What is Erectile Dysfunction?
by Admin
Posted on 27-03-2023 01:30 AM
Viagra is a prescription medication that treats the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, helping to provide an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Researchers from the pharmaceutical company pfizer stumbled on this drug by accident in the late 1980s. Sildenafil citrate (the active ingredient in viagra) was being studied as a potential treatment for high blood pressure and chronic chest pain. While sildenafil wasn’t especially effective for treating these conditions, researchers noticed that participants were able to achieve and sustain erections with ease.
The research focus shifted to whether or not sildenafil could be used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
With erectile dysfunction (ed), it is hard to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex. When ed becomes a routine and bothersome problem, your primary care provider or a urologist can help. Ed may be a major warning sign of cardiovascular disease indicating blockages are building in a man's vascular system. Some studies have shown men with ed are at significant risk of getting a heart attack, stroke or circulatory problems in the legs. Ed also causes: low self-esteem depression distress for the man and his partner if ed is affecting a man's well-being or his relationships, it should be treated.
Men who are repeatedly unable to get an erection are said to be suffering from erectile dysfunction. The condition is often linked to aging with those over the age of 50 more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. But here’s some good news: the condition is not inevitable. Also referred to as impotence, it is linked to a series of medical diseases and lifestyle factors. By gaining a good understanding of the risk factors you could prevent or treat erectile dysfunction.
Physical Causes of ED
Erection problems may be caused by physical problems or mental health issues. Examples include injury to the nerves or loss of blood supply to the penis, side effects of some medicines, and some surgeries.
Depression, stress, and anxiety can also cause the problem.
Because there are a variety of causes for ed , there are several different tests your doctor may use to diagnose the condition and determine its cause. Only after the cause of ed is determined can it be effectively treated. Before ordering any tests, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. The doctor will also "interview" you about your personal and sexual history. Some of these questions will be very personal and may feel intrusive. However, it is important that you answer these questions honestly. The questions asked may include: what medications or drugs are you currently using? this includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbals, dietary supplements and illegal drugs.
If it is determined that ed is a problem, the patient evaluation should include a detailed sexual and medical history and a physical exam. In particular, it is important to evaluate the ed within the context of ejaculatory problems. There is a strong interplay between premature ejaculation (pe) and ed, with about a third of ed patients reporting pe. The relationship between the pe and ed is bidirectional and successful treatment of one often requires treatment of the other. 14 a number of specific questions relating to sexual function can help the clinician evaluate the complaint of ed. Questions should focus on the following:.
Emotional Causes of ED
There are also treatments for some of the causes of erectile dysfunction. For example: your doctor may switch you to a different medicine if it's causing your erectile dysfunction high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hormone problems may be treated with medicine counselling and therapy can help if your erection problems are linked to emotional or mental health problems – but there can be a long wait for these services on the nhs information:.
A number of psychological factors can cause ed, including: post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) if you’re experiencing psychological ed, you may benefit from talk therapy. Over several sessions, you and your therapist will discuss: major stress or anxiety factors your feelings around sex subconscious conflicts that could be affecting your sexual well-being if ed is affecting your relationship , consider speaking with a relationship counselor as well. Relationship counseling can help you and your partner reconnect emotionally, which may also help your ed. Explore the effects of stress and anxiety on ed.
"one of the reasons erectile dysfunction increases with age is that the diseases that lead to it also increase with age," notes dr. Feloney. Evaluating the causes of erectile dysfunction starts with your doctor taking a good health history and giving you a physical exam. Common medical issues that can lead to erectile dysfunction include diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, low testosterone , and neurological disease. Talk to your doctor about better managing these health conditions.
Diagnosis of ed may include: review of health and sexual history. This may reveal conditions that lead to ed. It can also help your healthcare provider tell the difference between problems with erection, ejaculation, orgasm, or sexual desire. Physical exam. To look for an underlying problem, such as: lab tests. These can include blood counts, urine tests, cholesterol test, and measurements of creatinine and liver enzymes. When low sexual desire is a symptom, checking testosterone in the blood can show problems with the endocrine system. Penile ultrasound. This is used to measure the blood flow in the penis. Psychosocial exam. This is done to help find psychological factors that may be affecting your performance.