Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s sometimes referred to as impotence, although this term is now used less often.
Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. Frequent ED, however, can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.
What causes an erection?ED can occur because of problems at any stage of the erection process. An erection is the result of increased blood flow into your penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated by either sexual thoughts or direct contact with your penis.
When a man is sexually excited, muscles in the penis relax. This allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers inside the penis. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid.
An erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood can flow out through the penile veins.
Erectile dysfunction causesThere are many possible causes of ED, and they can include both emotional and physical conditions. Common causes include:
Erectile dysfunction treatmentTreatment for ED will depend on the underlying cause. You may need to use a combination of treatments, including medication or talk therapy.
MedicationsYour doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage the symptoms of ED. You may need to try several medications before you find one that works. The following oral medications stimulate blood flow to your penis to help treat ED:
Testosterone therapy (TRT) may also be recommended if you have low levels of testosterone.
Medications used for other conditions may cause ED. Talk to your doctor about your medications and whether they could be causing your symptoms. There may be others that you can take instead. Never stop taking medications without first talking to your doctor.
Medications for ED can cause side effects. If you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication. Get more information on the medications used to treat ED.
Talk therapyA number of psychological factors can cause ED, including:
Vacuum pumpsThis treatment uses the creation of a vacuum to stimulate an erection. Blood is drawn into the penis as the device is used, leading to an erection.
A vacuum pump device consists of a few different components:
Erectile dysfunction symptomsYou may have ED if you regularly have:
Erectile dysfunction testsTesting for ED can involve a variety of steps, including a physical examination and taking your health and sexual history. Additional tests may be performed to determine if your symptoms are caused by an underlying condition.
Physical examYou should expect a physical exam where your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs, check your blood pressure, and examine your testicles and penis. They may also recommend a rectal exam to check your prostate.
Psychosocial historyYour doctor will ask you questions or request that you fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, health history, and sexual history. The responses can help them evaluate the severity of your ED.
Some questions that you may be asked include:
Erectile dysfunction exercisesCertain exercises can also help with ED.
Kegel exercisesKegel exercises are simple movements you can do to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Here’s how:
Men in the first group saw their penile function improve significantly after 3 months of regular pelvic floor muscles exercises. Men in the second group saw little improvement after 3 months.
For the next 3 months, all participants were given at-home exercises to perform. After 6 months in total had elapsed, 40 percent of all participants (including some men who had belonged to the second group) had regained normal erectile function.
A 2019 literature review also concluded that pelvic floor exercises were effective at treating both ED and premature ejaculation. However, the ideal exercise plan (in terms of conditions such as frequency and intensity) wasn’t identified.
You may find that it’s easier initially to do Kegels while lying down. Eventually, you can start trying them when you’re sitting or standing.
Aerobic exerciseModerate to vigorous exercise is not only good for your overall health, but also can increase blood flow, possibly helping with ED. Examples include running and swimming.
A review of 10 studies examined the effect of aerobic exercise on ED. From their review, investigators concluded that 160 minutes of weekly exercise for 6 months could lead to a decrease in erectile problems.
Another study examined physical fitness and testosterone levels in 87 men with ED. Researchers found that testosterone levels were negatively correlated with levels of body fat and abdominal fat. This suggests that exercise may increase testosterone in addition to reducing body fat.
Before you start a new exercise plan, you should always discuss it with your doctor. This is particularly important for people with heart disease or another underlying condition that could be aggravated by vigorous activity. Learn more about exercise and ED.
YogaYoga can help to relax your mind and body. Since stress or anxiety can cause or contribute to ED, practicing yoga may be an effective way to ease ED symptoms.
In fact, a 2010 study of 65 men between 24 and 60 years old found that sexual function increased significantly after a 12-week program of yoga sessions. Discover five yoga poses that could help with ED.
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Erectile dysfunction foodsED is often related to problems with blood flow. Maintaining your blood vessel health may be beneficial in both preventing and treating ED. This can be achieved through making certain lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet.
Take these simple steps to help reduce your risk of developing ED:
Erectile dysfunction natural treatmentFor some men, natural remedies may help treat ED.
Herbs and supplementsCertain herbsTrusted Source and supplements have been shown to treat ED, with varying degrees of success, including:
Speak with your doctor before buying herbs and supplements, and proceed with caution. Many aren’t regulated, which means they might contain additional ingredients not listed on their labels.
