Erectile Dysfunction – Causes and Treatments

Contents

• What Triggers Erectile Dysfunction?
• The Hidden Role of Modern Life
• The Psychological Impact
• When Should You See a Doctor?
• Partner Support
• 5 Ways to Overcome Erectile Dysfunction
• Conclusion

What Triggers Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. While frustrating, it is an extremely widespread issue.

There are a few potential causes:

• Drinking excessive alcohol or emotional problems like stress or anxiety can contribute. Exhaustion is also a factor.
• Performance anxiety around sex makes getting aroused difficult.
• Health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure increase ED risk. Illnesses like Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis also play a role.
• Certain medicines list ED as a side effect, so check patient information leaflets and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking prescribed medicine without medical advice.
• Ageing may be involved, but ED is not an inevitable part of getting older.

The Hidden Role of Modern Life

Modern routines may affect general cardiovascular and sexual health. Poor sleep, long periods of inactivity and an unbalanced diet can all affect wellbeing, while tiredness and stress may contribute to occasional erection problems. Small changes such as getting enough sleep, being more active and eating a balanced diet may help.

The Psychological Impact

As well as physical triggers, the mental effects of ED can make matters worse. Struggling to get an erection can damage confidence and cause anxiety around sex. This generates a negative loop where the stress of poor performance makes ED more likely.

Being open with your partner and working together on solutions is vital for relieving the strain.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is advisable to consult your doctor, especially if it is persistent or causing you distress.

Your GP will help by checking for any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to ED. This can be things such as diabetes, heart disease or neurological issues. They may order blood tests to assess testosterone levels or screen for other factors.

Going to your local surgery is something you should not shy away from. A doctor or pharmacist can assess whether an erectile dysfunction medicine is suitable for you. Some sildenafil and tadalafil products are available from pharmacies following an assessment, while other treatments require a prescription. Your doctor may also recommend devices like penis pumps or refer you to a urologist or sexual health specialist for further help if needed.

Do not feel embarrassed. Visiting your doctor means taking charge of the problem and getting on the path to recovery.

Partner Support

Having a supportive partner can make a big difference in coping with erectile dysfunction. Communicating openly helps both of you understand what is happening and work together on solutions.

Tell your partner how you are feeling and encourage them to share their thoughts too. Discuss how ED is impacting your relationship and intimacy.

You may want to seek counselling as a couple to unpack any tensions or anxieties. Your partner can also help by making lifestyle changes with you, like eating better and exercising.

Most importantly, keep showing affection for each other, even without sex. Intimacy is about more than just erections. Hugging, kissing and cuddling remain possible.

5 Ways to Overcome Erectile Dysfunction

If you are having issues with getting hard, here are 5 tactics to try:

1. Oral Medications

Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) assist blood flow to the penis by relaxing blood vessels. For many men these are highly effective, but sexual stimulation is still required.

Use erectile dysfunction medications properly for best results:

• Take the dose at the time stated in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Taking more than the recommended dose can increase the risk of side effects.
• Sildenafil is usually taken around one hour before sex and may take longer to work after a large or high-fat meal. Tadalafil can be taken at least 30 minutes before sex and may remain effective for up to 36 hours.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose or combine different erectile dysfunction medicines.
• Check all your medicines with a doctor or pharmacist. PDE-5 inhibitors must not be taken with nitrates and should not be combined with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat because of the risk of a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
• Headache is a common side effect, and temporary changes in vision can occur. Seek urgent medical help for a painful erection lasting more than four hours, sudden loss of vision, chest pain or another serious reaction.

2. Penis Pumps

A penis pump is a hollow tube placed over the penis and pumped to create a vacuum. This draws blood into the penis to cause an erection. A tight ring can be applied to the base to maintain the erection for intercourse. Ask your doctor about trying a pump.

Using a penis pump takes practice. It may take several attempts to find the right tension for a firm erection. Apply lubricant to get a good seal. Follow the device instructions carefully and do not leave the constriction ring in place for longer than 30 minutes.

3. Implants

Surgically inserting bendable rods or inflatable devices into the penis ensures you can still get an erection. This is not first-line treatment but has a high satisfaction rate if other options fail.

The surgery is done under anaesthetic by inserting the implants into the erectile tissue. Devices can be inflated manually or via a pump in the scrotum. Recovery time varies, and possible complications include infection or a problem with the device.

4. Lifestyle Changes

As well as medical solutions, lifestyle adjustments can also improve erectile dysfunction:

• Exercise enhances blood flow and helps with causes like high blood pressure. Even a 30-minute daily walk can help.
• Losing weight if overweight, as obesity plays a role in ED.
• Getting enough rest, as tiredness contributes.
• Reducing stress, anxiety and depression through counselling or communicating with your partner to relieve the burden.
• Stopping smoking, avoiding recreational drugs and limiting alcohol, as these can worsen ED. NHS guidance recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.
• Eating a balanced diet supports cardiovascular health. Cut back on saturated fats, sugar and salt and eat more fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

5. Seeking Medical Advice

Occasional issues getting or maintaining an erection are normal. But if ED is ongoing, consult your doctor to check for underlying problems and discuss suitable treatments. Help is available, so do not suffer silently.

Conclusion

Most men occasionally have difficulty getting or keeping an erection, but repeated problems should be assessed by a GP or sexual health clinic. Various medicines, devices and lifestyle changes can often help with ED. Identifying and addressing any psychological or physical causes is key. With several options available, it is possible to find a solution that works.

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