ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
the taboo subject...
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough during sex. It is a very common problem, but most men do not want to admit or talk about it. Sometimes, trouble with erections can come and stay for a while and then disappear without any special treatment.
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It is easy to make fun of ED, but for the man that experience it, it is not fun at all. ED means a problematic sex life and often stress or anxiety, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to relationship problems. And, of course, difficulties to make your partner pregnant.
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What are the causes?
There are many different causes for ED and there are also several different ways to deal with it depending on the cause. ED is an effect either from medical or psychological causes, also called “organic” or “psychogenic” ED.
Psychological reasons:
The pressure to be a great lover can cause performance worry. Just thinking “Will I get it up?” will absolutely make it less likely to get it up. This is common for men of all ages!
General stress around personal health, work, finances, and relationships can also be bad for erections. However, stress can sometimes also lead to more interest in sex in a form of flight from serious life problems.
Medical reasons:
This is more common with higher age, due to lower testosterone levels, but could also come from being simply unfit or overweight. Also, too much alcohol or smoking reduces blood flow to the penis. And overuse of various stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines can lead to ED.
Some common medications that are known to cause it are: pain killers (NSAIDs), beta blockers, metformin, and Prozac.
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However, there could also be serious underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol – all linked to a higher risk for heart (cardiovascular) diseases. If there is no simple explanation, then a medical investigation should be made - just to rule out these more dangerous conditions.
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More conditions that can lead to ED: heart disease, clogged blood vessels (Atherosclerosis), Parkinson's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.
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Lastly, there are many more medications that can be the cause: antidepressants, antihistamines, antiarrhythmics, diuretics, hormones, muscle relaxants, and medications for anti-seizure, high blood pressure, Parkinson disease, prostate cancer, and chemotherapy.
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PLEASE NOTE: For some underlying conditions, sexual activities might not be good and therefore should be avoided. If you suffer from any of the illnesses mentioned above, please consult your doctor and ask if sexual activities and treatment is good for you or not.
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What are the treatments?
First of all, healthy life changes can help getting over ED; such as losing weight, some kind of exercises, stop smoking, and stop overuse of alcohol.​ Apart from that, the most common treatments for ED are prescription medications and certain supplements and herbs. You can read more about it here.​