Erectile dysfunction is a sexual function disorder men often encounter. It manifests itself in a man’s penis not being able to reach the state of erection, or retain it during a sexual intercourse. This is a frequent disorder happening to many men at different ages. Medical and other scientists alike constantly develop treatment methods and procedures for treatment of this condition, for it seriously affects the quality of life for many patients
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
This disorder may be caused by physiological and psychological factors alike, whether individually, or in combination.
• Physiology-related: hormonal disorders, cardiovascular and nervous system disorders, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, toxic poisoning, as well as some forms of cancer.
• Psychology-related: depression, stress, neuroses, low self-esteem, family/partner relationship problems, psychological trauma, etc.
Associated Factors
Besides common causes of erectile dysfunction, there is also a number of different factors, which may be associated with the disorder:
• Bad health habits, such as smoking, drinking, substance abuse;
• Unhealthy lifestyle, e.g., sedentary work, lack of physical activity, malnutrition.
• Harmful labor conditions, such as having to spend many hours working at a seated desk, working in an adverse climatic conditions, or in contact with toxic substances.
• Hereditary factors: liability to disease may be hereditary. When this is the case, it is necessary to consider the probability that the dysfunction may pass to the successors.
Treatment methods
Doctors prescribe various treatment methods depending on what the causes of the disorder are.
• Drug treatment: this is often recommended to patients having an erectile dysfunction due to psychological factors. A doctor may prescribe sedatives, anti-depressants, antianginals, or blood pressure regulators.
• Surgical treatment: this may be prescribed for blood circulation failures, or in cases of peculiar penis anatomy.
• Vacuum method: a mechanical treatment method used to treat erectile dysfunction related to vasospasms. A special vacuum device is placed on the penis to create a vacuum effect leading to increase in the blood flow to facilitate erection.
• Psychological aid: this may be prescribed as treatment to disorders caused by psychological issues. A doctor may assign meetings for psychoanalysis, hypnotic therapy, or direct a patient to consult a psychologist.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a serious disease, which requires a professional approach to treatment. It is important to understand that this disorder may occur in any man, and one should consult a doctor as soon as seeing the very first manifestations of ED. This may be the only chance to prolong sex life and quality of life in general.
