| Many men have erection problems at times. There are several degrees of severity. Some males are unable to achieve an erection, others have an inconsistent ability to attain an erection, and nonetheless others can maintain only brief erections. But when erection problems get persistent, they can badly affect men's self-esteem, and intimate life.
Having studied diverse factors that trigger erection problems, doctors have specified the risk factors.
Age:
Sexual dysfunction is commoner in males over 40. Yet, younger men are reported to have ED every now and then.
Blood vessels problems:
Since the penis needs adequate blood flow to become erect, vascular disorders, or arteriosclerosis – are frequently to blame. Around half of men with diabetes that results in a constriction of vessels are estimated to suffer from erectile dysfunction. High blood pressure or other vascular disorders, high cholesterol or low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol put a man at risk of developing erection problems.
Hormones:
Hormonal imbalances, triggered by thyroid gland problems and low testosterone levels, can affect erections.
Neurological disorders:
Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease can badly impact on penile nerves and lead to erection problems. In addition, operation or radiation to the prostate, bladder, rectum or urethra can intervene with nerve signals between the brain and sexual organs, thus hindering erections.
Adverse side-effects of medicines and substance abuse:
AROUND 25% of men are estimated to have ED triggered by some prescription medications, such as drugs taken to treat hypertension and depression. Long-term (chronic) alcohol abuse, addiction to drugs and heavy smoking badly impact on erections, regardless of age.
Psychological risk factors:
The ability to attain and sustain an erection can be adversely affected by depression, tension, fear of sexual failure, relationship problems, major changes in life (divorce, redundancy, loss or death of a partner).
Minimizing the risk
• To stop smoking
• To stop using drugs or abusing alcohol
• To consume less fat to keep the cholesterol level low
• To lose weight (in particular if you are overweight), to have a healthy diet, and do exercises regularly in order to minimize the risk of diabetes.
• To treat high blood pressure
• To lower strain and anxiety by taking a more relaxed approach to lovemaking and by talking to your sexual partner about your problems
• To spend more time on foreplay prior to sexual intercourse to be able to achieve and maintain an erection, particularly as a man becomes older.
If you think you have erectile dysfunction, speak to your general practitioner. He or she can advise, treat and, if necessary, send you to a urologist, a doctor specializing in ED. |
