Erectile dysfunction can be an uncomfortable thing to experience, let alone talk about. However, it’s actually more common than you might think - nearly half of Australian men experience ED. Struggling to maintain an erection during sex is something that happens to men of all ages but few men choose to talk about it, let alone seek treatment.
The good news is that there are different ways to manage ED, from identifying the underlying problem to proven prescription medications. Before exploring different treatment options, it’s important to understand what causes ED, what it is exactly and what can be done to treat and prevent it.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. This happens when there isn’t enough blood flow to the penis.
There are two cylinder-shaped chambers inside the penis called the corpora cavernosa. They run the length of the penis, are made of spongy muscle tissue and contain many blood vessels. When a man gets sexually aroused, nerves release chemicals that increase blood flow into the penis. As the pressure builds, the blood becomes trapped in the corpora cavernosa and causes an erection. If there isn’t enough blood flow into the penis, it can cause erectile dysfunction.
There are a few different possible causes of ED, including both psychological and physical conditions.
Because erections are directly related to blood flow, the most common physical causes of erectile dysfunction are related to circulation and blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension) are all common reasons for impotence. That’s because each of these physical conditions impact the amount of blood that flows to the penis. Certain medications can also cause erectile dysfunction, such as blood pressure medicine like beta blockers and diuretics, antidepressants like SSRIs and some allergy medications like antihistamines.
Men who have diabetes are more likely to experience ED because diabetes damages your nerves and blood vessels through poor long-term blood sugar control. Other chronic conditions that are associated with ED include Parkinson’s, Peyronie’s disease, sleep disorders and multiple sclerosis.
In addition to all of these physical causes of ED, leading a generally unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle can contribute to ED. Obesity can impact blood pressure and cholesterol, and smoking, alcoholism and drug use can increase your risk for ED.
Being sexually aroused starts with your brain, which is why underlying psychological issues can also lead to ED. Stress and anxiety can interrupt how the brain sends messages to the penis to increase blood flow, making it difficult to get and maintain an erection.
ED can also be caused by negative thoughts related to sex. Psychological issues can lead to performance anxiety, which can turn into a vicious cycle. It can be tricky to pinpoint the underlying psychological reasons that contribute to erectile dysfunction, but if left untreated, ED can cause even more stress or anxiety. That’s why it’s important to identify the underlying issues that’s causing ED and try different treatment and management options.
Depending on the reason for ED, there are a few different treatment options available. When diagnosing erectile dysfunction, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, sex life and overall lifestyle. In some cases, you may undergo a physical exam or blood tests but the most important thing is for your doctor to understand what could be causing your ED.
ED treatment options include:
Depending on whether ED is caused by psychological or physical reasons, there are different types of treatment you can explore to help manage it. When seeking help, it’s important to give your doctor as much information about your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history as possible so they can best assess your needs. With Rosemary, you can skip the face-to-face conversations and consult an online doctor through a text-based consultation. Start your consultation today and treat erectile dysfunction online, discreetly.
Erectile dysfunction can be an uncomfortable thing to experience, let alone talk about. However, it’s actually more common than you might think - nearly half of Australian men experience ED. Struggling to maintain an erection during sex is something that happens to men of all ages but few men choose to talk about it, let alone seek treatment.
The good news is that there are different ways to manage ED, from identifying the underlying problem to proven prescription medications. Before exploring different treatment options, it’s important to understand what causes ED, what it is exactly and what can be done to treat and prevent it.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. This happens when there isn’t enough blood flow to the penis.
There are two cylinder-shaped chambers inside the penis called the corpora cavernosa. They run the length of the penis, are made of spongy muscle tissue and contain many blood vessels. When a man gets sexually aroused, nerves release chemicals that increase blood flow into the penis. As the pressure builds, the blood becomes trapped in the corpora cavernosa and causes an erection. If there isn’t enough blood flow into the penis, it can cause erectile dysfunction.
There are a few different possible causes of ED, including both psychological and physical conditions.
Because erections are directly related to blood flow, the most common physical causes of erectile dysfunction are related to circulation and blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension) are all common reasons for impotence. That’s because each of these physical conditions impact the amount of blood that flows to the penis. Certain medications can also cause erectile dysfunction, such as blood pressure medicine like beta blockers and diuretics, antidepressants like SSRIs and some allergy medications like antihistamines.
Men who have diabetes are more likely to experience ED because diabetes damages your nerves and blood vessels through poor long-term blood sugar control. Other chronic conditions that are associated with ED include Parkinson’s, Peyronie’s disease, sleep disorders and multiple sclerosis.
In addition to all of these physical causes of ED, leading a generally unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle can contribute to ED. Obesity can impact blood pressure and cholesterol, and smoking, alcoholism and drug use can increase your risk for ED.
Being sexually aroused starts with your brain, which is why underlying psychological issues can also lead to ED. Stress and anxiety can interrupt how the brain sends messages to the penis to increase blood flow, making it difficult to get and maintain an erection.
ED can also be caused by negative thoughts related to sex. Psychological issues can lead to performance anxiety, which can turn into a vicious cycle. It can be tricky to pinpoint the underlying psychological reasons that contribute to erectile dysfunction, but if left untreated, ED can cause even more stress or anxiety. That’s why it’s important to identify the underlying issues that’s causing ED and try different treatment and management options.
Depending on the reason for ED, there are a few different treatment options available. When diagnosing erectile dysfunction, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, sex life and overall lifestyle. In some cases, you may undergo a physical exam or blood tests but the most important thing is for your doctor to understand what could be causing your ED.
ED treatment options include:
Depending on whether ED is caused by psychological or physical reasons, there are different types of treatment you can explore to help manage it. When seeking help, it’s important to give your doctor as much information about your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history as possible so they can best assess your needs. With Rosemary, you can skip the face-to-face conversations and consult an online doctor through a text-based consultation. Start your consultation today and treat erectile dysfunction online, discreetly.
