Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a fairly common violation of sexual function in men. Erectile dysfunction is defined as an inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient to meet sexual needs. This condition happens occasionally or regularly, including for no apparent reason. Some men suffering from erectile dysfunction can not achieve an erection at all.
Erectile dysfunction is not a condition that threatens life, but it negatively affects the quality of life of a man and his partner. This disease affects men of any age and race. The probability of its development increases with age. Almost every man during his life experiences short-term disturbances of erectile function. In most cases, they are associated with certain life circumstances, stresses. Usually, these disorders disappear as a situation resolves. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction for more than 6 months, you should see a doctor.
What are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is diseases of the cardiovascular system. Other common reasons include:
- diabetes;
- low testosterone;
- surgery on pelvic organs;
- damage to nerve trunks of the penis and pelvic region;
- neurological diseases (for example, Parkinson’s disease).
What is Erection?
Erection is a process, which includes several components: psychological, physiological and hormonal. Basis of a male genital organ is composed of two the so-called cavernous bodies, which consist of soft, elastic, spongy tissue encased in a dense fibrous membrane. When filling with blood, cavernous bodies increase in size and become firm. Signal to the beginning of filling of cavernous bodies with blood comes through nerve fibers. These signals, in their turn, are controlled by the male sex hormone testosterone.
Heart and Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction and diseases of the cardiovascular system have many common risk factors. These include overweight and obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle. Very often, erectile dysfunction is the first sign of cardiac and vascular disease, as a violation of blood circulation affects erectile function. Therefore, for men who have problems with erection, it is necessary to undergo an examination at a cardiologist (specialist in the treatment of cardiac diseases).
Urination Disorders and Erectile Dysfunction
Often, along with erectile dysfunction, patients complain of frequent urination, sudden strong urination, nocturia (frequent urination at night). Usually, these symptoms are associated with diseases of the prostate gland, for example, at its benign hyperplasia. There is no evidence that erection is directly affected by urination disorders, but it is noted that when the latter worsen, a situation with erectile function worsens.
Psychological Factors
Some psychological conditions can lead to the development of erectile dysfunction, such as:
- anxiety;
- depression;
- inferiority complex, uselessness;
- low self-esteem;
- stress.
Violations of erectile function can be both the cause and result of dissatisfaction in the relationship between a man and a woman and, often, it is very difficult to determine what is primary and what is secondary.