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Erectile dysfunction

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shane mike
Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction: causes and solutions(σεξολογοσ)

The erectile dysfunction is a problem that affects millions of men worldwide, and has a great impact on their quality of life and that of their partners. It is still a taboo subject and, therefore, those affected consult little with their doctor. However, it is necessary to talk about this pathology to demystify it since, in addition, it usually has a solution.

WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to allow satisfactory sexual intercourse. According to the Spanish Association of Andrology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine ( ASESA ), in Spain, erectile dysfunction affects 10% of men, and this percentage increases up to 30% in men between 40 and 70 years.

One of the reasons why it is important to pay attention to erectile dysfunction is because it may be the first sign of cardiovascular disease . The erection occurs because the penis fills with blood when the man becomes excited, so, if there are problems in that blood supply, there will be no erection. And, if the arteries of the penis are clogged, it is possible that other arteries of the body, such as the coronary arteries, that water the heart.

In addition, erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases share the same risk factors: sedentary life, obesity, smoking and hypercholesterolemia . That is, what affects the erection can also affect the blood vessels and the heart.

BECAUSE IT HAPPENS?

The most common cause is damage to the arteries, nerves, muscles and fibrous tissues, which can result from multiple factors. One of them is certain diseases , such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson’s. These pathologies are more frequent in older people, so erection problems increase with age .

The surgery , as practiced in prostate cancer, is another possible cause. The lesions on the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder or pelvis can also cause erectile dysfunction.

The drugs are another common cause of this condition. The antidepressants are the best known, but also affect others that are used to treat cardiovascular disease . Therefore, there are men who have several causes of erectile dysfunction: cardiovascular disease and the drugs used to treat it.

Finally, psychological factors , such as anxiety and stress, are behind 20% of cases of erectile dysfunction.

WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR?

Above all, it is necessary to say that temporary erection problems are common and do not have to be more important. In these cases they usually appear due to lack of sleep , stress, fatigue, problems with the couple, etc.

However, if this occurs in most sexual intercourse for at least 3 months it is convenient to consult with the doctor. As much as I give you, you should not hide information, since it is a health professional and who can determine the cause and find a solution.

ERECTILE DISFUNCTION TREATMENT

The first step is to overcome the psychological barrier and banish the idea that it is something shameful , that it subtracts masculinity or that it only happens to one, since, the truth is that it happens to many men. Whatever the cause, communication with the couple is essential: it is a problem that affects both of them and for which no one is guilty.

The doctor, meanwhile, will try to find the cause of erectile dysfunction to treat it properly. As the factors can be many and varied, the same happens with their treatments: the dysfunction caused by a bladder lesion will not be solved the same as that caused by diabetes.

In any case, there are medications that can help achieve an erection, such as those containing sildenafil and tadalafil , both in our vademecum. In addition, there are creams that are applied inside the urethra through the meatus, the orifice of the penis. Other alternatives are injections , vacuum devices or even prostheses . When the cause of the dysfunction is psychological, psychosexual therapy can be very beneficial for both parties.

Parallel to the treatment, it is shown that healthy lifestyle habits , such as losing weight , exercising , and avoiding alcohol , tobacco and drugs , improve erections. It is also important to follow the doctor’s recommendations to keep hypertension , diabetes and blood cholesterol level at bay .

Remember that behind the difficulty of having an erection there may be hidden diseases. But the important thing is that, whether there are them or not, erectile dysfunction can be treated. The sexual dimension is part of life, so do not give it up.

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