Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common yet under-discussed condition. Many men overlook their ED because they dismiss it as a natural part of aging or because it’s infrequent or mild, but no man should accept ED as an inevitability. A wide range of factors impact erections and sexual health, but almost all are treatable.
Keep reading to learn about what ED is, its common symptoms, and its possible causes. Insight into the nature of ED and why it happens can inform your self-assessment. A broad knowledge base will help you initiate a conversation with a qualified doctor and get you the best care possible.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED is a health condition in which a man cannot achieve an erection for sex. There is no set parameter for gauging ED because each man is different. Changes in the firmness and longevity of erections from your baseline indicate ED.
The condition occurs when the blood flow to the penis is inadequate to achieve hardness. ED may result from a physical ailment, psychological condition, or the impact of life and stressors on one’s emotions.
Oftentimes, ED is resolved by managing its underlying physical cause. In rarer cases, ED results from a critical health issue that requires broader intervention.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
The most significant symptom of ED is an inability to achieve an erection when you are aroused. The symptoms can range from absent erections to ones that are not firm enough to engage in sexual activity.
In some cases, men may be able to achieve an erection but cannot keep it. Symptoms can be occasional or frequent, making it critical to track when ED happens so you can note trends.
A diminished sex drive may also indicate ED. Monitoring yourself for changes in mood and desire is important because the shifts can be subtle and easily dismissed. In some cases, emotionally withdrawing from relationships indicates that an individual is experiencing ED.
Uncovering the cause of your symptoms requires consultation with a physician.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Many physical and emotional conditions can cause ED, making it even more critical to consult with a doctor. In some cases, ED can be one of the early signs of potentially serious health issues that require rapid intervention.
Physiological Causes
Multiple physiological factors can cause ED. Quality erections require strong circulation to the penis, proper nerve function, and adequate testosterone levels. Any health factor or condition that impacts the body can affect sexual function.
The occurrence of ED rises with age because of changes in testosterone levels and cardiac health.
In some cases, trauma from an injury can damage the blood vessels or nerves responsible for erections. ED can be a side-effect of prostate surgery and cancer treatments.
Heart disease, high blood pressure, and other vascular diseases that hinder blood flow compromise the quality of erections. Additionally, men with atherosclerosis and high cholesterol are more likely to develop ED due to their restricted circulation.
Diabetes and other metabolic disorders alter insulin levels, raise blood pressure, and contribute to weight gain, all of which contribute to ED.
Low testosterone can result from a congenital condition, endocrine disorder, or another underlying illness. Testosterone loss inhibits sexual desire and hinders the ability to become erect.
Psychological Causes
Psychological and emotional well-being are closely linked to sexual function. Depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders contribute to ED and diminish sex drive. In many cases, the resulting ED lowers self-esteem and creates more anxiety, which fuels a detrimental cycle.
Stress from work and family can also negatively affect erections, creating an additional stressor. Psychological conditions and unmanaged stress also elevate blood pressure, compounding ED.
For men in relationships, tension with their partners, poor communication, and emotional withdrawal can also affect erections.
Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction
Lifestyle and underlying health conditions can elevate your risk of ED. Obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet increase the chance of developing ED by lowering testosterone levels, restricting circulation, and lowering self-esteem.
Blood pressure medication, antidepressants, prescription tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and other medications can cause ED. It’s important to monitor yourself while taking any medication and talk to your doctor about potential side effects.
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and substance use can compromise the vascular system and alter emotions, leading to ED.
When to See a Doctor
Once you notice changes in the quality and endurance of your erections, it's time to consult a physician. In some cases, ED can be a symptom of a cardiac, hormonal, or metabolic condition that needs intervention.
Managing your sexual health is vital for your physical and emotional wellness. Experienced doctors can assess the nature and extent of your ED with simple examinations and routine tests.
Once you’re diagnosed, you and your doctor can plan the appropriate treatment to address your ED.
See results on your first visit.
90% of the time ED can be treated and treated effectively.
November 22, 2022
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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