Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

What exactly is erectile dysfunction? The conventional definition says it is where no erection comes or the erection fails unexpectedly before sexual activity is complete. So the causes fall into two different camps, physical and psychological.

Main Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

If, for some reason, you are not interested in sex at the relevant time, there will be no erection. This is loss of libido. It can be a symptom of depression, or of a stress or anxiety-related disorder. You first have to treat the depression or disorder before using an erectile dysfunction drug. There is no sex unless you are in the mood.

Alternatively, the dysfunction can be an adverse side effect of another drug you are taking. By withdrawing the drug or changing the dosage, libido may return.

Main Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Many of the body’s functions depend on the ability of the smooth muscles in the walls of the blood vessels to expand and contract when required. This simple process can be disrupted if there are changes to the blood’s chemistry.

The most usual is high levels of cholesterol. This can cause the slow deposit of platelets on the walls of the vessels which harden and prevent the movement of the muscles. Since the arteries leading into the penis are among the smallest in the body, this is the first place the problem may show up.

Untreated, this can lead to a slow decline into the range of cardiovascular diseases. It starts with the build up of blood pressure and ends with a stroke or heart attack. If accompanied by high levels of glucoze, the risk of diabetes is high. Again, untreated, this causes damage to nerve endings and can result in permanent erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction and Lifestyle Choices

Erectile dysfunction is often associated with our lifestyles. Obesity is a first step towards a hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. If you eat a more healthy diet and exercise more, you can maintain the strength of your erections. Similarly, problems with alcohol and nicotine can cause sexual difficulties. Although this may be hard news, you should cut down your drinking and quit smoking. Not only will this extend your life, it will also enable your sexual life to continue pleasurably.

Erectile dysfunction can be an early symptom of some quite serious medical problems. You should visit your regular healthcare professional for a check-up. If, for example, the tests prove you are at risk of heart disease, the early treatment will add years to your life.