Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common and troublesome male sexual health problems. Statistics show that one in 10 men across the globe suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction.

The problem is connected to a lot of shame and anxiety. Many men who suffer from such issues are reluctant to seek medical assistance. In fact, only 33 percent of the people questioned in a survey said that they consulted a physician about the issue.

Erectile Dysfunction Overview

Erectile dysfunction is classified as the inability to have an erection or to maintain an erection for a sufficiently long period of time, allowing for a satisfactory sexual experience. The problem is also called impotence and it ranges in severity. Erectile dysfunction is different from low libido because although the desire is present, a man is incapable of achieving an erection. Most men have experienced erectile dysfunction during some period of time. Stress and fatigue-related impotence will usually get resolved on their own and it will not have an effect on somebody’s sexual life over the long term.

Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The penis needs sufficient blood flow for a proper erection to occur. A number of health issues interfere with the proper blood supply to the region, which results in erection problems.

Psychological causes and stress are common culprits, as well. One of the most common causes is aging. Nearly 78 percent of the men aged 75 and older suffer from some kind of impotence. The age group is vulnerable because of common health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Cigarette smoking and substance abuse, as well as the use of a particular medication can be the cause of erectile dysfunction, as well.

Psychological Erectile Dysfunction causes tend to be a common reason and this is the one that is hardest to handle. No physiological problem exists in such instances but personal insecurities or worries will interfere with a man’s healthy sexual life.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

If ED is caused by another medical condition like problems with the blood vessels and blood flow, for example, treatment has to focus on that particular problem. Overcoming cardiovascular issues or diabetes will gradually improve sexual performance and give a man the opportunity to maintain erection. Prescription medications like Viagra Levitra and Cialis have led to great progress in erectile dysfunction treatment. Such medications function by blocking a chemical known as PDE5. PDE5 inhibitors prevent the chemical from relaxing the muscles responsible for an erection. This way, blood stays in the penis for a longer period of time, allowing for a harder, sustainable erection.

When psychological causes are involved, a consultation with a sexologist or a psychologist becomes mandatory. The individual will have to overcome personal issues that are resulting in performance anxiety and the difficulty to sustain an erection. Stress that is often in the heart of the problem has to be handled in a constructive manner, as well. It is very important for men who suffer from ED to seek medical assistance. In most cases, the problem can be resolved. Overcoming the shame that is connected to the medical problem and seeking professional aid will result in the selection of an adequate treatment and the return to a normal and healthy sexual life.