By Health Square desk Erectile dysfunction also called as impotence is a sexual disorder characterised by absence of Erection in the penis during the sexual intercourse with the partner. Erectile dysfunction leaves a marking effect ion the physical and psychological condition of a man as it is more related to another person being in a relationship with you. Â
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction and its treatmentÂ
Various reasons can cause erectile dysfunction. Most important of them are cardiovascular diseases, neurological problems like trauma after prostate gland surgery, hormonal disorders and drug-related side effects.  Along with physical causes, psychological factors play a significant role in erectile dysfunction. Psychological factors involve the thoughts of being impotent or lack of feelings making sex seems to be impossible for the person. Psychological factors can be treated by having a placebo treatment or by a few sessions with the psychologist to pinpoint the underlying reason behind this mental failure. Â
Besides, to treat the underlying disorders such as deficiency of minerals like potassium and arsenic, PDE5 inhibitors are the first-line treatment of erectile dysfunction. Various medicines belonging to this class are available in the market and are used by a vast population of men, e.g. Viagra, the most common one.
Other treatments include prostaglandin tablets, penile injections, penile prosthesis, vacuum pump and vascular reconstructive surgery.
Pathophysiology
Penile erection is the result of two mechanisms.
- Reflex erectionÂ
- Psychogenic erectionÂ
Reflex erection happens by the direct touch on the shaft of the penis. It involves the peripheral nervous system and the lower part of the spinal cord. Â
While the psychogenic Erection requires the emotional stimulus from your partner involving the limbic system of the brain.
For successful Erection both the cases require a neural system. Stimulation of the penile shaft by nervous system results in the secretion of nitric oxide. The release of nitric oxide relaxes the smooth muscles of the penile tissues named corpus cavernosum, causing the penile Erection.
In addition to the prior discussed mechanism, a healthy pituitary gland and adequate levels of testosterone are also important for a healthy erection. Â
It is clear by the details of the erection system that all of these systems, like hormonal, blood transmission, peripheral and central nervous system, are of dire importance for a healthy erectile system. Any damage or dysfunction in any others systems can lead to a threat of developing erectile dysfunction. Â
There is nothing to worry about if you are having a single or two episodes of maintaining Erection. However, constant or repeated inability to maintain or gain Erection is the real problem.
Whatever may be the underlying cause, a disease or a psychological problem, the signs become quite apparent, making you aware of the alarming situation. Few frequent signs are discussed below shows that you are suffering or may suffer soon.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
The symptoms of erectile dysfunction vary in every person. Some men can sustain Erection for a short duration, while others are not able to even gain Erection. But by considering the warning signs, the recovery from erectile dysfunction is possible.
Early signs of erectile dysfunction:
1.   Difficulty in achieving Erection
The primary symptom of erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve Erection. A person may not be able to get Erection when in a mood to have sex. This problem may be for a shorter duration or for a long time. Whatever may be the duration inability to get proper Erection can interfere with a healthy sexual relationship. To have irregular and small episodes of Erection is a normal part of the routine. However, if a person’s ability to achieve Erection is not certain when he desires to have sex, then it is a clear sign of erectile dysfunction. Even if he can get Erection a few times, still the problem is critical.
Penile Erection is a physical process involving complex chemical hormones. A set of hormones is released after getting proper stimulus from your partner. Erection may also fail to occur if you are not having a suitable stimulus. Sometimes a physical ailment or underlying disorder can interfere with the standard mechanism of Erection. It creates a lot of stress and anxiety in the person due to a sense of guilt or embarrassment.
2.   Inability to maintain Erection
Many men get Erection, but the problem lies with the duration of Erection. Such a couple doesn’t find the pleasure of sex because the Erection usually ends before the completion of the sexual act. It is becoming such a common problem that, according to the report of NIDDK only in the United States, 30 million people have erectile dysfunction.
3. Reduced libido or low Sex drive
A proper sex stimulus is a basic need to develop a sexual desire in your partner. It plays a significant role in the adequate Erection for the penis. If a person is not turning on even after getting sexual stimuli from his partner, then chances of erectile dysfunction prevail and are known as anorgasmia. No matter how much your partner is trying to make up your mood, and still, you find yourself in no mood of sex, then you may develop erectile dysfunction.
There may be various reasons for this, relationship problems or other stress factors of your daily work or maybe your financial matters. Whatever may be the reason you should watch out for the erectile dysfunction issues.
4.   Painful sensations during sex
Although it is a rare problem, many men find it very painful to perform intercourse, especially to ejaculate during sex. It is usually diagnosed as the first stage of erectile dysfunction. It may happen due to a natural fracture or the damage of vessels on the penis.
Other common symptoms associated with it are blood in semen, or pain on the penis.
5.   PriapismÂ
It is an Unwanted Erection. The penis gets erectile without even having a stimulus and keeps on erect even after the sexual intercourse is over. It’s a bit surprising but is it also a sign of reversible erectile dysfunction.
A medical disorder impedes the proper functioning of blood vessels that transmits the blood out of the penis after the intercourse. It may also happen due to an injury or damage on the penis.
6.   Bad dental healthÂ
The periodontal health is found to be associated with most of the men having erectile dysfunction. Badmouth odour, swollen gums, bleeding, and other teeth disorders can be the early signs of erectile dysfunction.
Researches have proved that bacteria present in the mouth due to bad dental health enters the blood flow, thus impairing the blood flow in the penis and causing impotence.
Complications associated with Erectile DysfunctionÂ
Erectile dysfunction does not have its effects only on the sex life of a person. It can pose some serious threats to the psychological and relationship status of a man leading to low self-esteem.
Some of the significant complications include
- Lack of intimacy in your relationÂ
- Low chances of having a pregnancy in your partnerÂ
- Stress, depression and anxiety issuesÂ
- Decreased self-confidence and shaken personality Feeling of the guilt of not satisfying your partner regarding sex life.Â
All of the situations, as mentioned earlier, have a cyclic effect regarding erectile dysfunction. These are the effects of ED on a person’s life. On the other hand, at the same time, these are aggravating the situation from bad to worse.
Conclusively, in many men, lifestyle is supposed to be the primary reason behind erectile dysfunction. Too much alcohol, work stress, lack of exercise etc. are severely impacting your ability to have a satisfying sex life.
Well, to some extent, it is true that discuss the sex issue with your doctor is quite awkward for people at times, but it is also true that sex is a mandatory part of a healthy relationship.
The primary reason for seeking out the advice of a qualified healthcare professional is because there are a variety of options available to treat ED. There’s no need for you to suffer in silence, and your doctor can help you determine which treatment option is right for you. So, it is mandatory to consult a doctor if you are suffering from any of the above-discussed signs. An early diagnosis can help the doctor to rule out the symptoms and eradicate the underlying causes much effectively.
Every single day is evolving new treatments for the erectile dysfunction, so go ahead and do not suffer more by being quiet. Â
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