bodily process of getting erect.
Ordinarily, when a man is aroused, chemicals are released by nerves that increase blood flow into two chambers in a penis. The blood pressure is responsible for making a penis firm and erect.
Causes of erectile dysfunction usually indicate an underlying problem that prevents or inhibits the above process from occurring.
Identifying why this is happening is just as important as learning how to treat it.
With that being said, how do you know if you have erectile dysfunction? What symptoms of ED should you be looking for?
Let’s begin by discussing the most common erectile dysfunction symptoms, as well as the causes that contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction and solutions to consider implementing.
1. Erectile Dysfunction Symptom: Issues Getting Erect
Arguably the most popular sign of erectile dysfunction is the inability or extreme difficulty to get an erection.
Usually, being aroused results in the increase of blood flow to the penis. This stimulation results in the hardening of the penis.
This may happen acutely and in such an event, it is not cause for concern.
There could be many mitigating factors why one may not get erect suddenly such as high anxiety levels, stress and fatigue.
However, when this is something that occurs chronically, it is usually a telltale symptom of erectile dysfunction that requires some form of treatment.
2. Erectile Dysfunction Symptom: Issues Maintaining Erection
As much as struggling to get erect is a common symptom or sign of ED, so is the inability to stay erect.
What this refers to is the uncontrollable and involuntary softening of the penis despite arousal or physical stimulation.
Being able to engage in any kind of sexual activity is adversely affected by an inability to stay erect.
This may inhibit a man’s ability to engage in any form of penetration.
3. Erectile Dysfunction Symptom: Diminished Sexual Desire
Becoming erect is usually associated with being aroused, while ED symptoms can often include low libido or no sexual interest.
One’s state of being or psyche affects their ability to be turned on.
Naturally, a man who is dealing with this condition would feel afraid, nervous, stressed or depressed and this would affect his sex drive.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Many times, the reasons for erectile dysfunction are caused by a disease or illness that is not immediately obvious.
According to the American Diabetes Association, men with diabetes are four times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction and about 15 years earlier than men without diabetes
Alternatively, it can be caused from psychological issues or from certain medications that warn of erectile dysfunction being an identifiable side effect.
Here’s a look at some of the possible causes for erectile dysfunction.
Diseases or illnesses that may cause ED:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Heart disease
- Blood vessel disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer (prostate)
- Thyroid disease
- Alcoholism
Physical causes of ED:
- Nerve signals from the spine or brain do not reach the penis
- Inadequate blood supply to the penis
- The penis struggles to hold blood during an erection
- Injury or enlargement of the prostate or penis itself
Psychological conditions contributing to ED:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Fear
- Past trauma of a sexual or intimate nature
- Guilt associated with self perception or beliefs
Medications that may lead to ED:
- Antidepressants
- Antiandrogens
- Ulcer medications
- Appetite suppressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Drug abuse
The above erectile dysfunction causes are not comprehensive, given the fact that erectile dysfunction can be associated with many other diseases or illnesses that can be best diagnosed by a medical professional.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
It’s recommended to consult an erectile dysfunction specialist for a specialized diagnosis and treatment plan. This entails a general examination and often blood work as well to identify underlying root causes.
Heart disease and other related illnesses are considered as well as the use of certain medications.
In fact, it has been found through various studies that erectile dysfunction can increase one’s risk of developing a cardiovascular disease, problems with circulation in the legs and strokes.
Blood tests are also conducted to determine whether there is a hormonal imbalance or signs of an underlying disease or illness like diabetes.
Once the source is located, illnesses are treated and alternative medications are prescribed when the side effects of other medications are causing erectile dysfunction.
In the case of erectile dysfunction that stems from psychological issues, therapy and counseling is considered and recommended to remedy the issue.
Testosterone replacement therapy, penile injections, penile implants and vacuum erection devices are considered as popular and effective treatment options.
Take Action When Facing Signs of ED By Seeking Medical Guidance
It is quite evident that although erectile dysfunction directly affects a man’s ability to get or maintain an erection, it can also have a negative impact on mental health and romantic relationships.
Developing anxiety, stress and depression due to erectile dysfunction is nothing to be embarrassed about and neither is it something to take lightly.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options for treatment that will not only help to fix erectile dysfunction but also the underlying cause.
By identifying erectile dysfunction and seeking help, you could save your own sexual health by finding primary and more serious diseases that could worsen if left ignored.
If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction (ED), call the team at Prime Men’s Medical Center in Jacksonville now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with an experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are a leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more to support men’s sexual health and wellbeing.
