In men’s health, only a few disorders pose such concerns and curiosity to men, out of which is erectile dysfunction. It is a condition that can affect men of any age. Erectile Dysfunction, commonly known as ED, is often embedded in misunderstanding and taboo. 

However, highlighting this issue is essential to promote awareness, empathy, and effective treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the symptoms, causes, and erectile dysfunction treatment.
 

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction:

What is ED disease? Erectile dysfunction causes a consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual performance. While difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection rarely is common and not necessarily a cause for concern, persistent issues warrant attention.
Source: Cleveland Clinic

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

We have discussed the main reason responsible for Erectile Dysfunction. However, several signs can tell you about ED symptoms, let us go through those symptoms with the following list.                   

Detecting Erectile Dysfunction: 

• Difficulty achieving an erection.
• Trouble maintaining an erection during sexual activity.                                     
• Reduced sexual desire.
• Premature ejaculation.
• Delayed ejaculation.
• Psychological distress or relationship strain related to sexual performance.

Causing Factors of Erectile Dysfunction:

Erectile dysfunction is basically the blockage in the proper flow of blood to the penis. However, there can be a variety of physical and psychological factors responsible for erectile dysfunction, which often connect in complex ways. Some common causes of ED include:

Physical Factors:

1. Cardiovascular diseases are usually referred to as heart disorders.
2. Diabetes.
3. Metabolic Problems.
4. Neurological disorders include multiple brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
5. Hormonal imbalances, more specifically low testosterone levels.
6. Obesity: Increased weight and a lazy lifestyle with a lack of proper physical activities can induce many diseases including erectile dysfunction.
7. Substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol, and some other recreational drugs.
8. Side effects of medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensives, and prostate cancer treatments.
9. Pelvic surgeries or injuries affecting the nerves or blood flow to the penis.

Psychological Factors:

• Stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Performance anxiety or fear of sexual failure.
• Relationship problems or conflicts.
• Past traumatic sexual experiences.
• Low self-esteem or body image issues.

Your Online Guide To Treat ED

Below is a guide for erectile dysfunction treatment online, along with some medication advice (Note: Doctor’s Consultation is recommended). 

Treating ED:

Effective treatment of erectile dysfunction could include mixed approaches, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the problem. Treatment options may vary from person to person. Some common treatment methods include: 

Medications:

Below is your guide for the erectile dysfunction meds online:

1. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors: medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra) are commonly prescribed to improve erectile function by enhancing blood flow to the penis. They are typically taken on an as-needed basis, about 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity.
2. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): For men with low testosterone levels contributing to erectile dysfunction, testosterone replacement therapy may be prescribed. TRT can be administered through injections, topical gels, patches, or implantable pellets.
3. Alprostadil: Alprostadil is a medication available in injectable or intraurethral forms. It dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the penis, and promotes erections. 

Lifestyle Changes

You can improve your health in every aspect by simply maintaining your lifestyle and can promote prolonged health in your life. These changes include:

• Balanced diet: Taking care of your diet will always help you. Consuming nutrient-rich food will promote your health and will also aid against erectile dysfunction. 
• Exercise: Involving in physical activity will improve your health in every aspect as it will maintain your weight and will promote cardiovascular health which will improve your sexual health.
• Maintaining Body Weight: Supervising your weight and Maintaining your BMI will promote your health and not being obese will also prevent many diseases along with erectile dysfunction.
• Maintaining Liquor and Drug Usage: Try to overcome your drinking habits and drug usage as they are primary causes of erectile dysfunction and other health issues.

Therapies

1. Psychological Counseling or Therapy: Consulting a therapist for psychological issues can be helpful as these issues may lead to stress and stress is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction.
2. Couples Therapy: Erectile dysfunction may cause resentment, distance, and a feeling of dissatisfaction between couples which puts their relationship at stake. In this regard, it is important to undergo couples therapy as it will provide a supportive environment for the individuals to open up and express their feelings which will improve their relationship.
3. Sex Therapy: This type of therapy helps and focuses directly on the sexual problems of an individual to improve and better their sexual life.

Devices and Surgery

• Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs): This device works by creating a vacuum around the penis which causes negative pressure around the penile area and promotes blood flow in that area, which causes an erection.
•  Penile Implants: For men with resistant erectile dysfunction, penile implants are advised. There are two types of implants, inflatable and malleable. Inflatable implants consist of inflatable cylinders that are connected to a fluid reservoir, which is placed in the scrotum. When it is activated, fluid goes from the reservoir to the cylinder, which causes an erection. On the other hand, malleable implants are semi-rigid rods placed in the penis, which allows erection on manual positioning.
• These treatments are for men who have not responded well to the above-mentioned treatments and are facing severe erectile dysfunction and have to go for implants as a last resort.

In a Nutshell

Erectile dysfunction is a common and treatable condition that affects millions of men worldwide every year. So, this problem needs to be treated with compassion and empathy, and by understanding its causes and effects, one can take proactive steps in order to resolve this problem. It is important to not hesitate if you or someone you know is going through erectile difficulties and seek professional help as soon as possible for the best results.