What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, refers to a man’s inability to get and keep an erection hard enough for intercourse. It’s more common than you might think—and more treatable than you may believe. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical problems such as obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea; psychological factors like depression or anxiety; stress; alcohol use; and relationship issues such as discord with your partner or reduced sexual intimacy.

What is erectile dysfunction?

There are a number of possible causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), including a physical problem (such as damage to blood vessels); emotional factors; injury or age; medication side effects; and psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, relationship problems, and depression. Several studies have linked ED to heart disease, but that’s still unproven. And some scientists think that it may simply be a result of aging. The good news is that most cases of ED can be successfully treated. To learn more about erectile dysfunction causes treatment options and find out if you are at risk for ED, continue reading below. 

Causes of ED

A disorder of sexual function that is characterized by impotence, i.e., an inability to attain or maintain an erection of sufficient rigidity for satisfactory sexual performance. The condition may have physical, psychological, or combined etiologies; it commonly develops in middle and late life. Many men who experience ED turn to erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis to help them get and keep an erection.

How to treat ED

To treat erectile dysfunction, your doctor will ask you to identify your ED triggers. This will help him or her rule out any underlying issues. Then, he or she will prescribe a treatment plan. It’s important to know that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ED. Depending on what’s causing your ED, your doctor may recommend different therapies and treatments in order to achieve a full recovery. 

How to know if you have ED

There’s no single, agreed-upon definition of erectile dysfunction. But generally, it’s used to describe a persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is rigid enough for sexual intercourse. If you have erectile dysfunction, it usually means that you can’t get an erection firm enough for sex—but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t enjoy other forms of intimacy with your partner. For example, you might be able to experience pleasure from oral sex or stimulation of your penis in different ways. If you and your partner are open to more creativity in your bedroom activities, there are ways to experience pleasure while living with erectile dysfunction.

General measures to cure ED

The first step to curing erectile dysfunction is to identify its underlying cause. While many cases of ED can be traced back to psychological causes, there are physiological causes that require a medical professional’s attention. Men with diabetes and high blood pressure may experience ED, as well as men who have suffered heart attacks or strokes. Any man who has been diagnosed with hypertension should visit his doctor for treatment before attempting any natural remedies for ED. Stress reduction techniques such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation are also effective in improving sexual function. And eating an anti-inflammatory diet—which can be accomplished by eliminating foods that stimulate inflammation such as refined sugar and processed food—can help prevent atherosclerosis, which narrows blood vessels in many vital organs including those found in your penis.

***DISCLAIMER*** The information contained in each story should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional care.