Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve and sustain a penile erection suitable for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
It is estimated that 1 in 10 adult males have erectile dysfunction once in a lifetime.
Erectile dysfunction is not considered normal at any age and is often associated with underlying health conditions.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
ED can be caused by several factors, including:
- Vascular diseases (blockage of blood supply to the penis)
- Neurological disorders (Nerves damage due to stroke, diabetes, or other causes)
- Psychological conditions (stress, depression, anxiety)
- Trauma (injury)
- Chronic illness
- Certain medications
- Hormonal imbalances
- Peyronie’s disease (distortion or curvature of the penis)
- Surgeries for prostate, bladder, and colon cancer
What Are the Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction?
Factors that increase the risk of erectile dysfunction include:
- Prostate and penile problems like Priapism (inflammation of the penis)
- Chronic illnesses (Type 2 diabetes, High BP (Blood Pressure), High cholesterol levels, kidney disease, etc.)
- Vascular disease and vascular surgery
- Chronic sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia)
- Smoking, Alcohol, or Drugs abuse
- Neurogenic disorders
- Mental health disorders (Depression, anxiety)
- Lack of sexual knowledge or Poor sexual techniques
- Older Age
Identifying the risk factor accurately is essential for preventing or treating erectile dysfunction.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?
Diagnostic procedures for erectile dysfunction may include:
Your doctor may ask about your medical or sexual history, which can help identify the underlying conditions or diseases leading to erectile dysfunction.
Your doctor may also perform a physical examination to look for systemic problems such as:
- Problems with the nervous system
- Secondary sex characteristics
- Circulatory problems
- Unusual characteristics of the penis
Laboratory tests
- Blood counts
- Urinalysis
- Lipid profile
- Creatinine and liver enzymes
- Measurement of testosterone in the blood
Psychosocial examination
To reveal psychological factors that are affecting sexual performance.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
Erectile dysfunction can be treated in many ways, including:
- Sex therapy (education and communication)
- Oral medications
- Hormonal therapy
- Penile injections
- Vacuum devices
- Intraurethral therapy: Medication is placed in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body)
- Surgery (penile implant)
Talk to your doctor to know various treatment options for erectile dysfunction and know which treatment best suits you.
Complications Of Erectile Dysfunction
Complications of erectile dysfunction can include:
- An unsatisfactory sex life
- Stress or anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- Inability to get the partner pregnant
Identifying the cause and seeking medical care at the earliest possible can help reduce the complications.
