Erectile Dysfunction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. In the past it was believed that ED was caused by psychological problems, but nowadays it is known that it can also be caused by physical problems. When it comes to both diagnosis and treatment though, many advances have been made over the years. Here’s what you need to know about ED.

What Are the Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction?

There are different types of erectile dysfunction, such as Organic ED and premature ejaculation, as well as many underlying causes. ED is much more common than most people think; the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that it affects about 30 million men in the United States alone. Direct risk factors for ED may include the following:

Prostate problems
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Vascular disease and vascular surgery
High levels of blood cholesterol
Chronic sleep disorders (such as insomnia)
Neurogenic disorders
Drugs
Depression
Alcohol use
Many chronic diseases, especially renal failure and dialysis
Smoking, which exacerbates the effects of other risk factors such as vascular disease or hypertension

Erectile dysfunction is also a symptom that accompanies many disorders and diseases, and finding the underlying cause can help greatly with diagnosis and future treatment.

How Do Couples Cope With Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can cause a strain on a couple if not properly addressed. Human beings are naturally communicative creatures, so when things aren’t talked about it can cause awkwardness and negative feelings towards the uncommunicative party. Quite often, men with ED will avoid sexual situations due to the emotional pain associated with erectile dysfunction, which can cause their partner to feel rejected or unappealing. As such, it’s always important to keep an open line of communication with your partner; sometimes couples seek treatment for ED together, while men might prefer to go by themselves. Nowadays, when ED can usually be treated safely and effectively. Ignoring the problem for a prolonged period without treatment can have a long-lasting effect on a man. It’s normal for men to feel embarrassed about ED. However, delaying diagnosis means delaying treatment, which can lead to more serious underlying conditions. Often erectile dysfunction itself is related to an underlying problem, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, or other medical conditions. Because of this, the sooner anyone dealing with erectile dysfunction addresses it and approaches a physician about a diagnosis and residual treatment, the less likely any possibly lingering or even fatal conditions can be caught and treated.

What Are Some Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

Treatment for ED is often determined by your doctor based on many factors, such as the extent of the disease, other diseases or disorders you may have, your specific current medications, as well as your opinion or preference. A common approach consists of taking an oral dosage by swallowing it whole or in a formulation that can be dissolved in the mouth or under the tongue. This formulation has been shown to enhance the desired effect such as onset of action while decreasing the risk of adverse effects such as flushing or headache. Other approaches consist of mechanical assist devices or penile injections. Please speak with a healthcare professional to determine which approach suits you best. Contact us at Stud RX by phone at 1-884-478-8379, by email at support@stud-rx.com, or by using our online contact form and let us help you overcome your erectile dysfunction problems quickly and easily.