For many years of satisfying and pleasurable sex, having sex partners who have no problem getting erections and can maintain firm and long-lasting erections is important. Unfortunately, there are men who suffer from erectile dysfunction that can lower the quality of your sex life and lead to many awkward, embarrassing, and frustrating intimate encounters.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder characterized by the inability to achieve and/or keep an erection for sexual intercourse. Also sometimes called impotence, it can strike any man, but is most common in those who are in their 40s and older.
According to a study, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men increases with age. In their 40s, approximately 40% of men are affected, and in their 70s, that percentage significantly jumps up to 70%.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by various physical and psychological factors that can influence how the hormones, nerves, and other body parts function for male sexual arousal.
Some of the common diseases that can cause erectile dysfunction are:
High blood pressure
This occurs when the force of the blood that flows through the blood vessels are too high It can be caused by stress, kidney disease, and other underlying conditions, and can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or impaired sexual function.
High cholesterol
This is a condition in which there are too much fatty deposits in the blood vessels, due to eating too much foods high in cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and erectile dysfunction.
Diabetes
This is a health problem characterized by having too high blood sugar levels in the body. If not diagnosed and treated right away, it can cause long-term damage to the brain, heart, muscles, kidneys, and reproductive system.
Bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as the following can also contribute to erectile dysfunction:
Alcoholism
This is a problem in which there is a strong desire or craving to drink alcohol. According to medical experts, to avoid the dangers of alcohol, men should not drink more than 4 drinks per day or 14 drinks per week, and women not more than 3 drinks per day or 7 drinks per week.
Smoking
Cigarettes and tobacco contain substances that are harmful to the lungs, brain, heart, and other vital organs. Long-time and heavy smokers are at great risk of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, and other diseases.
Erectile dysfunction can also be triggered by poor mental health, such as having:
Depression
if your man is depressed, his sexual excitement or sexual desire may decline.
Stress
If he is always stressed, his body’s testosterone levels may decrease and cause a decline in his sex drive.
Anxiety
If he has sexual performance anxiety, he may have a hard time getting erections, leaving him and you unsatisfied.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
To help your partner with his erectile dysfunction, you should advise him to go see a doctor and undergo some tests to get an official medical diagnosis.
There are several kinds of exams and tests used to diagnosed erectile dysfunction these days, and some of the most commonly used are:
- Physical examination
The doctor will closely and carefully examine the penis and the testicles to check if the nerves around that area are working.
- Blood tests
A blood sample is necessary for this, and it is forwarded to a laboratory to be examined for any signs of low testosterone, diabetes, heart disease, and other medical problems that may be causing the erectile dysfunction.
- Urinalysis
A urine sample is sent to a laboratory to look for traces of any underlying health issues that may be causing the problem.
- Ultrasound
A device is used to check if there are any obstructions in the blood vessels in the penis, or if enough blood flow is being supplied to the penis.
- Psychological screening
This is key to diagnosing erectile dysfunction that is caused by depression and other psychological problems.
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
Treatment for your partner’s erectile dysfunction depends on what caused it.
In many cases, doctors prescribe oral medication that have been tested and proven to be a great help for men with difficulties getting hard. Examples of these medications for erectile dysfunction are Sildenafil, Avanafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil.
If your partner has an underlying health problem, his doctor may prescribe him medication for it. For example, if he has high cholesterol, he may be prescribed Atorvastatin or Fluvastatin, or if he has high blood pressure, he may be prescribed Amlodipine or Diltiazem.
Another treatment option for erectile dysfunction is a healthy lifestyle. Your partner should take the following steps to improve his sexual health:
Exercise regularly
Exercising on a regular basis improves cardiovascular function, allowing better blood circulation and blood flow to the penis. If his blood vessels are able to supply enough blood to his penis, getting and maintaining erections should not be a problem.
Limit alcohol intake
Excessive alcohol drinking is not only bad for the liver, it is also harmful to the penis. The compounds present in alcohol can negatively impact your partner’s testosterone levels, which can lead to reduced sexual desire or libido and poor penile performance.
Reduce stress levels
Help your partner find ways to efficiently manage his stress levels. Try meditation or yoga with him. Encourage him to be a lot more active to make his body release happy hormones. Go on vacations or trips once in awhile to relax and unwind.
Quit smoking and/or drug use
Smoking and drug use are two habits that should be eliminated if your partner wants to be at his best sexual shape. Cigarettes, tobacco, and illicit drugs contain compounds that can impede his various bodily functions, including testosterone and sperm production, and erectile function. Because addiction can be very difficult to overcome, you have to show that you are there for him, every step of the way.