Additionally, some supplements, such as yohimbe, are associated with potentially dangerous side effects.
Your doctor may be able to recommend reputable brands as well. Avoid purchasing products online, unless your doctor confirms that they’re safe. Get more expert advice on herbs for ED.
AcupunctureAcupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine in which needles are inserted into the skin at specific locations, or acupoints. Acupuncture is believed to work through nerve stimulation, which then has an effect on the release of neurotransmitters.
It’s unclear how acupuncture works to treat ED. Studies on its efficacy are limited, and the ones that do exist are often inconclusive. Some evidence from a 2019 review indicates that acupuncture may help to treat psychological ED.
When choosing an acupuncturist, look for a certified practitioner who uses disposable needles and follows Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for needle disposal and sterilization. Learn more about the use of acupuncture in treating ED.
MassageProstatic massage, a form of massage therapy, may be used for ED. Prostatic massage is often used in combination with other treatments.
During prostatic massage, a practitioner will massage the tissues in and around the groin to promote blood flow to your penis. You may need to undergo a massage several times a week. The length of massage treatment depends on your symptoms.
So far, there have only been limited studies on prostatic massage and its effectiveness. Get tips on finding a practitioner, and more, with the help of this short guide.
The bottom lineMultiple options exist for people looking for natural ways to treat their ED. Try one of the options above or even a combination of them. Remedies like acupuncture and massage can even be paired with Viagra and other traditional medications. Find out more about the effect of lifestyle changes on ED.
Erectile dysfunction surgeryIn cases where medications aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. There are two types of procedures that may be used: implants and vascular surgery.
A penile implant, also referred to as a prosthesis, can be placed in the penis. There are two different types. An inflatable implant allows you to use a pump to make your penis larger, while a malleable implant allows you to adjust the position of your penis manually.
Vascular surgery repairs arteries that may be blocked. This can help to restore adequate blood flow to the penis. Younger men are typically better candidates for this type of procedure.
Every surgery has its benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to discuss these with your doctor if you decide to undergo surgery for ED. Check out this guide to penile implants, learn how they’re placed, and discover what recovery is like.
Erectile dysfunction and diabetesED and diabetes can occur together. In fact, the risk of developing ED is approximately 50 percentTrusted Source in men who have diabetes. But why is this?
Diabetes affects how your body processes glucose. When glucose isn’t stored correctly, excess glucose can be found in your blood, leading to high blood sugar. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Having high amounts of sugar in your blood can lead to damage of the blood vessels and nerves. This damage can also affect the blood vessels and nerves located around the penis, leading to difficulties attaining or maintaining an erection.
If you have diabetes, it’s important that you work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under control. This can help to prevent damage that can lead to ED. Explore the connection between ED and type 2 diabetes.
Risk factorsThere are many risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing ED. These risk factors are often related to blood flow and circulation. Other risk factors can include injuries.
One important risk factor for ED is increasing age. As you get older, you may find that it’s more difficult to get or maintain an erection. You may also notice that you may require more direct stimulation to get an erection.
Additional risk factors for ED include:
IncidenceAround 30 million U.S. men have ED. The prevalence of ED increases with age. It’s estimated that mild or moderate ED affects 10 percent more men each decade of life (60 percent of men in their sixties, for example). However, ED can also occur among younger men.
One study found that 1 in 4 men seeking their first treatment for ED were under 40 years old. A stronger correlation between smoking, drug use, and ED was observed in these men when compared with older men. This suggests that lifestyle choices are an important factor for ED in younger men.
Although the risk of ED increases with age, ED isn’t inevitable. In general, the healthier you are, the better your sexual function. Learn more about aging and ED.
OutlookIn many cases, you can improve your ED symptoms. Many medications and treatments are available. Certain devices, such as vacuum pumps, can also help you temporarily manage your symptoms so that you can continue to engage in sexual intercourse.
Your treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your ED and whether it’s caused by a specific health condition. Your doctor will work closely with you to explain the benefits and risks associated with each type of treatment.
It’s important to remember that ED is a common condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, you should discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible. That way, they can rule out underlying causes and begin a treatment plan.
