Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Occasional difficulty with having an erection is something that every man has experienced at some point in his life. It can be frustrating or embarrassing in the moment, but it is not something to stress over if you recover your groove in the next sexual encounter. However, recurring problems with erection can be a cause for concern. Aside the disruption this can cause in your sex life, it can also be a sign of serious underlying health problems. 

You may have erectile dysfunction or ED if you have repeated struggles with getting and keeping an erection. It can be upsetting and uncomfortable to discuss, but this is a common issue that affects more than half the men worldwide between the ages 40 and 70 years old. According to the Urology Care Foundation, over 30 million men (about the population of Texas) in the United States are currently suffering from erectile dysfunction. 

Fortunately, this is a very treatable condition that can be successfully managed for most sufferers.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction/ED or impotence? 

You may be suffering from ED if you experience any of the following: 

• erections that fade too quickly to enable satisfying sex
• inconsistent erections (you can get erections but not every time when you want to engage in sex), and the inability to get an erection, even during sexual activity 

While there is no reason to panic if you experience erection difficulties on occasion, it is still a good idea to

consult your doctor. It is better to identify any potential problems right away so you can act sooner to nip any

sexual health issues in the bud. 

What can cause erectile dysfunction? 

There are many causes, both physical and mental, that can trigger ED. These include: 

• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Abuse of drugs (both illicit and pharmaceutical) 
• High cholesterol 
• Smoking 
• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• Obesity 
• Medical conditions that compromise blood flow or affect blood vessels 
• Parkinson’s Disease 
• Sleep disorders 
• Scar tissue in the penis 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Injuries or surgeries to the lower spinal region 
• Relationship problems 
• Stress or anxiety 
• Depression and other mood disorders 

What can increase my risk of developing erectile dysfunction? 

Although this condition can potentially affect all men regardless of age or background, your risk for getting ED goes up if: 

• You are older 
• You are suffering from certain chronic health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, obesity, low testosterone, etc.) 
• You have a mood disorder 
• You take certain medicines that can affect blood flow, such as certain blood pressure medications 
• You have unhealthy habits such as heavy smoking, heavy drug use, and/or high alcohol consumption 

What complications are there if I do not seek treatment for erectile dysfunction? 

Frequent erection problems will not resolve without proper diagnosis and treatment. Lack of treatment can

lead to chronic or long-term ED, lowered self-esteem, reduced or non-existent libido, and loss of connection in

intimate relationships. Most importantly, ED is often a secondary symptom of an underlying physical or mental

health condition. Ignoring the signs of ED may cause these underlying conditions to worsen and permanently

damage your health and wellbeing.   

What can I do to prevent erectile dysfunction? 

There are many things you can do to effectively lower your risk of developing ED. They include: 

• Eating a nutritious diet and staying at a healthy weight 
• Getting regular exercise (especially aerobic exercise) 
• Quitting smoking 
• Limiting alcohol intake and refraining from illicit drug use 
• Reducing or stopping pornographic consumption (excessive viewing can cause desensitization and a lowered response to sexual stimulation by a partner) 
• Checking your testosterone and other male hormone levels to ensure they are balanced 
• Practicing proper stress management techniques and getting enough sleep 
• Being aware of, and willing to resolve relationship issues 

What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction? 

There are many treatments for ED. What is prescribed or recommended is based on the cause identified during the investigative phase. They include, but are not limited to: 

• Medications that increase blood flow to the penis
• Penis pumps 
• Surgery 
• Counseling/Behavioral therapy 
• Testosterone Replacement therapy 

Erectile dysfunction is a common and treatable problem, so it does not have to be a permanent condition if

treatment is obtained. If you feel awkward discussing your ED symptoms with a doctor in person, you can

attend a confidential online consultation from one of our qualified licensed physicians at NeedMD. Through our secure online platform, you can get medical care and essential prescription medications at your convenience, with confidentiality and full privacy.  Schedule an appointment with a doctor today.