The penis constitutes the external genitalia of males and is made up of erectile tissue. The speciality of this tissue is that it can expand and harden when there is an increased blood flow. This phenomenon is known as erection. Erection generally happens when a man is sexually triggered or aroused, and the brain starts transmitting neural signals in the penis.

However, when this process is disrupted, it can lead to erectile dysfunction. Among various causes for erectile dysfunction, nervous or psychological issues, and improper blood circulation are the main. Simply put, anything that negatively affects a man’s libido can result in erectile dysfunction, making it even more difficult to start or continue an erection.

In this blog, we will discuss about erectile dysfunction causes and available treatment options in detail. This will help you promptly address your problem and obtain a solution. Read on below.

Top 5 causes for erectile dysfunction

• Physical issues: More than 80% of ED cases happen due to physical problems. Here is a list of some health conditions that contribute to this:
• Vaculogenic: In this, blood flow to the penile tissue is hampered. Some examples of vasculogenic conditions are high blood pressure, existing heart disease, diabetes, etc.
• Neurogenic: These conditions pertain to the nervous system, including the brain, nerves and spinal cord. Common examples of neurogenic factors for ED are multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, etc.
• Hormonal: Any disruption in the normal levels of male hormone can lead to erectile dysfunction. Examples: Hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, etc.
• Anatomical: When the male’s penis has structural deformities, it may become difficult for him to sustain an erection. A very common example is Peyronie’s disease (affecting the erectile tissue). Apart from this, accidental physical injuries or surgical procedures to the penis can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Psychological problems: Recent studies suggest that erectile dysfunction happens more to young male adults than older men, with psychology playing a pivotal role behind this. Here’s why.

The feeling of sexual arousal initiates in the brain. However, in today’s generation, men face a lot of performance anxiety and stress, regardless of whether it is in workplace, family or relationships. This can significantly hamper their sexual performance. Below is a list of some of the most common psychological issues contributing to ED:

• Chronic stress and depression
• Body insecurities
• Poor or strained relationship with partner
• Previous experience of sexual abuse
• Lack of sex education
• Environmental and other factors: Apart from physical and psychological causes for erectile dysfunction, there can be various other issues, too. They are as follows:
• Poor habits: Males engaging in unhealthy practices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, etc. are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than those who do not.
• Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of exercise not only leads to obesity, but it can also give rise to metabolic conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid problems, and more. Over time, these can damage your sexual health.
• Excessive cycling: Men who cycle for long periods (over 3 hours each week) are likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Incorrect riding position and improperly-fitted saddle can further aggravate the condition.
• Fatigue: A persistent feeling of exhaustion or burnout can lead to erectile dysfunction. Unless treated on time, this can cause mutual distress in your relationship and mental dissatisfaction.

Available treatment options for erectile dysfunction

Addressing the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction will probably assist in resolving the issue. For certain individuals, this may mean altering their lifestyle, while for others, their therapy might require medication. Ignoring erectile dysfunction is not advisable, as it may indicate another underlying health issue.

• Changes in lifestyle: Adopting a nutritious diet, shedding pounds, and increasing physical activity—can help alleviate the issues associated with erectile dysfunction. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol consumption can also aid in improving ED.
• Therapy: A mental health professional or therapist can assist in addressing the psychological factors that might be contributing to your erectile dysfunction. Maintaining effective communication with your sexual partner is crucial as well.
• Medication: If the reason is physical, then medication might be necessary. Oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as Spedra available for online purchase, can assist in treating ED. These drugs operate by disrupting the function of nitric oxide within the body. Nitric oxide assists in widening the blood vessels in the penis, thereby enhancing blood flow to the penis and resulting in an erection. New generic ED therapies, including Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil, provide an affordable and efficient solution for treating erectile dysfunction in men across all age groups.
• Vacuum devices: If medications have not been effective, alternative treatments like vacuum constriction devices (VCD) may be explored. This type of therapy entails positioning a cylinder over the penis, generating a vacuum that results in an erection. A tight band is then positioned at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. The band should not be used for durations exceeding 30 minutes.
• Surgery: It is generally viewed as the final option. Surgery for erectile dysfunction includes the insertion of a penile prosthesis. However, this option must only be considered when every other treatment methods fail to give results.

While there are a lot of treatments for erectile dysfunction, you must discuss with a good, reputed doctor first. He can assess your condition throughout and suggest the best-suited treatment for you. The main thing to note is – whatever the cause of your issue may be, the course of action must be handled with utmost care and supervision.

Conclusion

There can be several causes for erectile dysfunction; and you may not know each one of them. This necessitates prompt medical intervention and diagnosis from a skilled healthcare professional. Thus, if you are someone who is facing erectile dysfunction and leading a life of sexual distress now, do not shy back. Consult a Private GP in South Kensington at MD.co.uk today and get yourself tested before it gets too late – book here!

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