Have you ever had that awkward moment when you could not get an erection during an intimate encounter? How did it make you feel? This inability to get or/and keep an erection can cause one to feel embarrassed or inadequate. In some cases, it can even lead to low self-esteem, which is unnerving. However, it is worth noting that this happens to a vast number of men worldwide. Most have experienced erectile dysfunction (ED) at least once, but that does not mean you have to live with it. Erectile dysfunction can happen regardless of age or class and can affect anyone. It is nothing to be embarrassed about as different underlying factors cause it. On the brighter side, you can deal with this condition through various methods, but first, you need to understand what causes it.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
This dysfunction can be physical or psychological. Often, the physical aspect is caused by a difficulty in blood flow in your penis, which is caused by factors such as :
• Side effects of certain medications such as antidepressants and certain high blood pressure medicines
• Underlying health complications that alter body functioning such as diabetes and hypertension
• Use of substances such as alcohol or smoking
• Certain medical treatment procedures – These include cancer radiation treatment and prostate surgery
• Obesity since it leads to blood flow changes
• Nerve affecting injuries – This is because the ability of the penis to get hard is significantly determined by the blood flow to your penis. Injuries to your nerves or arteries can be detrimental to getting an erection
• Hormonal disorders like thyroid conditions ad testosterone deficiency
Psychological conditions that lead to impotence include:
• Stress of any kind, even work-related, can affect you psychologically and can even impact erectile function
• Anxiety such as sexual performance anxiety can limit your ability to get or maintain an erection
• Depression
Prevention and treatment of this condition
Treatment of ED works by tackling the cause of the problem. This can be achieved in the following ways depending on the cause:
• Medication
• Vacuum pumps to encourage blood flow to the penis
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy and sex therapy for psychological disorders
• Correction surgery
• Penile implants
In addition to the above treatment methods, you can do the following to prevent or minimize reoccurrence:
• Exercise regularly and keep fit
• Take steps that help you alleviate stress, such as meditation
• Limit your alcohol use and stop smoking
• Visit the doctor for regular screening and checkups
• Prioritize your mental health
It is essential that you communicate with your partner about what you are going through. You can include a professional third party such as a therapist to facilitate a better outcome. Sometimes, the cause could be a lost or damaged aspect of your relationship, and through therapy, you can improve it.
Complications arising from ED
It is reasonable that you would feel discomfort and the tendency to feel embarrassed with this condition. You may decide to live with it instead. However, failure to address erectile dysfunction can lead to other problems in your life, which include:
• Low self-esteem due to the embarrassment or feeling like you are not enough
• A reduced and unfulfilling sex life
• Stress or anxiety
• Relationship problems
Final thoughts
Many men do not seek help for erectile dysfunction and cannot even initiate the conversation. They tend to deem this condition to be humiliating and lessening. But this should not be the case as it is a common problem among many men. Besides, you deserve to be happy! Thus, you should take every step possible to correct it. The first and the most crucial step is acknowledging ED and gaining the willingness to work through it. The treatment may not be an overnight transformation, such as where the condition is caused by psychological disorders and factors such as stress and anxiety. Nevertheless, trust the process and commit to the treatment program. Most importantly, adjust your lifestyle to be healthier and happier.
