Men's Health

Do you struggle to keep your penis stiff during sexual activity? Are you having trouble getting or keeping an erection? Do you have a lower sexual desire? Are you unable to make your partner happy because of your sexual weakness? Experiencing these symptoms often can make any man feel worried. If you answered yes to any of these, they could be signs of Erectile Dysfunction.

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects millions of men worldwide. Today is the modern age but still, there are many stigmas and misinformation about it.

In simple words, Erectile dysfunction is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It also means the penis does not get hard enough to allow the man to put it into the vagina. This condition is also known as man impotence.

An insufficient erection firm makes for unsatisfying sexual performance. Occasional erection problems are not usually a cause for concern. However, if impotence happens regularly, it can be a concern.

ED is more than just a physical issue. It involves the body, mind, and emotions.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Various symptoms can affect sexual performance and overall quality of life. If you know the symptoms, you can easily recognize ED. And you can get the proper treatment in the early stages. Here are the main symptoms that will answer the question. How do you know if you have erectile dysfunction?

  • Facing difficulty in getting an erection is one of the most common symptoms. Men with ED face it even with enough sexual stimulation. This may happen sometimes or become a regular issue over time.
  • Maintaining an erection becomes very hard for some men. They get an erection initially but have trouble keeping it enough for satisfactory sexual activity.
  • Reduced sexual desire is also known as libido. It becomes noticeable for some men. The drop in interest may have many factors like psychological issues, hormonal imbalances, stress, etc.
  • Men with ED may have inconsistent erections. They can sometimes get an erection, but not always when they want to.
  • In more severe cases, men may not be able to get an erection at any time. A high level of arousal or stimulation doesn’t matter to them. If you have this symptom, it probably means something is seriously wrong with your health. You should go see a doctor.
  • Some men may be able to get erections during masturbation but not with a partner. Mental factors like feeling anxious or having problems in a relationship can sometimes play a role.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are a variety of factors that can cause impotence in males. We have categorized it mainly into physical, psychological, and lifestyle-related causes.

Physical Causes

  • Cardiovascular Diseases can reduce blood flow to the penis. As a result, the penis will not be hard enough for better intercourse.
  • Diabetes increases high blood sugar levels. And this can damage blood vessels and nerves. The damages make it hard to gain an erection.
  • Neurological Disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries disrupt the erection-nerve signals.
  • Low testosterone or other hormonal imbalance issues can decrease libido or sexual desire.
  • Certain medications ( antihypertensives, antidepressants, and antihistamines ) can lead to ED.
  • Treatments for prostate cancer, Surgery, and radiation can affect erectile function.

Psychological Causes

  • High levels of stress and anxiety can make it hard to maintain an erection. If the stress and anxiety are about sex, the effect may be more serious.
  • Mental health issues like depression can lower sexual desire.
  • Sometimes there are issues with partners such as poor communication or unresolved conflicts. This can affect sexual function.

Lifestyle-Related Causes

  • Eating unhealthy fats and sugars can cause heart and blood vessel problems. These can then lead to erectile dysfunction.
  • Not getting enough physical activity can result in obesity and heart disease.
  • Smoking damages blood vessels. This damage will make not enough blood flow to the penis.
  • Excessive alcohol drinking can impact the nervous system and hormone levels related to erections.
  • Using recreational drugs can harm erectile function.

Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction

The diagnosis aims to identify the underlying cause(s) of ED. Doctors can know the specific reasons or the combination of reasons. This guides the appropriate treatment options.

Knowing medical and sexual history is the priority of a doctor. That’s why they will ask about your health, lifestyle, and sexual experiences. This helps him to understand any hidden issues.

Healthcare providers will check for any penis or testicle abnormalities. This is the physical examination of a patient. He will also try to find out any signals to get an idea about hormonal problems. Hair patterns, loss, or breast enlargement are the secondary sex characteristics.

Doctors suggest blood tests to measure testosterone, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other important markers and to check for health problems.
Urine tests are also recommended to determine signs of diabetes and other conditions.

An ultrasound can show how blood flows to the penis. It normally helps to find any blood flow problems.
Psychological Examination is one of the most essential diagnoses. This helps determine psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or depression.

Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

Previously we have learned about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. The treatment also differs according to the causes and medical conditions. Though there is no permanent cure for erectile dysfunction, you need to follow the best options. Here is a short guideline of the treatment for weak erection.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Eating healthier and exercising more can improve heart health and erectile function.
  • Stopping smoking and cutting back on alcohol can help with ED.
  • Anyone can reduce stress and anxiety by doing Meditation, yoga, and counseling.

Medications

  • Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5i) are prescribed medications to increase penis blood flow.
  • Testosterone Replacement Therapy is an option for men with low testosterone levels.
  • Alprostadil can be administered as an injection or suppository to improve blood flow.

Therapies

  • If psychological factors cause ED or impotence, Psychotherapy and Counseling will help to get rid of them.
  • Vacuum Erection Devices use vacuum pressure to draw blood into the penis. More blood flow will help to keep Penile’s health good.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercise is a nature therapy. It usually takes a long time to see results. However, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve erectile function.

Surgical and Medical Procedures

  • Penile Implant is a procedure where a special device is placed inside the penis. This device allows a man to control when and how long he has an erection.
  • Vascular Surgery fixes blood vessels that are preventing enough blood from flowing into the penis.
  • Injection Therapy is a treatment where a medicine is injected right into the penis to help cause an erection.

