Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) | Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, refers to the inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is strong enough for sexual activity. According to some estimates, one out of every ten men will experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. It is essential to have a solid understanding of the fact that erectile dysfunction (ED) is almost always a symptom of a more fundamental issue.
ED is not regarded as normal at any age, and it may be coupled with additional issues that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as a lack of desire and difficulties with orgasm and ejaculation. ED is not considered normal at any age.
How common is trouble getting an erection?
About one out of every ten adult men will have ED for a long time.
Many men do sometimes have trouble getting an erection. This can happen for a number of reasons, like drinking too much alcohol, being stressed, having relationship problems, or being very tired.
Less than 20% of the time, you can’t get an erection is not unusual and usually doesn’t need treatment. But if you can’t get an erection more than 50% of the time, it’s usually a sign that there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
ED doesn’t have to come with growing older. Even though some older men may need more stimulation to get an erection, they should still be able to get one and enjoy sexual activity.
Signs and symptoms of ED
Some of the signs of erectile dysfunction could be:
- Is it hard to get an erection?
- Can’t keep an erection going
- Reduced sexual desire
Can you avoid or stop erectile dysfunction?
This depends on if you know what’s causing your ED or not. You can do some things that might help you avoid ED, such as:
- Don’t drink too much, smoke too much, or use drugs too much.
- Ask your doctor if ED is a side effect of a new medicine you are taking or one you have been taking for a while. He or she might have a different way to treat it.
- Watch your sugar and blood pressure levels.
- Try not to worry and stress out.
When to go to the doctor
When you have trouble getting an erection, a family doctor is a good place to start. Go to the doctor if:
- You are worried about your erections or are having other sexual problems, like ejaculating too early or too late.
- You have diabetes, heart disease, or another health problem that is known to be linked to impotence.
- You also have other problems besides not being able to get an erection.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
The best way to treat it depends on what’s causing it. If high blood sugar and high blood pressure are to blame, take your medicine and do what your doctor tells you.
If your doctor can’t find any other reason for your problem, he or she may give you Viagra, Cialis, or vardenafil (brand name Levitra). These medicines are not for everyone. If you can’t take oral medicines, your doctor may talk to you about alprostadil.
Alprostadil is made by making prostaglandin E in a lab. It can be injected into the penis or put in the urethra as a small pill (the hole at the end of the penis). Your doctor will help you choose the best treatment for you.
When taking ED medicine, do what your doctor tells you to do. Usually, a man takes 1 tablet 30 to 60 minutes to an hour before he wants to have sex. Sildenafil lasts between 4 and 8 hours, vardenafil lasts up to 8 hours, and tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours.
You shouldn’t take more than one dose in 24 hours. Both vardenafil and tadalafil come in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. Sildenafil comes in 25, 50, and 100 mg tablets.
Even if you take the medicine, you still need to be stimulated physically and mentally and want to have an erection. Before taking any medication, consult with your urologist/andrologist.
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