DEFINITION
Erection dysfunction (impotence) occurs when a man can no longer get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause of concern, but erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, cause relationship problems or affect your self confidence.
Erectile dysfunction becomes more common as you get older; however male sexual dysfunction is not a natural part of aging.
Even though it may seem awkward to talk to your doctor about erectile dysfunction, it can be a sign of health problems that need treatment, such as heart diseases or poorly controlled diabetes.
Treating an underlying problem may be enough to reverse your erectile dysfunction if treating an underlying condition doesn’t help your erectile dysfunction, medications or other direct treatment may work.
SYMPTOMS
Erectile dysfunction symptoms may include persistent:
-Trouble getting an erection. Trouble keeping an erection. Reduced sexual desire.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
See your doctor if:
Erectile or other sexual problem are an issue for you or your partner.
You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health problem that may be linked to erectile dysfunction.
You have other symptoms along erectile dysfunction that may not seem related.
CAUSES
Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessel.
Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise stress and mental health problems can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction, for instance, a minor physical problem that slows your sexual response may cause anxiety about maintaining an erection.
The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
PHYSICAL CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
In most cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include: heart disease.
– Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis.
– Diabetes.
– High blood pressure.
– Obesity.
– Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin level, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol.
– Low testosterone.
– Certain prescription medications.
– Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse.
– Surgeries or injuries that affect pelvic area or spinal cord.
PHYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
THESE INCLUDE
-Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
– Stress
-Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concern.
RISK FACTORS
As one gets older, erection may take longer to develop and may not be firm. You may need more direct touch to your penis to get and keep an erection.
This isn’t a direct consequence of getting older; usually it is a result of underlying health problems or taking medications which is more common as men ages.
A variety of risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, they include
-Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart problems
-Being overweight, especially if you are obese
-Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves that control erections
-Drug and alcohol use especially if you are a long term drug user or heavy drinker
-Prolonged bicycling which may compress nerves and affect blood flow to penis, can lead to temporary erectile dysfunctions
COMPLICATIONS
Complications resulting from erectile dysfunction can include
-Stress or anxiety
-an unsatisfactory sex life
-marital or relationship problem
-Inability to get your partner pregnant
TEST AND DIAGNOSIS
For many men, a physical examination and medical history are all that’s needed before a ready to recommend a treatment .If your doctor suspects that an underlying problem may be involved or you have chronic health problem, you may need further tests or you may need to see a specialist. Tests for underlying problems may include
-Physical examination, may include careful examination of your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for feeling.
-Blood tests. A sample of your blood may be sent for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health problem.
-Urine analysis, to look for signs of diabetes
-Overnight erection test-most men have erection during sleep without remembering them; this simple test involves wrapping special tape around your penis before going to bed.
If the tape is separated by morning, your penis was erect at some time during the night this indicate the cause of your erectile dysfunction is most likely psychological and physical.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
Your doctor may ask you question to screen for depression and other psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
TREATMENT AND DRUGS
The first thing is to make sure that you are getting the right treatment for any health problems that could be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction.
A variety of options exist for treating erectile dysfunction. The cause and severity of your condition and underlying health problems are important factors in your doctors recommending the best treatment or treatments for you.
ORAL MEDICATION
Oral medication are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men, they include
-sildenafil (Viagra)
-Taladafil (Cialis)
-Vardenafil (Levitra)
All three medications work as much the same way. This drug enhances the effect of nitric oxide; a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis, this increase blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. This drug varies in dosage, how long they will work and their side effects. Possible side effects include, flushing nasal congestion, headache, visual changes and stomach upset.
These drugs may be dangerous for you if you take nitrate drugs commonly prescribed for angina or some high blood pressure and medications.
Other Medications include alprostadil self injections or suppository into the penis. Testosterone replacement therapy may be useful if there is low testosterone level.
Penis pumps surgery and implants are other treatment options that are commonly used.
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety or depression, your doctor may suggest that you visit a psychologist or psychologist or counsellor.
LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
For many men, erectile dysfunction is caused or worsened by lifestyle choices. If you smoke, quit, and if you are having problems quitting get help .Being overweight can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Get regular exercises, this can help with underlying, in a number of ways, including reducing stress, help lose weight and increase blood flow. Get treatment for alcohol or drug usage. Work through your relationship issues, improve communication with your partner and consider, marriage counseling if you cannot work through the problems on your own.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Several alternative treatments are used to treat erectile dysfunction. More studies are needed to see whether they are safe or effective while some appear to be relatively safe others are risky and can interact with medications or causes other problems.
Before using any herbal supplements, confirm from your doctor that it will not interact with medications you are using and confirm its safety by checking if it is Nafdac registered.
The many so called ‘Herbal’ Viagra can be very dangerous because they contain potentially harmful drugs not listed on their labels, and some can interact with prescription drugs and cause dangerously low blood pressure.