PreventionThere are several steps you can take to help prevent ED. Many of these steps involve making healthy lifestyle changes. Therefore, they’re not only good for preventing ED, but also for improving your overall health.
Follow the advice below to help prevent ED:
Information provided by:
https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction
- Causes
- Treatment
- Symptoms
- Tests
- Exercises
- Foods
- Natural treatment
- Surgery
- And diabetes
- Risk factors
- Incidence
- Outlook
- Prevention
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s sometimes referred to as impotence, although this term is now used less often.
Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. Frequent ED, however, can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.
What causes an erection?ED can occur because of problems at any stage of the erection process. An erection is the result of increased blood flow into your penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated by either sexual thoughts or direct contact with your penis.
When a man is sexually excited, muscles in the penis relax. This allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers inside the penis. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid.
An erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood can flow out through the penile veins.
Erectile dysfunction causesThere are many possible causes of ED, and they can include both emotional and physical conditions. Common causes include:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- hypertension, or high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- obesity
- low testosterone levels or other hormone imbalances
- kidney disease
- increased age
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- relationship problems
- certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression
- sleep disorders
- drug use
- consuming too much alcohol
- using tobacco products
- certain health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)
- damage to the pelvic area through injury or surgery
- Peyronie’s disease, which causes scar tissue to develop in the penis
Erectile dysfunction treatmentTreatment for ED will depend on the underlying cause. You may need to use a combination of treatments, including medication or talk therapy.
MedicationsYour doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage the symptoms of ED. You may need to try several medications before you find one that works. The following oral medications stimulate blood flow to your penis to help treat ED:
- avanafil (Stendra)
- sildenafil (Viagra)
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
Testosterone therapy (TRT) may also be recommended if you have low levels of testosterone.
Medications used for other conditions may cause ED. Talk to your doctor about your medications and whether they could be causing your symptoms. There may be others that you can take instead. Never stop taking medications without first talking to your doctor.
Medications for ED can cause side effects. If you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication. Get more information on the medications used to treat ED.
Talk therapyA number of psychological factors can cause ED, including:
- stress
- anxiety
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- depression
- major stress or anxiety factors
- your feelings around sex
- subconscious conflicts that could be affecting your sexual well-being
Vacuum pumpsThis treatment uses the creation of a vacuum to stimulate an erection. Blood is drawn into the penis as the device is used, leading to an erection.
A vacuum pump device consists of a few different components:
- a plastic tube, which you place over your penis
- a pump, which works to create the vacuum by drawing air out of the plastic tube
- an elastic ring, which you’ll move to the base of your penis as you remove the plastic tube
Erectile dysfunction symptomsYou may have ED if you regularly have:
- trouble getting an erection
- difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activities
- reduced interest in sex
- premature ejaculation
- delayed ejaculation
- anorgasmia, or the inability to achieve orgasm after ample stimulation
Erectile dysfunction testsTesting for ED can involve a variety of steps, including a physical examination and taking your health and sexual history. Additional tests may be performed to determine if your symptoms are caused by an underlying condition.
Physical examYou should expect a physical exam where your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs, check your blood pressure, and examine your testicles and penis. They may also recommend a rectal exam to check your prostate.
Psychosocial historyYour doctor will ask you questions or request that you fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, health history, and sexual history. The responses can help them evaluate the severity of your ED.
Some questions that you may be asked include:
- How long have you been experiencing ED? Did it come on suddenly or gradually?
- Are you having any problems with feeling sexual desire, ejaculating, or reaching orgasm?
- How often do you have sex? Has this frequency changed recently?
- How firm are your erections? Is this affected by particular situations or types of stimulation?
- Do you wake up in the morning or in the middle of the night with erections?
- How’s your current relationship? What expectations do you and your partner have for each other? Have there been any changes?
- Have you recently been experiencing a lot of stress?
- What medications are you currently taking? Do you use tobacco, alcohol, or nonprescription drugs?
- Do you have any underlying conditions or have you had any surgery on or injury to your pelvic area?
- Ultrasound. An ultrasound can be used to examine the blood vessels of the penis to determine if there’s a problem with penile blood flow.
- Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test. A portable, battery-powered device, worn on the thigh, is used to evaluate the quality of your nocturnal erections. Data is stored in the device, which your doctor can access later.
