Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Over 30 million men in the United States experience erectile dysfunction in some capacity. Erectile dysfunction can be the sign of an underlying physical, emotional, or medical issue. In the following short article we discuss the causes of erectile dysfunction and we also answer the questions what is erectile dysfunction and does smoking cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction refers to the recurring inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. Ongoing erectile dysfunction can cause stress and anxiety, affect self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Issues with getting or maintaining an erection can also be linked to underlying health concerns like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.
Sexual health and function is directly related to physical and emotional health. Not all causes of erectile dysfunction are permanent; many emotional and physical triggers of erectile dysfunction can be improved through exercise, stress relief, therapy, and mental health counseling.
The causes of erectile dysfunction for men in their twenties are usually less related to serious health conditions, and may include the following:
Erectile dysfunction is often caused by an underlying physical condition. Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes have been found to contribute to erectile dysfunction. Heart conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can also decrease erection strength.
Other causes of erectile dysfunction are more psychological. The brain plays a central role in creating and sustaining feelings and processes which cause an erection. Negative emotions such as depression, stress, and anxiety can lead to sexual performance issues and erectile dysfunction.
Both smoking and erectile dysfunction have been linked to plaque build up in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. A study of 4,764 men with an average age of 47 revealed a positive correlation between smoking and erectile dysfunction. Among the findings were the following statistics:
Most doctors will begin an erectile dysfunction diagnosis by taking a detailed medical and psycosexual history. The following tests and procedures may be conducted a doctor to determine erectile dysfunction diagnosis and proper treatment:
After conducting these tests, a doctor will discuss results with a patient (and sometimes their partner). A change in medication may also be administered if you are taking a drug that is known to cause erectile dysfunction or has vascular risk factors.
Erectile dysfunction can be a persistent and demoralizing condition. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options available of varying complexity, cost, and invasiveness.
More conservative treatment choices include over-the-counter medications like tadalafil and sildenafil. For those with severe erectile dysfunction, a more drastic treatment like an implanted device may be necessary.
Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Over 30 million men in the United States experience erectile dysfunction in some capacity. Erectile dysfunction can be the sign of an underlying physical, emotional, or medical issue.
