Dealing with erectile dysfunction

Our sexuality is our pride. However, every once in a while, a man is unable to rise to the occasion.

This is relatively common and should not raise any worries except when it becomes an almost daily affair.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is described as recurrent inability to achieve an erection or having an erection that is not strong enough to allow for penetration or if the erect penis constantly loses its stiffness just before penetration or during the first thrust.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not always have to have a low libido (sexual desire) in order to suffer from erectile dysfunction. You can have a healthy libido but are unable to rise to the occasion and fulfil your desires.

Not just for the elderly

ED has always been thought to be an old man’s problem. But the truth is, it can affect you from as early as 40 years old.

Lifestyle changes are the key contributors to the increased incidence of ED among younger men. Common causes of ED include:

Alcohol: For a long time, people have used alcohol to set the mood for sex. However, if taken in excess, alcohol is actually a depressant and can cause ED.
Alcohol is not a good aphrodisiac. It only causes you to lose your inhibitions but if taken in excess, it worsens your performance. If you must use alcohol, limit your drink to one or two per sitting.
Smoking: Nicotine constricts and damages the blood vessels, including those of the penis, leading to ED.
High Blood Pressure: This damages the blood vessels of the penis leading to ED.
Diabetes: Poor sugar control leads to damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the penis causing ED.
High cholesterol: When cholesterol is deposited in the blood vessels, it leads to formation of plaques and narrowing of the vessels. When this happens to the blood supply of the penis, ED occurs.
Nerve problems: This includes head injury, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
Stress: This refers to both physical and emotional stress. The most common stressors are the work place, finances and relationships with sexual partners.
In new sexual relationships, performance anxiety can cause ED. In old relationships, boredom and lack of desire sets in.
Some grieving men are unable to sustain an erection after the loss of a pregnancy or child due to fear of conceiving another baby who may also die.
Depression: This is a double edged sword. Depression can lead to erection problems. Similarly, erection problems can be a source of depression.
Fatigue: It is well known that if you are tired, you cannot have sex. Chronic fatigue can lead to ED.
Overweight: Obesity has been associated with increased rates of ED.
Medication: Some drugs used for management of certain conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, heart conditions and pain may result in ED as a side-effect. If you develop ED while on medication, talk to your doctor about changing drugs where possible.
Trauma: Any injury to the genitals can result in ED.
Surgery: Some operations for prostate and bladder conditions may lead to ED. Sometimes the ED can be temporary but if the nerves were damaged during the operation, it can be permanent.
Hormonal: Low testosterone levels lead to ED.

Physical or Psychological?

Men who get erections at night while asleep or wake up with a sustained erection or can achieve an erection through masturbation are most likely having ED due to psychological rather than physical problems.

What to do?

Address the underlying problem: ED is not a disease in itself. It is a symptom of an underlying condition. You must therefore address the condition, whether physical or psychological in order to treat the ED.

Drugs: Sildenafil (viagra), tadalafil (cialis) and vardenafil (levitra) are proven medication for ED. However, they are strictly prescription drugs. Never buy these drugs over-the-counter or online. You must have a doctor evaluate your suitability for the use of these drugs.
Remember, they do not work for ED caused by psychological issues such as depression, stress, fatigue etc. It is also not a safe option for heart disease patients, alcoholics and substance abusers.
Pumps: These use a vaccum mechanism to allow for blood supply to be manually pulled into the penis resulting in an erection. They are a good option for men who cannot use the drugs listed above.
Injections: This involves injecting a drug into the penis just before intercourse leading to erection.
Pellets: Some erection medications are inserted into the urethra of the penis (the hole through which urine leaves the body). They lead to erection within a few minutes of insertion.
Penile Implants: This involves surgically putting inflatable rods in the penis to allow for erection.
Surgical vessel repair: This opens blocked blood vessels of the penis.
Hormone: If testosterone levels are low, you may be offered hormonal replacement therapy.
Lifestyle changes: Exercise, lose weight, eat healthy, sleep well, stop smoking and stop over-indulging in alcohol.
Counselling: ED puts a lot of strain on relationships and it is wise to have couple counselling as part of management of your problem.

ED as a warning sign

ED is sometimes a red flag of an up-coming life-threatening condition such as heart attack and stroke.

It is therefore mandatory to visit your doctor for a check-up if you have ED.

Finally, remember, ED is not a life sentence. It is something that can be managed successfully in most men. Regardless of your age, you can have a happy fulfilling sex life.

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