Common Medications

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5i) are a class of oral medications commonly used to treat ED. They work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme. And it leads to increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP causes smooth muscle relaxation. As a result, there is an increased blood flow to the penis. In this way, it facilitates erection. That’s why these are called erectile dysfunction medications. Here are some examples,

Prevention

  • Changing your lifestyle is the priority. For example, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and limit alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight.
  • You can also prevent this by managing chronic conditions. Control diabetes, keep blood pressure within normal ranges, and lower high cholesterol levels.
  • It would help if you manage stress and anxiety through meditation, yoga, and exercise.
  • Some prescription drugs can increase the risks of it. Assess the side effects of the medications you are taking. Consult with your healthcare provider to get alternatives.
  • You have to practice pelvic floor exercises regularly. Kegel exercises can also increase blood flow to the penis.

Prevention is better than cure. So, taking erectile dysfunction pills is not a solution. Remember, all the men’s impotence drugs have their side effects. It is better to prevent it naturally by following the tips.

The Relation between Premature Ejaculation (PE) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Premature ejaculation (PE) is also a distinct sexual dysfunction of men’s health. Research indicates a strong link between Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction. Approximately 30–60% of people with ED also experience PE. Actually, it occurs when a man ejaculates sooner than desired during sexual activity.

Myths and Facts

Myth 1: ED Only Affects Older Men
Fact: It is true that the risk of ED increases with age. But it can affect men of any age, even younger men in their 20s and 30s. There is no specific age at which a man will stop getting a hard-on. Some men may continue to have into their 70s and beyond. And others may experience issues earlier. It varies widely from person to person.

Myth 2: If You Have ED, You’re Not Attracted to Your Partner
Fact: Erectile Dysfunction does not affect sexual desire. Many men with ED still have the desire for sex but cannot get or maintain an erection. Various factors, including stress, anxiety, lifestyle choices, being too tired, or health issues, affect it.

Myth 3: If you have ED, your sex life is over.
Fact: This is not true at all. ED is a very treatable condition. Various treatment options are available like medications, devices, therapy, and more. You need to get the right treatment with proper instructions. After the treatment, many men are enjoying their sex life with satisfaction.

Myth 4: Lifestyle Choices Don’t Affect ED
Fact: This is not true. The choices you make in your daily life have a significant impact on ED. Things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating an unhealthy diet, and not exercising can cause ED or make it worse. On the other hand, a healthy lifestyle will prevent the issues.

Myth 5: ED is always caused by psychological issues.
Fact: Only Psychological factors but also physical factors, lifestyle, and many diseases can affect it. Of them, physical factors are considered the primary cause.

Buying ED Meds

Usually only registered doctors or healthcare providers can prescribe these medicines. The licensed pharmacies require prescriptions before buying ed drugs. But they ensure that medications are genuine and safe. In many countries, it’s illegal to purchase prescription medications without a prescription.

There are some countries where you can also buy over-the-counter cheapest ed pills from online pharmacies. Remember, if you want to purchase online, you must use reputable and verified online pharmacies. You need to be aware of websites offering significantly lower prices. Check reviews and testimonials from other customers.

Ours, Sunshine RX Pharmacy, is one of the most trusted online pharmacies in the USA. We guarantee that all our products are 100% genuine. We are always up to date with our stocks. Order whatever you want and get fast delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Erectile Dysfunction

What are the worst foods for erectile dysfunction?

There are some foods which give negative impacts on erectile issues. These may include

  • Processed and Fried Foods
  • Sugary Drinks and Snacks
  • Excessive Alcohol
  • High-Sodium Foods

Which erectile dysfunction drug is best?

There is no single “best” ED drug. Different medications may work better for other individuals. Standard options include Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil). It also dosages, onset times, and durations of action. Your doctor can help determine the best treatment of erectile dysfunction.

How long does temporary erectile dysfunction last?

Temporary Male sexual dysfunction can vary in duration. This actually depends on the underlying cause. It may be from a few weeks to several months. With treatment of the root cause, temporary ED often resolves.

Does masturbation cause erectile dysfunction?

No, masturbation does not cause ED. Masturbating regularly is normal and healthy sexual behavior. It does not cause any harmful effects or make it harder to keep an erection. However, excessive masturbation leads to minor bruising of penile tissues.

Especially if combined with unrealistic expectations from pornography, it can lead to performance anxiety.

How to avoid erectile dysfunction on steroids?

Using testosterone or anabolic steroids can increase the risk of male erection issues. You need to take the proper dosage as per the doctor’s instructions. Try to live an overall healthy lifestyle.

Does porn cause erectile dysfunction?

There is no definitive evidence that watching pornography directly causes ED. However, excessive porn use may give you unrealistic expectations in some individuals. So, try to reduce or eliminate watching porn.

How much beet juice for erectile dysfunction?

Beet juice is sometimes promoted as a natural remedy. However, there is limited scientific evidence on an effective dosage.

Is erectile dysfunction genetic?

The erectile disorder itself is not considered an inherited genetic condition. But genes can affect your body’s hormones, your penis formation, and diabetes or heart disease.

What is the best natural erectile dysfunction pill?

Some herbs, dietary supplements, and natural products can help with male sexual dysfunction. These include L-Arginine, Panax Ginseng, Yohimbine, DHEA, Ginkgo Biloba, Maca Root, and Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium).

Can CBD work like Viagra for men’s dysfunction issues?

Viagra increases blood flow to the penis to treat penile dysfunction directly. CBD might help indirectly by reducing anxiety and stress. Viagra is more effective, while CBD can support overall mental and physical well-being. The best CBD gummies for erectile dysfunction are CBDfx Gummies, Joy Organics CBD Gummies, FOCL Premium CBD Gummies, PureKana CBD Gummies etc.