| Most males have occasional erection problems. There are several degrees of severity. Some males have a total inability to attain an erection, others have an inconsistent ability to get an erection, and yet others can sustain only brief erections. But when erection problems become persistent, they can adversely affect men's self-image, intimate life, and relationship.
Below are common risk factors specified by specialists.
Age:
ED is commoner in males over 40. Still, even younger males are reported to have erectile dysfunction every now and again.
Vascular disorders:
Because the penis requires sufficient blood flow to become erect, vascular disorders, or hardening of the arteries – are often to blame. Almost half of men with diabetes that causes a narrowing of blood vessels are estimated to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Hypertension or other vascular diseases, high cholesterol or low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol put a male at risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
Hormones:
Hormonal imbalances, triggered by thyroid problems and low testosterone levels, can result in erection problems.
Nerve damage:
Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease can damage penile nerves and trigger erection problems. Moreover, operation or radiation to the prostate, bladder, rectum or urethra can interfere with nerve signals between the brain and sex organs, thereby hindering erections.
Side-effects of drugs and substance abuse:
AROUND 25% of men are reported to suffer from erectile dysfunction brought on by some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as medications used to treat hypertention and depression. Long-term (chronic) alcohol abuse, drug abuse and smoking affect erections, regardless of age.
Psychological risk factors:
Men's performance in bed can be affected by depression, strain, fear of inability to satisfy a partner, relationship problems, major changes in life (divorce, marriage, loss or death of a partner).
Lowering the risk
- To give up bad habits, such as drug or alcohol abuse, heavy smoking
- To diminish tension and anxiety by taking a more relaxed approach to lovemaking and by speaking to your sexual partner about your problems
- To prolong sexual stimulation prior to intimacy to be able to achieve and maintain an erection, in particular as a man becomes older.
- To consume fat-free foods to keep the cholesterol level low
- To lose weight (in particular if you are corpulent), to have a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to diminish the risk of diabetes.
- To treat hypertension
If you think you have ED, talk to your general practitioner. He or she can advise, treat and, if necessary, send you to a urologist, a medical practitioner specializing in erection problems. |
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