Erectile Dysfunction and Its Management

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, firm enough for sexual intercourse. Men at any age can suffer from this problem. There are a number of factors which can cause ED, such as environmental factors and certain health conditions. Besides this, men might also suffer from occasional ED which may be caused due to stress.

Causes-

It can be caused by either psychological or physical conditions; or a combination of both. Some of the major causes of ED are:

1. Tension
2. Exhaustion
3. Consumption of alcohol
4. Nervousness

Researchers have established that age related impotence is caused majorly by stress. Atherosclerosis is also one of the conditions causing age-related impotence, which occurs due to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque build-up stops the flow of blood to the rest of the body, including the penis, thereby causing problem in erection.

Some of the physical causes of ED are:

1. Kidney dysfunction
2. Diabetes
3. High level of cholesterol
4. High blood pressure

When to see a doctor-

See your doctor if:

• You have concerns about your erections or you’re experiencing other sexual problems, including ejaculatory dysfunction, such as premature or delayed ejaculation
• You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction
• You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction

Its Management When You Have Diabetes

As diabetes is a disorder that affects blood supply to organs, so the ability to achieve or maintain erections are impaired as erections are dependent on proper blood supply to the penis. Fortunately, there are treatments for these symptoms and they are:

1. Injection therapy and oral medications: Some medications are directly injected to the penis in order to facilitate erection while there are certain oral drugs are administered to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction which have a higher success rate in treating people who are diabetic than those who are not.
2. Regular exercise and a healthy diet: Exercising on a regular basis combined with a healthy diet can reduce the symptoms of both diabetes as well as erectile dysfunction.
3. Reviewing medications: Some medications used to treat blood pressure and depression can often cause erectile dysfunction. So, the medications should be reviewed by a doctor and if necessary and should be changed.
4. Usage of vacuum constriction devices: These devices are used to create a pump in the penis which facilitate the ability to maintain an erection and engage in sexual intercourse. It is reported to work in 80% of the cases.
5. Penile implants: It is a surgical procedure where a penis implant is used to treat this disorder.
6. Intraurethral therapy: In this treatment the medicine is placed in the urethra of the penis in the form of suppository a by an applicator. These medicines improve blood flow and thus facilitate a normal erection.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!