How to treat erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a matter of great concern for men because they either cannot get an erection or sustain one long enough during sexual activity, this diminishes the pleasure and can cause problems in a relationship.

If you do suffer erectile dysfunction, you should discuss the matter with your doctor/physician urgently. Many men are too embarrassed to be upfront about this problem, which can delay treating the problem thus resulting in a lower quality of life.

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction

The symptoms are mainly physical. You might feel decreased stiffness when penetrating or not able to penetrate your partner.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

The causes of erectile dysfunction could be one of numerous things. The most common causes are related to health problems. For others, the problem is related to behavioural causes such as stress.

There are many health problems that can lead to erectile dysfunction. For example, some diabetics suffer erectile problems, though the problems are usually not severe.

Side effects of medicines

There are also some types of medicines that can cause erectile dysfunction. For example, some men who use hair loss treatments such as propecia can experience low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Smoking and drinking

Both these can cause impotence; smoking can interfere with circulation, which can result in erectile dysfunction. Drinking can harm the production of the hormone, testosterone, leading to erectile problems.

Stress

Stress is also an important cause of erectile dysfunction, especially stress related to problems in a relationship. Other stressors, such as work related stress could also dampen the mood resulting in low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Medicine side effects

There are also some types of medications that can cause erectile dysfunction. For example, some men who use hair loss treatments such as propecia can experience low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Treating erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction treatment is often very dependent on the individual and the cause of erectile dysfunction. The treatment given for erectile dysfunction will depend entirely on what is causing it.

If the erectile dysfunction is a result of side effects of a medicine that you happen to be taking, then you either have the option of discontinuing it on the advise of your doctor, or if the medication is deemed necessary then keep taking it in the hope that these side effects will subside, as is often the case with men suffering erectile dysfunction from the use of propecia when treating hair loss, however, they find that the problems subside after a few months of continued use.

Treating stress

If the dysfunction is related to stress, it is possible that it may be quite easy to reverse if the cause of stress is diagnosed and treated. Some simple tips are might be to take regular exercise and figuring out what is causing the stress.

Marriage/relationship problems

If the problem is related to marriage or relationship problems, the best advice is too seek the help of psychologist and undergo therapy in order to solve the issues at the heart of these problems. If you can rekindle happiness between the two of you, it is often the case that erectile dysfunction becomes less of a problem.