| A lot of men have erectile dysfunction every now and then. There are several degrees of severity. Some males have a total inability to achieve an erection, others have an inconsistent ability to get an erection, and nonetheless others can sustain only brief erections. But when erection problems grow persistent, they can badly impact on men's self-esteem, and sex life.
Below are common risk factors specified by specialists.
Age:
Sexual dysfunction is commoner in males over 40. Nonetheless, younger men are reported to have erection problems at times.
Vascular disorders:
Since the penis needs adequate blood flow to become erect, blood vessels problems, or hardening of the arteries – are frequently to blame. Almost half of males with diabetes that leads to a constriction of the arteries are reported to have erection problems. High blood pressure or other blood vessel disorders, high cholesterol or low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol put a male at risk of developing erection problems.
Hormonal changes:
Hormonal imbalances, triggered by thyroid gland problems and low testosterone levels, can lead to erection problems.
Neurological disorders:
Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease can damage penile nerves and trigger erectile dysfunction. In addition, operation or radiation to the prostate, bladder, rectum or urethra can intervene with nerve signals between the brain and sex organs, therefore obstructing erections.
Adverse side-effects of drugs and substance abuse:
AROUND 25% of males are estimated to have erection problems brought on by some prescription medicines, such as medications used to treat hypertention and depression. Long-lasting (chronic) alcohol abuse, drug addiction and chain smoking badly impact on erections at any age.
Psychological risk factors:
Men's performance in bed can be badly affected by depression, stress, fear of inability to satisfy a sexual partner, relationship problems, major changes in life (breakup, marriage, loss or death of a partner).
How to diminish the risk
• To stop smoking
• To stop using drugs or abusing alcohol
• To consume fat-free foods to keep the cholesterol level low
• To lose weight (particularly if you are overweight), to have a healthy balanced diet, and do exercises regularly to lessen the risk of diabetes.
• To treat high blood pressure
• To lessen stress and anxiety by taking a more relaxed approach to lovemaking and by speaking to your partner about your concerns
• To prolong foreplay before intimacy to be able to get and sustain an erection, particularly as a male gets older.
If you think you have ED, consult your medical practitioner. He or she can give a piece of advice, treat and, if necessary, refer you to a urologist, a physician who specializes in erection problems. |
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