Erectile Dysfunction- International Men's Day

If you’ve experienced ED, you know you are not alone. Just flipping on the TV or through the digital adverts will tell you that. Ads for Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis abound. We need to understand that there might be a problem, hence there is a demand.

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile Dysfunction is a condition that highlights the inability to achieve and or maintain an erect penis adequate for sexual function. This condition is one of the most common sexual problems for men and mainly increases with age. According to research around 42% of the men get affected by ED at the age of 52. However ED is not just age related or psychological, there are a number of medical reasons for the same. Research and medical exposure has shown that there can be a number of factors responsible for ED. Most men have difficulty with erections from time to time, yet in some men, it is a regular and more severe problem. It can cause low self-esteem, performance anxiety, depression and stress. ED may affect the quality of a marriage or intimate relationships. However, there are many safe and effective ED treatments available.

Reasons for Erectile Dysfunction:

• Vascular complications: hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure
• Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity
• Neurological disorders such as spinal cord issues
• Endocrine complications affecting the pituitary glands and the testicles
• Prostate cancer patients may suffer from the major ED issues
• Anti depression drugs, hypertension drugs and medication for ulcers
• Sedentary life style, alcoholism and substance abuse, stress

Diagnosis for Erectile Dysfunction:

To get yourself diagnosed correctly, one should refer to a urologist or an andrologist. The doctor will examine you and perform the necessary investigations. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Identification of heart issues- few heart tests
• Identification of hypertension – blood pressure monitoring
• Blood tests- routine, testosterone and other hormone levels
• Prostate evaluation through PSA Test

The urologist shall also analyze your situation by interviewing you for a number of details

• Your current sexual function
• When you started noticing changes
• Any past medical or sexual problems
• Surgery or injury to the pelvic area
• Current and past medication usage
• Lifestyle and personal habits (i.e. smoking, drinking, use of illicit drugs, etc.)
• Relationship with current and past partners

One should feel free and notify the doctor all about the above mentioned.