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Erectile dysfunction is a health condition characterized by a man’s inability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for penetration. Studies show that nearly one in ten adult males suffers from ED symptoms. But what is erectile dysfunction?
If you are worried about the prospect of having erectile dysfunction, you are in the right place. Today in this post, we want to discuss in excruciating detail what erectile dysfunction is, the potential causes of erectile dysfunction, the symptoms of ED, and any other important thing you may want to know about this common health condition. So, peruse the article and enhance your knowledge.
What is the main cause of erectile dysfunction?
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that in most cases, erectile dysfunction is a symptom of an underlying condition. It is not considered normal at any age and can attack men at any age.
Men usually experience occasional problems achieving erections, which can happen for several possible reasons, ranging from increased levels of stress, and relationship issues to excessive alcohol consumption.
The failure to achieve an erection less than 20% of the time is not unusual and doesn’t even need any treatment. However, your inability to get an erection more than 50% of the time ideally implies something isn’t right and treatment is needed!
As already explained, erectile dysfunction isn’t a normal part of the aging process. And while it may be true that your risk of ED increases as you age, you should be able to get an erection and enjoy sex even in your old age. So, how do you get erectile dysfunction?
Before we answer this question, let us first understand how erections occur. An erection is the result of enhanced blood circulation toward your penile region. Usually, blood flow is stimulated by either direct contact with your penis or sexual thoughts.
When you are sexually excited, a muscle inside your blood vessels in the penile region relaxes. And this triggers increased blood flow via the penile arteries, which fill two chambers inside your member. Eventually, your penis will become rigid.
An erection comes to an end when the muscles in the blood vessels found in your penile region contract, allowing the collected blood to flow out via the penile veins.
There are numerous potential causes of erectile dysfunction, including physical as well as psychological causes. Common causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Hormonal imbalances or low testosterone levels.
- Kidney disease.
- Increased levels of stress.
- High blood pressure or hypertension.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- High cholesterol levels.
- Depression.
- Drug or substance abuse.
- Some prescription drugs, including those used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Damage to the pelvic area through either surgery or injury.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Insomnia.
It is imperative to note that erectile dysfunction can be caused by only one of these factors or by many of them. And this is why it’s highly recommended that you work with your healthcare provider so that he/she can either rule out or treat any existing medical conditions.
How do you know you have erectile dysfunction?
To gauge whether you have erectile dysfunction, you should assess your symptoms. In this regard, difficulty or trouble having an erection and difficulty sustaining an erection during sexual activity are the most prevalent ED symptoms. However, there are other potential disorders associated with erectile dysfunction, including:
- Delayed ejaculation: This occurs when a man requires at least 30 minutes of sexual stimulation to experience orgasm and ejaculate.
- Premature ejaculation: Also known as premature climax, this is a condition experienced when a man ejaculates faster than he or his sexual partner would like.
- Anorgasmia: This is characterized by a man’s inability to achieve orgasm after ample stimulation.
If you experience any of the above erectile dysfunction symptoms, you should act fast and talk to your healthcare provider!
So, what does erectile dysfunction do to a man?
Erectile dysfunction can affect your life in a number of ways. It can not only result in a loss of intimacy among couples but can also cause relationship issues and affect the mental well-being of both partners.
How do you fix erectile dysfunction?
Today, there are numerous potential treatment options for erectile dysfunction. These treatments are usually safe and equally highly effective at alleviating ED symptoms.
It is also imperative to note that treatments are usually adopted depending on the exact cause of your erectile dysfunction. In this regard, when the possible cause of your ED symptoms is high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or narrowing of the blood vessels in your penis, your healthcare provider may recommend medication to reduce blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
And if your doctor establishes that your ED symptoms are caused by hormonal issues, he may recommend hormone replacement therapy such as testosterone replacement treatment.
On the other hand, if your erectile dysfunction occurs because of the side effects of a particular prescribed medication, your healthcare provider will consider a change to your medication.
However, the easiest fix for erectile dysfunction is a medication known as sildenafil or Viagra. This is a prescription drug that is offered to erectile dysfunction patients and works by boosting the flow of blood toward your penis, allowing you to get and sustain an erection.
