You may be asking this question if you are having problems regarding erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, you are not alone because based on US medical reports, there are at least 10 million men that are dealing with the same problem and the numbers are increasing as men age.
Erectile dysfunctionGenerally, it is okay for men to lose erection at times. It only becomes a problem when the male organ lacks fullness and hardness and erection is not enough to sustain having sex. When things become a little serious and persistent, that is when it can be called as erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence. However, it should be not be confused with lack of appetite for sex, orgasm, or premature ejaculation.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

There are many physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. The most common physical causes are nerve damage and reduced blood flow in the penis. The primary conditions associated with erectile dysfunction are the following:

Vascular disease

The narrowing and hardening of the arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis, can cause blood flow reduction throughout the body, thus causing impotence. Oftentimes, it has something to do with aging. In fact, 50 to 60 percent of men over 60 experience erectile dysfunction.

The factors that contribute to having vascular disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus. Smoking, which may lead to these risk factors, is considered the most critical in relation to arteriosclerosis.

Drugs

More than 200 commonly used drugs have been studied to cause impotence. Some of these drugs include medications for heart disease, high blood pressure, tranquilizer, antidepressants, as well as sedatives. Additionally, prolonged used of alcohol and prohibited drugs can also affect the nerves, therefore, they are also associated with impotence.

Hormonal imbalance

Hormone disorder among men, also referred to as testosterone deficiency, was proved to be the cause of less than 5 percent impotence cases. This occurs very rarely and can lead to loss of erection and sexual desire. Hormonal imbalance can also happen when there is excessive prolactin hormone as it reduces testosterone levels.

Neurologic problems

Stroke and injuries with spinal cord and brain can cause erectile dysfunction when they interfere with the transfer of nerve impulses from the brain down to the penis. Other neurologic disorders can also lead to impotence and these include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.

Pelvic trauma

Spinal cord damage and pelvic trauma can cause nerve and vein injuries, therefore causing erection problems.

Surgery

Just like pelvic trauma, surgical procedures done at the colon, bladder, prostate, and rectum can damage the nerves and veins required for erection as well. This is because some of these areas need tissue and nerve removal and this increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Radiation therapy

This procedure, when performed at the bladder and prostate, can permanently damage the nerves at the penis, thus leading to impotence.

Peyronie’s disease

This disease is a rare medical condition which causes scarring of tissues within the penis area. When this happens, the scar produces an arch at the penis, causing men to have difficulties with sexual function and erection.

Venous leak

This condition can be the result of disease, injury, or damage to the penis’ veins. During this condition, the penis is unable to prevent blood from circulating during erection. At this point, erectile dysfunction happens.

Psychological problems

Stress, guilt, depression, worry, and anxiety can cause lack of libido and impotence. This is because when a man experiences erectile dysfunction, he is more likely to worry that it might happen again. This anxiety can lead poor sexual performance, as well as chronic sex problems. And if the cycle persists, it can lead to impotence. However, these conditions are just secondary to the physical causes.

How to deal with erectile dysfunction?

At first, you will not be able to identify the root cause of your problem. For this reason, you should keep the following tips in mind:

See your doctor

This will help you determine the real cause of your erection problems. Your doctor will also suggest the possible solutions that will work for you. If you found out that the cause is purely psychological, a professional will teach you ways on how to overcome these problems so that you can get back to your normal life.

Stop or reduce and drug use

As some medications contribute to erectile problems, it would be best for you to seek other alternatives that will benefit you such as exercise. And if you are using prohibited drugs, you should stop at once. Also, Sildenafil may be harmful to you if you are taking nitrates for their heart problems. that is why it is highly recommended you stay away from any pills or drugs. Go natural and live long and healthy!

Engage into counseling

Erectile dysfunction may be an awkward medical condition, but letting your sufferings out will help you greatly. You don’t have to lose your confidence and keep this in secret, as this may lead to serious problems regarding your relationship with your wife. Try to seek professional counseling – alone or with your partner – as this is a great medium for you to release the stress and anxiety from erectile dysfunction. A professional can also help you find ways to overcome psychological causes, as well as to give you assurance that everything will be alright.

Seeking the attention and support from your family and partner is highly recommended as well. This will help you to cope up easily and would also keep your mind away from anxiety and depression