| Most men have erectile dysfunction from time to time. Erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence) varies in severity. Some men are unable to attain an erection, others are able to get an erection at times, and still others can sustain only brief erections. But when erection problems grow regular, they can affect male self-image, and sexual relationship.
Having studied diverse factors that cause ED, doctors have discovered the risk factors.
Age:
Erectile dysfunction is more common in 40-year-olds and those who are over. Nonetheless, even younger males are reported to have erection problems every now and then.
Vascular problems:
Because the penis requires adequate blood flow to become erect, blood vessels problems, or hardening of the arteries – are very often to put the blame on. Around half of males with diabetes that triggers a narrowing of the arteries are reported to suffer from erection problems. Hypertension or other vascular diseases, high cholesterol or low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol put a male at risk of developing ED.
Hormones:
Hormonal imbalances, caused by thyroid gland problems and low testosterone levels, can adversely affect erections.
Neurological disorders:
Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease can adversely impact on penile nerves and cause erectile dysfunction. Moreover, operation or radiation to the prostate, bladder, rectum or colon can intervene with nerve signals between the brain and sexual organs, thereby hampering erections.
Adverse side-effects of drugs and substance abuse:
ABOUT 25% of men are reported to suffer from erectile dysfunction brought on by some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as antihypertensives and antidepressants. Alcoholism, drug addiction and heavy smoking badly impact on erections at any age.
Psychological risk factors:
Erections can be adversely impacted on by depression, stress, fear of inability to please a sexual partner, relationship problems, major changes in life (divorce, marriage, loss or death of a partner).
How to minimize the risk
- To give up bad habits, such as drug or alcohol abuse, chain smoking
- To minimize stress and anxiety by taking a more relaxed approach to love and by speaking to your partner about your concerns
- To prolong sexual stimulation before intimacy to be able to attain and sustain an erection, in particular as a male becomes older.
- To eat fat-free foods to keep the cholesterol level low
- To lose weight (especially if you are corpulent), to have a healthy balanced diet, and exercise regularly to lower the risk of diabetes.
- To treat hypertension
If you think you have erectile dysfunction, consult your general practitioner. He or she can advise, treat and, if necessary, send you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in erectile dysfunction. |
