Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED,
is the most common sexual health issue that men report to their physicians. ED
affects as many as 30 million men, and there are several reasons for this
condition.
Erectile dysfunction is
difficulty getting and maintaining an erection that is firm enough for sexual
activity. Men can have erection issues every now and then, but ED that occurs
often is not healthy and requires treatment.
There are several
reasons for ED as well. When blood flow to the penis is limited or the nerves
in and around the penis are damaged, ED can occur. Stress, anxiety and
emotional issues can also lead to erectile dysfunction. If men are experiencing
other health conditions like atherosclerosis, hypertension, high blood sugar to
diabetes and heart disease, they could also experience ED.
When men find the
causes of their ED, it is easier to treat the issue, which can assist with a
man’s overall wellbeing. Generally, what’s good for a man’s heart is also best
for his sexual health in terms of treatment and care.
To better understand
ED, it’s best to understand how erections work. When a man is not arouse, the
penis is limp and soft. When a man is sexually aroused, the nerves in his body
release chemicals that increase blood circulation into the penis. The blood
then flows into two sections in penis. These chambers are muscle tissue that
has a spongy consistency known as the corpus cavernosum. During an erection,
the tissues trap blood and relax. The pressure from the blood in the two
sections cause the penis to become firm, and this causes an erection. During a
man’s orgasm, a second series of nerve signals travel to the penis and cause
muscular contraction in the penis tissues. Blood is released back into a man’s
circulation for the erection to come down. Men may also notice that penis size
varies according to stress and temperature, which is why treatments vary as
well.
When it comes to ED
treatment, it’s important for a man to check his cardiovascular health as well.
Men should visit a doctor to check his cardiovascular system, since men with ED
are more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or circulatory issues in the
legs. Dietary changes and medications that promote health heart function can
help treat ED as well. ED can cause depression and low self-esteem, which is
why the condition should be treated promptly.
Men can also stop
smoking to decrease their chances of experiencing ED. Working out and
refraining from the use of alcohol and drugs can treat erectile dysfunction,
too. However, men who are currently taking prescription medication should not
stop taking their medicine without talking to their doctors first.
Doctors and health
professionals can also help men treat erectile dysfunction by helping patients
treat the emotional problems that can lead to ED. Therapy and counseling to
treat anxiety and depression can make men more comfortable in intimate
situations and allow for successful circulation and nerve function. Oral
medications such as Stendra, Viagra and Cialis, which are increasingly popular,
have proven helpful for many men as well.