Overview
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.
Occasional erection problems are not necessarily a cause for concern. However, when erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or maintaining an erection can also be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
If you're concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor - even if you're embarrassed. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition is enough to resolve erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments may be needed.
Symptoms
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include:
Difficulty getting an erection
Difficulty keeping an erection
Decreased sexual desire
When to see a doctor
A primary care doctor is a good place to start if you are having erection problems. See your doctor if:
You are worried about your erection or have other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation
You have diabetes, heart disease, or another known health problem that may be related to erectile dysfunction
You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction
Causes
Male sexual arousal is a very complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these factors. Likewise, stress and psychological problems can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological problems causes erectile dysfunction. For example, a mild physical condition that slows your sexual response can cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction.
Many times, erectile dysfunction is due to something physical. Common causes include:
Heart disease
Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome - a condition with elevated blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist, and high cholesterol levels
Parkinson's disease
Multiple sclerosis
Certain prescription medications
Nicotine use
Peyronie's disease - development of scar tissue inside the penis
Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse
Sleep disorders
Treatments for prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate gland
Surgery or injury affecting the pelvic area or spine
Low testosterone
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual arousal. A number of things can affect sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:
Depression, anxiety, or other mental illness.
Stress
Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication, or other issues
Risk factors
As you get older, it may take longer to develop an erection, and it may not be as firm. You may need more direct touches of your penis to get and keep an erection.
Several risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:
Medical conditions, especially diabetes or heart disease
Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow in the veins and arteries, can - over time - cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction
Being overweight, especially if you are obese
Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
Injuries, especially if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure, pain, or prostate problems
Mental conditions, such as stress, anxiety, or depression
Drug and alcohol use, especially if you are a long-term drug user or drink heavily
Complications
Complications that result from erectile dysfunction can include:
An unsatisfying sex life
Stress or anxiety
Embarrassment or low self-esteem
Relationship problems
The inability to get your partner pregnant
Prevention
The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage pre-existing health problems. For example:
Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions.
See your doctor regularly for checkups and medical screening tests.
Stop smoking, drink little or no alcohol, and don't use illegal drugs.
Exercise regularly.
Take steps to reduce stress.
Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health problems.
Erectile Dysfunction Supplements: A Natural Treatment for ED?
Erectile dysfunction supplements and other natural treatments have traditionally been used in Chinese, African and other cultures. However, compared to prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), and avanafil (Stendra), herbs and supplements for erectile dysfunction have not been well researched or tested. Some may cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications. And the amount of active ingredient can vary widely from product to product.
Here is a guide to herbs and supplements for erectile dysfunction:
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