Erectile dysfunction is undoubtedly an uncomfortable topic for most men. It doesn’t only affect your ability to have intercourse but can also have other consequences, such as bedroom anxiety.
However, what you should know before anything else is that you’re not alone. Also, that ED doesn’t only happen to older men. Men younger than 40 can also be affected; in fact, one in four patients with ED symptoms belong to this age group.
Many factors can cause erectile dysfunction, but luckily, there are also multiple ways to treat it.
How Common Is ED?
This issue has become much more common in recent years. And by 2025, scientists estimate that there will be even more men suffering from ED– up to 322 million worldwide. According to research, almost 50% of men now experience this problem at some point before they turn 50. The number may even be higher, given that men are reluctant to admit they’re suffering from ED.
In the UK, more than 11 million men claimed they’d had ED issues, while some even avoided intimacy with their partners due to anxiety provoked by earlier erectile dysfunction. Many of whom belong to the younger generation.
What Are the ED Symptoms?
Catching the symptoms early can be critical, as well as seeing the doctor. If you go for a check-up right away, you have a better chance of figuring out what’s wrong and how to cure it.
If you notice that your libido has decreased, you can’t get or maintain a full erection, or you can’t get an erection at all, it may be time to visit your doctor.
Now that we’ve mentioned symptoms, there’s something else to tackle. Not being able to make love to your partner can be frustrating and lead to issues in the relationship. However, ED can be a symptom of more severe diseases. This is precisely why you should seek medical help if you repeatedly experience problems.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
There are two main groups of factors that cause erectile dysfunction – physiological and psychological.
Physiological Factors
Physiological factors include different conditions and diseases that can harm your libido and the ability to maintain an erection.
Some of these can be related to your heart and arteries.Continuous ED may indicate that you’re at risk of a heart attack, or you have high blood pressure or cholesterol that you don’t know about. In some cases, ED can be a symptom of diabetes or nerve damage, as well.
It can even indicate spinal cord damage or conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
Also, a hormonal imbalance or certain medications could cause erectile problems. Lack of testosterone in your body affects your sex drive, and therefore, your ability to get or maintain an erection.
Smoking, inadequate diet, or lack of physical activity can also affect your ability to perform in the bedroom. A healthy lifestyle is closely related to other aspects of your health and can reduce the risk of ED.
Psychological Factors
As mentioned, the younger generationnow experiences ED more often than in the past. In many cases, that’s due to various psychological factors rather than physical health issues.
Problems in your current relationship can affect your libido significantly. If you don’t feel enough desire to make love to your partner, that can manifest physically in struggling to get or maintain an erection.
Work-related stress, as well as family or any other kind of issues, can cause ED. Feeling distracted and worried doesn’t help in the bedroom.But luckily, these factors influence your ability to perform only temporarily.
Men with low self-esteem issues also experience ED more often than less self-conscious men. Low confidence, whether related to your body or your mind, can influence your ability to relax and fully enjoy the experience. This is often followed by erectile dysfunction.
Some conditions, like depression or anxiety, require professional help. These mental health issues can cause ED in two ways. Firstly, you may feel a decreased libido due to your emotional struggles. Secondly, you mayexperience physical inability to maintain the erection due to the medications you’re taking to fight anxiety or depression.
How Do You Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
You can treat ED in multiple ways. The course of treatment mostly depends on what’s causing the dysfunction.
In case of psychological causes of erectile dysfunction, therapy is one of the most common ways to treat this issue. Sometimes, medication needs to be included, but it must be suitable to avoid the problem get worse. This type of therapy is known as psychosexual therapy.
Other types of therapy can include different oral meds, hormones, or devices. For instance, some meds improve the blood flow in the penis. Also, if your testosterone levels are low, it can be treated by taking hormonal supplements. Injections can also effectively treat ED, but they’re not very popular for obvious reasons. There are also devices such as vacuum pumps or penile implants, but men turn to these as a last resort. Typically, they’re also unnecessary, as oral drugs and hormonal therapy have proven to be highly effective.
Act Now
Like with many other health issues, timing is crucial. Start by sharing your concerns with your partner – relieving the burden can help more than you think. The next step is to turn to a professional to find out what’s causing the erectile dysfunction. Schedule a consultation today, because if you act now, you’re more likely to solve the problem.