Viagra belongs to a group of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors. Other similar ED medications include Cialis, Levitra as well as Spedra. You will still need a prescription to get these drugs.
Besides medical treatment, the best way to keep ED at bay is to make healthy lifestyle choices and also manage any existing health problems. ED prevention techniques may involve:
- Working with your healthcare provider to help you manage heart disease, diabetes, or any other underlying chronic health issues.
- Scheduling regular appointments with your doctor for checkups and medical screening exams.
- Quitting smoking, limiting your alcohol consumption.
- Not using any illegal drugs.
- Exercising regularly.
- Taking the necessary steps to reduce your stress levels.
- Getting the necessary help for depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns.
At what age does a man experience erectile dysfunction?
It is important to note that there is no specific age at which a man should start to experience ED symptoms. Regardless of your age, you should be able to have erections hard enough for penetrative sex and have a fulfilling sex life.
However, age is a risk factor for impotence or erectile dysfunction. Research has shown that nearly 40% of male ED patients are aged 40 and at least 70% of men are affected by importance at age 70. Of course, this doesn’t imply that younger people are free from ED!
Impotence can attack any man at any age! But your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older.
At what age does a man stop getting hard on?
As already explained, research has revealed that ED is more common among older men and that overall sexual function dramatically reduces at the age of 50! However, this doesn’t imply that you will stop being sexually active after attaining a certain age!
Even though there isn’t a standard age at which impotence begins, one thing that research has shown is that regardless of your current age, there are a number of simple things you can do to help boost your sexual function and prevent impotence or erectile dysfunction.
Your doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes that are tailored toward your age as well as health concerns. What’s more, there are proven and effective ED medications such as Viagra that can alleviate your ED symptoms, allowing you to have a healthy and fulfilling sex life.
What foods help you get hard?
Research has shown that diet plays a vital role in erections because the processes involved in the circulation of blood toward your penis are both physical and psychological.
And while the relaxation of the smooth muscles in your penile region starts with messages transmitted via the nerves, nitric oxide plays a vital role as well. This important compound controls the flow of blood as well as the tone of smooth muscle which is found in your penis.
In this regard, foods that boost blood flow, contain nitric oxide, or feature arginine, a precursor for nitric oxide can potentially help improve sexual function, allowing you to get hard! Some of these foods include:
- Watermelon: Watermelon is not only good for your overall health, but also contains citrulline, another nitric oxide precursor. It dilates and relaxes your blood vessels, making it relatively easy for blood to circulate into your penile region. Other foods that contain citrulline include gourds, bitter melons, and cucumber.
- Salmon: This is arguably the best food to help you get erect simply because it is highly rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D has been proven to help curb endothelial dysfunction, which is when your blood vessels, arteries, as well as organs, aren’t able to circulate blood adequately.
- Almonds, walnuts, and other nuts: These foods are rich in high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol. Good cholesterol absorbs bad cholesterol, carrying it back to the liver. Bad cholesterol is known to prevent the efficient circulation of blood toward your penis, resulting in erection issues.
- Berries and oranges: These are filled with lots of flavonoids, making them one of the best ED foods. Flavonoids enhance blood flow, allowing your penis to get hard.
- Dark chocolate: This is ideal for strong erections because it has lots of flavanols, a compound that encourages blood flow throughout your body.
- Coffee: Caffeine is a great penile food because it helps relax the smooth muscles in your penis, paving the way for more blood to fill up your member!
- Spinach and other leafy greens: Spinach features lots of nitric oxides, helping your arteries and blood vessels to expand and attract more blood, making it easier to have an erection. Spinach and other greens also feature high amounts of nitrates, which are not only good for ED, but your entire vascular system.
How much blood does it take to get hard?
The exact amount of blood required to initiate an erection varies from one man to another. However, on average, it takes approximately 130 milliliters or 4.4 ounces of blood to get erect. This is a very small percentage of the total amount of blood circulating throughout your entire system.
The bottom line – What is erectile dysfunction:
Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is a highly prevalent condition that currently affects millions of men across the globe. Thankfully, numerous effective treatments are available, and you only need to see your healthcare provider to assess your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
