Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction means the constant or repeated inability to obtain and/or maintain the necessary erection to allow sexual intercourse. Statistics show that 1 in 3 men over the age of 40 faces this problem.

Any man can occasionally experience erectile dysfunction. But when they are constantly repeated and last for more than 3 months, it can be erectile dysfunction.

The mechanism of erection is not only related to desire, but especially to sexual stimuli and the general health of the man, namely the functioning of the nervous system (which transmits signals of arousal) and circulatory (ensures vascularity in the penis), but also other factors.
When to consult a doctor

Sexual dysfunction should not be embarrassing for any man. It is recommended to go to the doctor if:
Do you have concerns about erections or if you face other problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation?
You suffer from diabetes, heart disease or another disease that could be associated with erectile dysfunction
You have other symptoms that accompany sexual dysfunction

Symptoms

Men with erectile dysfunction face:

• Inability to get an erection
• Inability to maintain an erection
• Reducing sexual desire.
• Causes

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves hormones, the brain, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Any problem with them can be related to the appearance of sexual dysfunctions.

At the origin of sexual dysfunctions, there may be physiological and psychological problems or it may be a combination of them.

Physiological causes include:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• atherosclerosis
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome (metabolic disorder associated with hypertension, excess fat in the waist and high blood sugar and cholesterol)
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Administration of drugs
• Smoking
• Peyronie's disease (abnormal and painful curvature of the penis)
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Sleep disorders
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgery or trauma to the pelvic area or spine

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

The brain plays a key role in triggering an erection, starting with emotions and sexual arousal. Various factors that interfere with the sexual desire can cause or aggravate sexual dysfunction. These include:
Depression, anxiety or other psychological disorders
stress
Problems with your partner, for example, lack of communication
Complications of sexual dysfunction

Men with erectile dysfunction have an unsatisfactory sex life, and this can lead to stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, marital problems and infertility.

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle and treating health problems are the main preventive measures of sexual dysfunction. In this sense, it is recommended:
Treatment of chronic diseases
Routine medical check-ups
Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption
Frequent physical activity
Stress reduction
Specialized help in case of disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Diagnostic

In most cases, a physical examination and a medical history are sufficient to diagnose erectile dysfunction. If the patient has a chronic illness or if the doctor suspects that there is another health problem that underlies the erectile dysfunction, certain medical tests are also recommended.

To diagnose erectile dysfunction, you need:
Physical control - includes an examination of the penis and testicles
Blood tests - are needed, among other things, to detect diseases (diabetes, heart disease) and to determine testosterone levels
Urine tests
Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow to the penis
Psychological examination to detect disorders such as depression

Treatment

If the patient has a chronic disease, treating the condition is the first step needed in the therapy of erectile dysfunction.

Depending on the cause and severity of erectile dysfunction, there are various treatment options.

Drugs. Drug treatment is an option with good results for many men. The urologist may prescribe testosterone enhancing supplements that increase the level of nitric oxide, a chemical present in the body. Treatment with such drugs has the effect of relaxing the muscles and increasing blood pressure in the penis, which supports the erection. It is good to remember that such drugs do not act immediately and do not have an aphrodisiac effect, so they do not amplify arousal.

Possible side effects of these medications include nasal congestion, headache, vision problems, and upset stomach.

Injections. Another option for treating erectile dysfunction is injections of alprostadil into the penis. Their purpose is to obtain erections that last less than an hour. Adverse effects such as bleeding and a long duration of erection may occur.

Urethral suppositories (Muse therapy). By administering an alprostadil tablet through the orifice in the tip of the penis (urethra), an erection can be obtained within 10 minutes, which lasts up to an hour.

Testosterone replacement therapy. In some men, erectile dysfunction is attributed to low testosterone levels. In this case, testosterone replacement therapy is recommended, in combination or not with other treatments.

The vacuum device consists of placing a plastic cylinder over the penis and using a pump to create a vacuum in the tube. Through this therapy, blood is drained into the penis. The erection obtained is maintained with the help of a rubber ring placed at the base of the penis.

A penile implant is a recommended option especially after the failure of other methods. It consists of implanting a cylinder (semi-rigid or extensible) in the two corpora cavernosa of the penis. The penile implant allows the control and duration of the erection.

Psychological counseling. If erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety, or depression, psychological therapy is recommended.