What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain the erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. This includes inability to penetrate vagina due to poor erection. Erectile Dysfunction is also called as ED and Impotence sometimes.
Facts about ED
Erectile Dysfunction is among the few most common sexual problems that hit men all around the world. Erectile dysfunction is commonly referred to as Impotence.
Earlier, ED was commonly found in men who were above 40 years of age but nowadays it is being seen and observed that many males who are below 35 years are also facing erectile dysfunction.
Signs of erectile dysfunction
The most common signs of erectile dysfunction are:
- Shrinkage in penis
- Numb penis / limp penis
- Can’t stay erect / inability to remain hard
- Difficulty in getting an erection / Problem in getting hard / Penis becomes less responsive when trying to get hard / Penis not standing
- Soft erections / weak penis / loose penis / penis weakness / weak erection (some may call it as weak pennies hardness)
- Erection that don’t last long for a satisfactory sexual activity
- Change in the angle of erect penis
- Loss in girth is observed in penis after getting erections
- Penis does not respond when trying to get erect
- Lack of feeling of masturbation
- Reduced feeling of having sex
- No desire of having sex
- Avoiding partner in bedroom
- Inability to penetrate vagina while having sex
- Penis gets loose after entering into vagina
Leading cause of ED
The most commonly found erectile dysfunction is due to the reduced blood flow to the penis. But that does not mean all men have the same type of ED.
Many men can also suffer from Erectile Dysfunction which includes:
The role of hormones:
Endocrine Disorders that cause Erection problems are –
Hypogonadism – Reduced testosterone produced in the testicles.
Hyperprolactinemia – Increased prolactin hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism – Too much or too less production of thyroid hormone.
Problem in nerves that are involved in achieving erection –
Psychogenic erections – When the brain thinks about something sexual, this type of erection occurs.
Reflexogenic erections – When there is direct stimulation to the penis this kind of erection happens. Reflexogenic erections are not controlled by the brain. A male can even have such erections when his bladder is full (before passing urine) or at the time of passing stools.
The blood vessels after getting negatively impacted by medical conditions like – Hypertension, Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, Arteriosclerosis etc. can also cause ED.
CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction:
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Clogged blood vessels (Atherosclerosis)
- High blood pressure (High BP)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome – A condition involving high BP, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription medicines like Antibiotics, Antifungal medicines, Blood pressure lowering drugs, Antacids, SSRI’s (Anti-Depressants including those given for premature ejaculation treatment)
- Tobacco consumption including smoking, chewing pan masala etc.
- Peyronie’s disease – development of scar tissue inside penis which is characterized by a bent / curved penis.
- Sleep disorders
- Treatment for chronic diseases like cancer
- Surgeries or injuries in the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Drugs and alcohol
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction:
- Unreal expectations from yourself or from your partner
- Dependence on pornographic materials
- Failure of 1st sexual intercourse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Relationship problems
- Lack of trust in the partner
- Lack of compatibility and connection
- Embarrassment or low self esteem
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