Erectile dysfunction: Symptoms and causes

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get an erection or hold it firmly enough to have a sexual relationship.

Having an erection problem from time to time is not necessarily a reason to worry. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, however, it can cause stress, affect self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or maintaining an erection can also be a sign of an undiagnosed illness that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.

If you are worried about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor, even if you are ashamed. Sometimes, the treatment of an undiagnosed disease is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments may be needed.

symptom

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include:

• Persistent problems getting an erection

• Persistent problems to maintain an erection

• Persistent decrease in sexual desire

When to consult the doctor

The attending physician is the right person to consult first when you have erectile problems. Consult with the doctor in the following cases:

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• You are worried about your erections or have other sexual problems, such as premature or late ejaculation

• You have diabetes, heart disease or another known disorder that may be associated with erectile dysfunction

• You have other symptoms besides erectile dysfunction.

Causes

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction may be the result of a problem with any of these factors. Similarly, stress and mental health-related concerns can cause erectile dysfunction or make it worse.

Sometimes, erectile dysfunction is due to a combination of physical and psychological issues. For example, a minor physical illness that makes your sexual response slower can cause you anxiety about maintaining an erection. This anxiety can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

In many cases, erectile dysfunction is due to physical factors. Some of the most frequent causes are:

• Heart disease

• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)

• High cholesterol level

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Obesity

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

The brain plays a key role in the activation of physical events that cause an erection, which begin with the sensation of sexual arousal. Several things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Some of them are:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders

• Stress

• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

Prevention

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to choose erectile dysfunction pills, a healthy lifestyle, and control existing diseases. For example:

• Work with the doctor to control diabetes, heart disease or other chronic diseases.

• Check with your doctor for periodic checkups and medical exams to detect diseases.

• Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol and do not use illegal drugs.

• Exercise regularly.

• Take steps to reduce stress.

• Seek help for anxiety, depression or other mental health problems.