Erectile Dysfunction (Ed)

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse or penetrative sex.

Sometimes having erection problems is normal and not necessarily a cause of concern. However, if erectile dysfunction persists, it may stress you out, reduce your confidence, and complicate your relationships. 

Problems obtaining or maintaining an erection can also be due to heart disease or as a symptom of an underlying medical illness that needs to be treated. It is said that one in every 10th man will have erectile dysfunction during his lifetime.

Even if you feel embarrassed, discuss your concerns with your doctor if you have erectile dysfunction. Sometimes, reversing erectile dysfunction requires treating an underlying condition. In some instances, medication or direct treatment could be required.

Erectile dysfunction was once thought to be caused by psychological issues. It is now understood that physical problems, typically involving the lack of blood flow to the penis, are the primary cause of erectile dysfunction in most men. Both the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction have made significant advances.

What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)?

ED can be a result of various causes, such as:

• Vascular disease: A vascular disease like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can cause the blood flow to the penis to become obstructed or constrained.
• Neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis): Strokes, diabetes, and other conditions can affect the nerves that send signals to the penis.
• Psychological conditions: These include anxiety about performing, tension, depression, and a lack of brain stimulation.
• Trauma: An injury may make ED symptoms worse.

Finding the correct cause of erectile dysfunction will help treat the problem and your overall well-being.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

When ED becomes a problem, visiting your healthcare provider or urologist is always a good idea. Following are some of the symptoms of ED:

• Trouble getting and keeping an erection
• Reduced sexual desires
• Low self-esteem 
• Depression
• Relationship distress

What are the medical treatment options for erectile dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments:

• Sildenafil: A prescribed medicine that is taken orally for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This drug works best when taken on an empty stomach, and it has been observed that a man can get an erection 30 to 60 minutes after consuming the medicine. Sexual stimulation is required for sildenafil citrate to be most effective. 
• Vardenafil: This drug has a similar chemical structure to sildenafil citrate and functions similarly.
• Tadalafil: Studies indicate that tadalafil stays in the body for as long as 24 to 36 hours compared to any other medicine in its class. It has also been observed that in most men, erection occurs within 4 to 5 hours after consuming the tablet.
• Avanafil: Avanafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and it takes around 15 – 30 minutes for the medicine to show its effect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Is erectile dysfunction permanent?

Ans: In the majority of cases, ED is treatable with the help of medication or surgery. Treating the root cause or lifestyle changes can also help erectile dysfunction. Counseling or psychological treatment can be used to treat ED’s psychological and emotional reasons.

2. Can erectile dysfunction be cured?

Ans: Erectile dysfunction is not something you have to just put up with. Almost all cases of erectile dysfunction are curable, and treatment can enhance a patient’s general physical and mental health and intimacy with their partner.

3. Who should not take ED medicines?

Ans: Men who consume nitrates or nitroglycerine medications and suffer from coronary artery diseases should not be consuming them. 

4. What are the possible side effects of erectile dysfunction drugs?

Ans: There are specific minor side effects relating to ED medicines. The side effects mainly include headaches, upset stomach, and facial blushing. A small percentage of men may also experience temporary vision disturbance. 

5. How effective are the medications to treat ED?

Ans: It has been observed that certain medications are highly effective in curing ED in some patients. Men with mild to moderate ED symptoms often experience significant results after using these medications. It has been observed, in general, that approximately 70-80 percent of men benefit from using these medications.

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