How Do I Know If I Have Erectile Dysfunction?
In principle, sex seems very simple. But men who have difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection know that sex can be very complicated both physically and emotionally.
According to WebMD, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complaint among men. In fact, it occurs in 52% of men aged 40-70. But how do you know if you have ED? And if you do, does it require treatment? Also, what causes ED, and what are the treatment options?
We will take a look at all of those questions, and answers. But first, a little background information will help you to diagnose ED. WebMD states that most men experience ED at one time or another. However, failure to achieve and maintain an erection during sex 50% of the time, or more, generally indicates there is an ED problem that requires treatment. Also, if a man does not achieve an erection often enough to satisfy himself or his partner, this should also be addressed with a doctor.
But what exactly causes ED?
There are many causes of ED. And most in the medical field seem to consider the true cause or explanation of ED to be physical – not psychological. Sex therapists are more likely to be able to help someone suffering from erection difficulties due to stress or performance anxiety, etc.
However, if the cause of the ED is physical, there can be many things to blame. According to WebMD, physical causes of ED are related to a breakdown in the sequence of events that lead to an erection. These events include nerve impulses in the brain, spine and penis, as well as the subsequent response in the muscles, fibrous tissues, veins and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa.
Oftentimes physical causes of ED include vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. In fact, these three vascular diseases account for 70 percent of all physical-related causes for ED. Other diseases that can cause ED include diabetes, kidney disease and neurological disease. All treatments for prostate cancer can also cause ED.
OK, now that we have outlined the causes, let’s move on to the treatments.
What are the treatment options for ED?
Other than FDA-approved ED medications such as , most of the treatments for ED probably do not seem very appealing to most men. These other treatments include: penile injections, penile implants, vacuum devices, suppositories, revascularization and other surgeries.
If you think you have erectile dysfunction, speak with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. If he recommends that you take an ED medication, you can and receive a prescription online through AccessRx.com. This trusted online pharmacy is based in the U.S. and has utilized U.S.-licensed physicians and pharmacists since 1998.
How Do I Know If I Have Erectile Dysfunction?
