Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is the most common sexual health issue that men report to their physicians. ED affects as many as 30 million men, and there are several reasons for this condition.
Erectile dysfunction is difficulty getting and maintaining an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity. Men can have erection issues every now and then, but ED that occurs often is not healthy and requires treatment.
There are several reasons for ED as well. When blood flow to the penis is limited or the nerves in and around the penis are damaged, ED can occur. Stress, anxiety and emotional issues can also lead to erectile dysfunction. If men are experiencing other health conditions like atherosclerosis, hypertension, high blood sugar to diabetes and heart disease, they could also experience ED.
When men find the causes of their ED, it is easier to treat the issue, which can assist with a man’s overall wellbeing. Generally, what’s good for a man’s heart is also best for his sexual health in terms of treatment and care.
To better understand ED, it’s best to understand how erections work. When a man is not arouse, the penis is limp and soft. When a man is sexually aroused, the nerves in his body release chemicals that increase blood circulation into the penis. The blood then flows into two sections in penis. These chambers are muscle tissue that has a spongy consistency known as the corpus cavernosum. During an erection, the tissues trap blood and relax. The pressure from the blood in the two sections cause the penis to become firm, and this causes an erection. During a man’s orgasm, a second series of nerve signals travel to the penis and cause muscular contraction in the penis tissues. Blood is released back into a man’s circulation for the erection to come down. Men may also notice that penis size varies according to stress and temperature, which is why treatments vary as well.
When it comes to ED treatment, it’s important for a man to check his cardiovascular health as well. Men should visit a doctor to check his cardiovascular system, since men with ED are more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or circulatory issues in the legs. Dietary changes and medications that promote health heart function can help treat ED as well. ED can cause depression and low self-esteem, which is why the condition should be treated promptly.
Men can also stop smoking to decrease their chances of experiencing ED. Working out and refraining from the use of alcohol and drugs can treat erectile dysfunction, too. However, men who are currently taking prescription medication should not stop taking their medicine without talking to their doctors first.
Doctors and health professionals can also help men treat erectile dysfunction by helping patients treat the emotional problems that can lead to ED. Therapy and counseling to treat anxiety and depression can make men more comfortable in intimate situations and allow for successful circulation and nerve function. Oral medications such as Stendra, Viagra and Cialis, which are increasingly popular, have proven helpful for many men as well.