- Injection test. During this test, a medication is injected into your penis to stimulate an erection. This allows your doctor to evaluate the firmness of the erection and how long it lasts.
- Urine tests. Urine tests can be used to check for diabetes or other underlying health conditions.
- Blood tests. Blood tests can be used to check for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues, and low levels of testosterone.
Erectile dysfunction exercisesCertain exercises can also help with ED.
Kegel exercisesKegel exercises are simple movements you can do to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Here’s how:
- Identify your pelvic floor muscles. To do this, stop peeing midstream. The muscles you use to do this are your pelvic floor muscles.
- Now that you know where these muscles are, contract them for 3 seconds. Then release them.
- Repeat this exercise 10 to 20 times in a row, three times a day.
Men in the first group saw their penile function improve significantly after 3 months of regular pelvic floor muscles exercises. Men in the second group saw little improvement after 3 months.
For the next 3 months, all participants were given at-home exercises to perform. After 6 months in total had elapsed, 40 percent of all participants (including some men who had belonged to the second group) had regained normal erectile function.
A 2019 literature review also concluded that pelvic floor exercises were effective at treating both ED and premature ejaculation. However, the ideal exercise plan (in terms of conditions such as frequency and intensity) wasn’t identified.
You may find that it’s easier initially to do Kegels while lying down. Eventually, you can start trying them when you’re sitting or standing.
Aerobic exerciseModerate to vigorous exercise is not only good for your overall health, but also can increase blood flow, possibly helping with ED. Examples include running and swimming.
A review of 10 studies examined the effect of aerobic exercise on ED. From their review, investigators concluded that 160 minutes of weekly exercise for 6 months could lead to a decrease in erectile problems.
Another study examined physical fitness and testosterone levels in 87 men with ED. Researchers found that testosterone levels were negatively correlated with levels of body fat and abdominal fat. This suggests that exercise may increase testosterone in addition to reducing body fat.
Before you start a new exercise plan, you should always discuss it with your doctor. This is particularly important for people with heart disease or another underlying condition that could be aggravated by vigorous activity. Learn more about exercise and ED.
YogaYoga can help to relax your mind and body. Since stress or anxiety can cause or contribute to ED, practicing yoga may be an effective way to ease ED symptoms.
In fact, a 2010 study of 65 men between 24 and 60 years old found that sexual function increased significantly after a 12-week program of yoga sessions. Discover five yoga poses that could help with ED.
ADVERTISEMENT
Check your testosterone level with a convenient at-home testLetsGetChecked offers at-home testing kits for testosterone. Recieve online results in 2–5 days. It’s easy, affordable, and confidential. Get free shipping and 20% off today.
LEARN MORE
Erectile dysfunction foodsED is often related to problems with blood flow. Maintaining your blood vessel health may be beneficial in both preventing and treating ED. This can be achieved through making certain lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet.
Take these simple steps to help reduce your risk of developing ED:
- Focus on eating whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Limit your consumption of red meats, full-fat dairy, and processed sugars.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
Erectile dysfunction natural treatmentFor some men, natural remedies may help treat ED.
Herbs and supplementsCertain herbsTrusted Source and supplements have been shown to treat ED, with varying degrees of success, including:
- Asparagus racemosus
- dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- ginseng, such as Korean red ginseng
- L-arginine
- L-carnitine
- yohimbe
Speak with your doctor before buying herbs and supplements, and proceed with caution. Many aren’t regulated, which means they might contain additional ingredients not listed on their labels.
Additionally, some supplements, such as yohimbe, are associated with potentially dangerous side effects.
Your doctor may be able to recommend reputable brands as well. Avoid purchasing products online, unless your doctor confirms that they’re safe. Get more expert advice on herbs for ED.
AcupunctureAcupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine in which needles are inserted into the skin at specific locations, or acupoints. Acupuncture is believed to work through nerve stimulation, which then has an effect on the release of neurotransmitters.
It’s unclear how acupuncture works to treat ED. Studies on its efficacy are limited, and the ones that do exist are often inconclusive. Some evidence from a 2019 review indicates that acupuncture may help to treat psychological ED.
