Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that can reduce self-confidence for men. This condition will affect sexual relations with partners and can be a sign of certain diseases.

When a person experiences symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), it can cause depression, stress, and low self-esteem.

Even though it is one of the most common sexual disorders in men, unfortunately, many people take it for granted and feel it is taboo to talk about it. Even if it's too late to recognize the early signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction, treatment is also too late.

Understanding the most common potential causes can help LIFE HEALTH friends identify the causes and risk factors so that this condition can be treated appropriately.

Come on, see the full explanation in the following article.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, occurs when a man is unable to get or maintain a penile erection sufficient for the sexual satisfaction of both partners.

This condition is fairly common in men. A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Medicine notes that the risk of impotence increases with age.

Based on research from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (UI), the prevalence of DE in men aged 20–80 years in Indonesia is quite high, reaching 35.6%, and the incidence continues to increase with age.

Sometimes, many men mistakenly think of ED as another sexual problem because it is not uncommon for these disorders to occur together. Some other sexual problems that are often associated with erectile dysfunction are:

• "Low libido" means having a decreased interest in sexual intimacy.

• Premature ejaculation occurs when ejaculation occurs too quickly after penetration.

• Delayed ejaculation occurs when ejaculation takes a long time after penetration.

• Anorgasmia is when you can't have an orgasm even though you have had sexual stimulation.

Signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction occurs during the erection process. Erections are the result of increased blood flow to the penis. Usually, blood flow is stimulated by sexual thoughts or direct contact with the penis.

The most common symptom of erectile dysfunction is difficulty getting and  maintaining an erection during sexual activity. In addition, someone who has impotence also does not have an erection in the morning.

Other signs of erectile dysfunction include reduced sexual drive and loss of sensitivity in the penis.

LIFE HEALTH friends should see a doctor if they experience these symptoms, especially if they last for 3 months or more, to get the right treatment.

Factors that cause erectile dysfunction

A good and healthy erection requires a condition of physical and mental health, including a good condition of blood vessels, nerves, hormones, and psychological factors. When there is a problem in one of them, that can cause erectile dysfunction (ED).

There are many possible causes of ED, and they can include both emotional and physical conditions. The following are some of the causes of erectile dysfunction in men:

1. Endocrine disease

The body's endocrine system produces hormones that regulate metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood, and more. A number of endocrine diseases can trigger impotence.

One example of an endocrine disease that causes erectile dysfunction is diabetes, because it affects the body's ability to use the hormone insulin.

One of the complications associated with chronic diabetes is damage to the nerves that affect sensation in the penis. Other complications associated with diabetes include impaired blood flow and hormone levels that can contribute to impotence.

2. Nervous disorder

Several neurological conditions can increase the risk of impotence. If there is a disturbance in the nerves, it will affect the brain's ability to communicate with the reproductive system so that it can prevent achieving an erection.

Neurological disorders associated with impotence include:

• Alzheimer's disease

• Parkinson's disease

• Brain or spinal tumors

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Temporal lobe epilepsy

• Men who have had prostate surgery can also experience nerve damage, which can lead to impotence.

• Cyclists who are used to riding long distances may experience temporary impotence. The cause is due to repeated pressure on the buttocks and genitals, which can affect nerve function.

3. Consumption of certain drugs

If friends of LIFE HEALTH have ever taken certain drugs, they can affect blood flow, which can cause ED.

Even if you notice the symptoms, you should not stop taking your medication without your doctor's permission, even if it is known to cause impotence.

4. Heart-related conditions

Conditions that affect the heart and its ability to pump blood properly can also cause impotence. Without adequate blood flow to the penis, you cannot achieve an erection.

A heart-related disease that causes impotence is atherosclerosis. This disease causes clogged blood vessels that can cause impotence.

In addition, high cholesterol and hypertension are also associated with an increased risk of impotence.

5. The emotional factor

Erections can be obtained when you reach the excitement phase, which can be an emotional response. Therefore, emotional disturbances will certainly affect your ability to be sexually excited.

Depression and anxiety will increase the risk of impotence. Anxiety and the fear of not being able to please your partner can also cause impotence.

Some men may also find that they are unable to achieve an erection with certain partners. If so, then you can usually have a full erection during masturbation or while sleeping, but not during sexual intercourse.

6. Lifestyle

Abuse of drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can also cause impotence.

In addition, men who have a history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism can have a decreased ability to achieve or maintain an erection.

How to detect symptoms of erectile dysfunction

If LIFE HEALTH friends experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction, they should see an andrologist who specializes in treating problems related to male reproduction right away.

LIFE HEALTH friends can also see a urologist, who can also treat problems with the male reproductive organs, such as the penis, testicles, and prostate gland.

The doctor will find out if you have other health conditions that can cause these problems. A LIFE HEALTH friend should explain your medical history, including questions about your sex life.

A diagnosis of erectile dysfunction can include:

• physical test or examination of the penis and testicles.

• Blood and urine tests to check for problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and low testosterone

• Mental health and psychological tests can reveal whether you are experiencing stress, depression, or other problems that can cause ED.

• Ultrasound to see if blood flow problems are affecting your penis.

The results of this test will help determine whether your erectile dysfunction is physical or mental.

Can erectile dysfunction be cured or treated?

While ED itself is harmless, it can be a warning sign for dangerous conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.

For this reason, LIFE HEALTH friends should know how to deal with erectile dysfunction properly.

The easiest way to deal with erectile dysfunction is to take drugs containing PDE5, which will have a relaxing effect on the muscles and increase blood flow in the body.

Even though it's instant, the drug should not be consumed carelessly, especially by men who have heart problems, diabetes, very low blood pressure, or other medical conditions.

The safest way to treat impotence is to make lifestyle changes by consuming foods to treat erectile dysfunction, such as organic meat, fatty fish, oysters, ABC (Apple, Berry, and Cherry), and bananas.

In addition, Friends of LIFE HEALTH can do psychotherapy, which can help when there is an underlying psychological condition such as anxiety or relationship challenges.

Treatment will also be adjusted according to the cause to reduce the symptoms. Testosterone therapy may also be recommended as an initial treatment for erectile dysfunction.

If a LIFE HEALTH friend wants to know what treatment is right for erectile dysfunction, you should consult a doctor.

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