Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction Cause and Treatment
by Mark Alexander
Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 30 million American men. So if you’re reading this article because you’re one of them, rest assured, you’re not alone. Talking about erectile dysfunction can be a bit awkward, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Usually, ED is caused by an underlying medical condition. This overview will explain why you have the condition and what you can do treat it.
Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the regular inability to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. Some men with ED are able to maintain erections during sleep, indicating the problem may be psychological.
What Causes ED?
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, both physical and psychological.
Common Physical Causes
• Lean chicken, meat and fish
• Whole grains
• Beans and legumes
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nuts
Medication Side-Effects
• Cholesterol-Lowering Medications – Cholesterol is a precursor to steroid hormones and those on statin medications to control their cholesterol may experience a drop in sex hormone, causing erectile dysfunction.
• Anti-Depressants – SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa are well-known to cause sexual side effects by inhibiting the necessary nitric oxide in the body responsible for healthy blood circulation in sexual organs.
• NSAID Pain Relievers – According to the Journal of Urology, regular use of NSAID pain relievers interfere with proper blood circulation in sex organs.
Environmental Causes
• Arsenic Poisoning – Arsenic in your drinking water supply can cause erectile dysfunction.
• Smoking – Smoking is one of the most common lifestyle reasons for ED.
• Cycling – Research suggest male cyclists may experience erectile dysfunction due to prolonged pressure of the saddle on the genitals.
Psychological Reasons
• Performance Anxiety
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
Erectile dysfunction caused by an underlying psychological condition is best treated by a qualified therapist. In lieu of prescription medication, there are plenty of nutritional and natural treatments for mental illness to be explored.
Diagnosis
Though there is not one formal test to diagnose erectile dysfunction, certain tests can be performed by your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your condition.
Duplex Ultrasound
A duplex ultrasound uses imaging techniques to measures dilation, blood circulation and vascular blood pressure while checking for any scarring, artherosclerosis or calcification that may be causing ED.
Reflex Test
A reflex test checks nerve function in the penis. During this test, the physician squeezes the head of the penis, which will immediately cause the anus to contract if nerve function is normal.
Penile Biothesiometry
This is an electromagnetic vibration test that evaluates nerve sensitivity and function.
Dynamic Infusion Cavernosometry (DICC)
In a DICC test, fluid is pumped into the penis to check vascular pressure during an erection.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Similar to an MRI, an MRA uses contrast dye, magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the blood vessels in the penis.
Corpus Cavernosometry
This test checks for venous leakage by using a butterfly needle to infuse a mixture of saline and X-ray contrast dye into the corpus cavernosum. Digital images are then recorded and analyzed.
Treatment Options
Your treatments options vary and will depend on your particular case. You may choose conventional treatments, natural treatments or a combination of both.
Conventional
There are many conventional treatments for erectile dysfunction. The one you choose will be up to you and your medical doctor.
Prescription Medication
The most common treatment for erectile dysfunction is prescription medication such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra.
Topical Testosterone Cream
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by low testosterone, you may be prescribed a topical testosterone cream.
Trans-Urethral Medication
This treatment involves inserting prostaglandin tablets directly into the urethra via a special introducer. This method is painless and affects only the penis, instead of the entire body.
Penile Injections
These are medications injected directly into the penis to produce a temporary erection, regardless of stimulation or arousal.
Hormone Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy is often recommended for men when low levels of testosterone cause erectile dysfunction.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique used to correct defective genes that may be contributing to erectile dysfunction.
Vacuum Therapy
This process involves the use of an external vacuum pump and compression ring that stimulates erection and holds it in place.
Penile Prosthesis
When all other methods, conventional and natural, fail to correct erectile dysfunction, a penile prosthesis may be used. This device is implanted during surgery and is designed to mimic organic erections.
Natural
If you prefer to try less invasive methods, you may want to turn to natural treatments for erectile dysfunction. These include exercise, dietary and lifestyle changes and natural herbs and supplements.
Aerobic Exercise – Often erectile dysfunction is a circulatory issue. Aerobic exercise helps to increase circulation as well as feelings of vigor and well-being.
Dietary Changes – Diets rich in soy products have been reported to cause sexual unresponsiveness in men. In order to be physically and mentally healthy, reduce your intake of fast and processed foods and increase your intake of whole, healthy foods such as:
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a common lifestyle cause of erectile dysfunction. Quitting smoking may be all you need to do to reclaim your sexual power.
Herbs and Supplements
L-Arginine – For men with low nitric acid, this supplemental amino acid helps to smooth the muscles and increase blood flow to the sexual organs. (May cause digestive upset.)
Propiony L-Carnitine – For men whose erectile dysfunction occurred after prostate surgery, this energy-producing amino acid is often used in conjunction with Viagra to treat ED.
Ginko Biloba – If ED is caused by anti-depressants, this natural herb helps to relax the smooth muscle and increase blood flow to the sex organs.
Zinc – Those with digestive disorders, diabetes or kidney and liver disease often lack this nutrient, which can contribute to ED.
Ashwagandha – This natural herb has been used for hundreds of years to increase energy and sexual function.
As a man living with erectile dysfunction, you have many treatment options. Don’t give up until you find the right one for you.
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