When choosing an acupuncturist, look for a certified practitioner who uses disposable needles and follows Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for needle disposal and sterilization. Learn more about the use of acupuncture in treating ED.
MassageProstatic massage, a form of massage therapy, may be used for ED. Prostatic massage is often used in combination with other treatments.
During prostatic massage, a practitioner will massage the tissues in and around the groin to promote blood flow to your penis. You may need to undergo a massage several times a week. The length of massage treatment depends on your symptoms.
So far, there have only been limited studies on prostatic massage and its effectiveness. Get tips on finding a practitioner, and more, with the help of this short guide.
The bottom lineMultiple options exist for people looking for natural ways to treat their ED. Try one of the options above or even a combination of them. Remedies like acupuncture and massage can even be paired with Viagra and other traditional medications. Find out more about the effect of lifestyle changes on ED.
Erectile dysfunction surgeryIn cases where medications aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. There are two types of procedures that may be used: implants and vascular surgery.
A penile implant, also referred to as a prosthesis, can be placed in the penis. There are two different types. An inflatable implant allows you to use a pump to make your penis larger, while a malleable implant allows you to adjust the position of your penis manually.
Vascular surgery repairs arteries that may be blocked. This can help to restore adequate blood flow to the penis. Younger men are typically better candidates for this type of procedure.
Every surgery has its benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to discuss these with your doctor if you decide to undergo surgery for ED. Check out this guide to penile implants, learn how they’re placed, and discover what recovery is like.
Erectile dysfunction and diabetesED and diabetes can occur together. In fact, the risk of developing ED is approximately 50 percentTrusted Source in men who have diabetes. But why is this?
Diabetes affects how your body processes glucose. When glucose isn’t stored correctly, excess glucose can be found in your blood, leading to high blood sugar. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Having high amounts of sugar in your blood can lead to damage of the blood vessels and nerves. This damage can also affect the blood vessels and nerves located around the penis, leading to difficulties attaining or maintaining an erection.
If you have diabetes, it’s important that you work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under control. This can help to prevent damage that can lead to ED. Explore the connection between ED and type 2 diabetes.
Risk factorsThere are many risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing ED. These risk factors are often related to blood flow and circulation. Other risk factors can include injuries.
One important risk factor for ED is increasing age. As you get older, you may find that it’s more difficult to get or maintain an erection. You may also notice that you may require more direct stimulation to get an erection.
Additional risk factors for ED include:
- having a medical condition such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes
- having a psychological condition such as anxiety or depression
- having overweight, particularly obesity
- sustaining an injury to or having surgery on your pelvic area
- taking certain medications, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications
- undergoing specific medical treatment, such radiation therapy for cancer
- using tobacco products, drugs, or alcohol
IncidenceAround 30 million U.S. men have ED. The prevalence of ED increases with age. It’s estimated that mild or moderate ED affects 10 percent more men each decade of life (60 percent of men in their sixties, for example). However, ED can also occur among younger men.
One study found that 1 in 4 men seeking their first treatment for ED were under 40 years old. A stronger correlation between smoking, drug use, and ED was observed in these men when compared with older men. This suggests that lifestyle choices are an important factor for ED in younger men.
Although the risk of ED increases with age, ED isn’t inevitable. In general, the healthier you are, the better your sexual function. Learn more about aging and ED.
OutlookIn many cases, you can improve your ED symptoms. Many medications and treatments are available. Certain devices, such as vacuum pumps, can also help you temporarily manage your symptoms so that you can continue to engage in sexual intercourse.
Your treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your ED and whether it’s caused by a specific health condition. Your doctor will work closely with you to explain the benefits and risks associated with each type of treatment.
It’s important to remember that ED is a common condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, you should discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible. That way, they can rule out underlying causes and begin a treatment plan.
PreventionThere are several steps you can take to help prevent ED. Many of these steps involve making healthy lifestyle changes. Therefore, they’re not only good for preventing ED, but also for improving your overall health.
Follow the advice below to help prevent ED:
- Keep medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes under control.
- Make sure that you get regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Focus on eating a healthy diet.
- Find ways to reduce or manage stress.
- Seek help if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression.
- Quit smoking.
- Only use alcohol in moderation.
- Avoid using drugs that haven’t been recommended by your doctor.
Information provided by:
https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction