Understanding Erectile Dysfunction and Its Causes

It depends on what your healthcare provider suspects is causing erectile dysfunction.

Available treatments for ED

Do or did you experience erections at night or during the morning? What sexual positions do you regularly engage in? The provider may also ask to talk with your sexual partner. Your partner may be able to offer additional insight on potential causes. The provider may order tests to confirm their diagnosis and determine the cause of your ED. Tests that measure if the nerves in your penis respond to vibrations (penile biothesiometry). Drugs that temporarily make your penis erect (vasoactive injection). Before testing, your provider will explain what’s involved with a test and answer any questions you have. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can decide not to do the test at any time. The first step in treating erectile dysfunction is identifying the underlying cause. A healthcare provider will help determine the best treatment for you. Vigorous cardiovascular exercise for at least 45 minutes three times per week may help reverse some cases of mild ED. Cardiovascular exercises may include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling and jumping rope. For men with mild ED, quitting smoking can lead to improvement after several months.

Oral medications that help increase blood flow to your penis, including sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or avanafil (Stendra®).

• ED is often a sign of underlying health problems.
• Cardiovascular health directly affects erectile function.
• Managing chronic illnesses can prevent or improve ED.
• Proactive lifestyle and medical management are essential.
• Emotional well-being is also a key factor.
• Addressing root causes offers the best long-term solution.

Oral medications start to work within an hour. Penile low-intensity focused shockwave therapy (LiSWT). This noninvasive treatment improves blood flow by using sound waves. It can take two months to see improvement. Medications you inject directly into your penis to create an erection, including alprostadil (Caverject®), papaverine (Papacon®), phentolamine (Regitine®) or a combination of multiple medications. Injectable medications start to work within 10 minutes. Penis pumps start to work almost immediately. Testosterone replacement therapy, which is available as a gel, injection, patches and pellets. Testosterone replacement therapy starts to work within four weeks. A penile implant is a procedure in which a surgeon places a device into your penis to make it hard. The device doesn’t affect sensation, peeing or orgasm. ED will not likely go away on its own without changes to your lifestyle or some kind of treatment.

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

How often are you able to get erections? How long are you able to maintain an erection? Do you lose your erection because you ejaculate sooner than you would like? When did you first notice symptoms of erectile dysfunction? What exactly happened when you first tadacip 20 tablet had erectile dysfunction symptoms? The outlook for ED is good and it’s a very treatable condition. Though there aren’t cures for some causes of ED, many treatment options can help you get and maintain an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse. Certain lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of developing erectile dysfunction, including: Being more physically active, especially doing cardiovascular exercises like running, jogging or bicycling. Eating healthy foods with low saturated fats, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Talk to a primary care physician or a urologist if you suspect you have erectile dysfunction. They can help diagnose ED, identify its cause and recommend the best treatment option for you. A urologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your reproductive system and urinary system. Go to your nearest emergency room if you’re taking medication for erectile dysfunction and have a painful erection that lasts longer than two to four hours. This may be a sign of priapism, which can cause permanent damage to your penis without treatment. Is it normal to have erectile dysfunction? How do you know I have erectile dysfunction? What ED treatment option do you recommend? Can erectile dysfunction cause other conditions that affect my sexual health?

What other treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the most common sex-related condition that males report to healthcare providers, especially as they age and develop other health issues. Providers and medical researchers estimate that erectile dysfunction affects over 50% of males between the ages of 40 and 70. And those numbers may be higher — many don’t seek help for the condition due to embarrassment or shame. Only sometimes being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse. Being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse but not being able to maintain it during sexual intercourse.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Requiring a lot of stimulation to maintain an erection. There are many possible causes of ED, including conditions that affect your: Your circulatory system includes the blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Your penis needs adequate blood flow to become erect and maintain an erection. Your penis also relies on a series of valves to close when it fills with blood — in some cases, these valves stop working as they should. Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord and nerves. Can you recommend a support group for people who have erectile dysfunction? Am I a candidate for a penile implant procedure? Erectile dysfunction can cause you to feel many different emotions.

• PDE5 inhibitors require sexual arousal to work effectively.
• They are contraindicated with nitrates for chest pain.
• Possible side effects include headaches and flushing.
• These medications do not cause an erection without stimulation.
• Effectiveness varies among individuals tested during clinical trials.
• Consult a doctor before starting any ED medication.

You may feel embarrassed, frustrated, guilty, ashamed, angry or “less than.” This can lead to more serious long-term emotions, like anxiety and depression.

But you don’t have to live with these feelings. ED is common, and it doesn’t reflect your worth as a person. Erectile dysfunction is a sensitive topic for many people.

Using AUA Guidelines

Fear of sexual intercourse or intimacy (genophobia). Conditions that affect your body’s ability to deliver blood to your penis are the most common cause of ED. You may have a greater risk of getting ED if you: Have a body mass index (BMI) over 25. A healthcare provider can diagnose ED and determine its cause. They’ll review your medical history and perform a physical exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

They’ll also ask you questions about your personal and sexual history. These questions may make you feel embarrassed or awkward. But it’s important to be honest with the provider in order to quickly determine the cause. Are you currently taking any medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, dietary supplements and nonmedical drugs? Has a healthcare provider ever diagnosed you with depression or anxiety? The following tips can help you support your partner if they have erectile dysfunction: Tell your partner you care about their feelings and well-being. Find appropriate times to talk to your partner that won’t make them feel vulnerable.

What Are Alternative Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

They work together to send electrical impulses that help your body move and feel, including your penis. Your endocrine system includes the glands that create and release hormones. Hormones help tell your body to perform certain functions. Testosterone may help open up (vasodilate) your blood vessels, which helps blood flow to your penis. Injuries (trauma) to your penis and surrounding areas can also cause ED.

Be physically active

Injuries to your pelvis bones (hip bones, sacrum and tailbone), bladder, prostate and spinal cord. Pelvic surgery, including prostate, colon or bladder cancer surgery. Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of many prescription drugs. Common medications that list ED as a potential side effect include: Substances that have addiction potential may cause ED, including: These substances can affect and suppress your central nervous system. They can also cause severe damage to your blood vessels, which may lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. Remind your partner that they’re not alone. ED is common, and treatment is available. Therapists and support groups can help your partner process their feelings. Focus on the benefits of regular exercise, healthy foods and cutting back on substances that may cause ED. Your partner will feel supported if you have accurate, up-to-date information on erectile dysfunction and its treatment options. Offer to go with your partner to their appointments. You can help your partner ask questions, take notes and relay information to a healthcare provider that can help them in making a diagnosis.

Information & Authors

It can also result from other conditions or as a side effect of certain medications or cancer treatments. If you’re having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further discussion. In many cases, ED can be the first symptom of another underlying problem, including heart disease. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if you have problems getting and maintaining an erection. Healthcare providers separate ED into several categories: Vascular ED includes causes that affect the blood vessels that send blood to the tissues in your penis that allow you to get and maintain an erection, or the valves in the penis that normally hold blood inside.

Medicines that can cause ED

Vascular ED is the most common type of ED. Neurogenic ED occurs as a result of nerve problems, which prevent signals from traveling from your brain to your penis to create an erection. This can happen because of trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy or neurologic conditions like stroke, spinal stenosis and multiple sclerosis (MS). Hormonal ED refers to ED that happens as a result of testosterone deficiency, or in some cases as a result of thyroid issues. Psychogenic ED involves psychological conditions (conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings or behavior) that can cause ED. Respect their privacy if they prefer to see a provider alone. Sexual intercourse isn’t the only way to increase intimacy between partners.

• Medications for ED should be used strictly as prescribed.
• Overuse or misuse of drugs can lead to complications.
• Not all men will respond to the same medication.
• Combining treatments might provide better results.
• Keep medication away from children and pets.
• Always inform your doctor about other health conditions.

You can show your partner you care through physical contact such as holding hands or back rubs, spending time with them, kissing, writing notes, being patient and being a good listener. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, especially as you get older. It can cause embarrassment, low self-esteem and other more serious psychological conditions. But you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to have ED.